Suspended wrestler asks court to let him compete in state finals
By Adam Kovac Daily Herald Staff Writer
A wrestler at Burlington Central High School was treated at a hospital last week after his fellow teammates “physically and sexually “assaulted him before practice, school officials said in court documents.
Authorities say they are investigating the Feb. 7 attack, which resulted in suspensions for several wrestlers, including one seeking to compete in Friday’s state Class A wrestling championship in Champaign.
None of the wrestlers has been charged with a crime. However, investigators have not yet completed an investigation of the allegations, Kane County State’s Attorney John Barsanti said.
The attack was outlined in court papers filed Tuesday by school officials trying to enforce a suspension levied Monday that bars junior wrestler Rick Leos from school and athletic events. School officials booted him from the team and from school for four days.
A hearing before Judge Michael Colwell is set for today to determine if Leos can travel downstate to compete.
Leos attorney Richard Balog acknowledges there was “some horseplay “among wrestling team members but said Leos should have been given a hearing prior to his suspension.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, “he said of the state tournament. “Once (it) is gone this year, it’s gone forever.”
Officials at Central Unit District 301 downplayed the attack but maintain several wrestlers violated school policy against fighting.
In court documents, Burlington Central Principal David Oleson said Leos and other wrestlers acknowledged holding a teammate down while others punched him.
A letter sent to parents Thursday explaining the punishment said the student was “physically and sexually assaulted, “the documents show.
“I don’t know if it’s hazing, “said Daniel Purdom, an attorney for the school district. “But clearly, when four or five kids are holding a student down and punching him, it’s bullying.”
Oleson and Burlington Central Athletic Director Dan Cliffe declined to comment.
Leos and another wrestler obtained a court order allowing them to compete in last weekend’s sectional tournament, Balog said. Only Leos advanced to the state tournament.
That set up today’s hearing, where Leos will argue he should have been given a hearing before he was suspended.
Purdom, however, said participating in sports is a privilege granted to students who follow the rules as outlined in a document that students – including Leos – signed.
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