DUNDEE — A former Dundee High School wrestler and his father are speaking out, alleging years of bullying, abuse and inaction within the school’s wrestling program.
Connor Kiernan, who wrestled for Dundee Schools through middle school and his freshman year of high school, told WTOL 11 that he quit after repeated incidents of violence from teammates and a lack of intervention from coaches.
Kiernan claimed he was once knocked unconscious in a hallway after being hit in the head by a chair, and that the student who hit him returned to practice the same day.
He also alleged other incidents, including being hit with Gatorade bottles, went unchecked.
Dundee Schools’ wrestling program has been the subject of a Title IX investigation since May, after an anonymous email was sent to Superintendent Scott Leach, accusing coaches and staff of enabling and ignoring bullying and sexual harassment within the program.
Kiernan’s father, Neil Stephenson, called the environment “toxic” and said the recent allegations do not surprise him.
The district announced Thursday that the wrestling team has been allowed to resume open mat workouts while Title IX investigations continue.
Although the school had previously stated that wrestling activities would be suspended until the investigation into the alleged hazing was completed, Leach said in a statement that the decision was made after determining the majority of wrestlers are not involved in the investigation.