HUNTINGTON, Ind. One of the runners who filed the lawsuit joined the Huntington program in 2019 while the other joined in 2020. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. Nicholas Johnson would also rub unknown substances on the runners, the lawsuit claimed. Firefighters with the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWPD) responded to a fire at R&P Dumpster Services this afternoon. Lynette Fager, the university's director of communication, issued a statement to IndyStar about the coaching changes and its response to the new allegations, which focused mainly on the actions of Nick Johnson. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The lawsuit was filed in civil court and seeks monetary damages. As an athlete, she earned All-America honors in track, cross-country and basketball. She competed last season, clocking a personal best of 4:15.22 for 1500 meters and nearly qualifying for the NCAA championships. Both Hines and Lauren Johnson knew about the doping program and did nothing to stop distribution of the drugs, the lawsuit said. The runners also claim in the lawsuit they were psychological tortured with verbal abuse from Nicholas Johnson, and that he sexually battered them in front of members of Huntington University. Huntington is part of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. From the moment you set foot on campus, youll feel the HU difference. Former Huntington University cross country head coach Nicholas Johnson, who was an assistant coach on the NAIA program's national indoor championship team in 2019 before his recent firing, is. Investigators believe Johnson set up a fake email account to carry out the crimes and at one point traveled with the victim across state lines to pick up a puppy. Johnson told investigators he performed physical treatments that involved inappropriate touching in his garage which the victim also confirmed took place. The runners claimed Hines and Lauren Johnson knew of the abuse but did nothing, according to the lawsuit. The 5K will start in front of the student union building (HUB, #17 on the campus map) and will cover ground around campus and the HU Cross Country Course. Huntington University has experienced a meteoric rise in its women's running program. The university reported enrollment is 1,428. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Voters will decide who they want to get the nomination for the seat for each party. It states: Students are ashamed to be receiving a degree from this institution as it is not currently representing Christ, Scholarship, and Service accurately. HUNTINGTON, Ind. A second petition initiated by students had nearly 500 signatures by Friday afternoon, Oct. 14. He will serve30 days of jail time,550 days of probation, and 150 days on electronic monitoring. Earlier this week, multiple lawyers made appearances in federal court on behalf of the runners, according to court records and documents. His biography was removed from the universitys website. Feb 8, 2022 Former Huntington University cross country coach Nicholas Johnson was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail after pleading guilty to identity deception. The individuals and the school did not respond to requests for comment. Indiana State Police say an Illinois man was killed in a head-on crash Monday afternoon on the Indiana Toll Road. The court has also issued ano-contact order with the victim. More updates on Huntington scandal:In wake of scandal, Huntington University cancels gala and gets hit with 2nd petition. T-shirts are available for $20, with proceeds benefiting the HU Cross Country team. More updates on Huntington scandal:In wake of scandal, Huntington University cancels gala and gets hit with 2nd petition, This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Here's why Huntington University's running program is under scrutiny, Singapores Aviation Industry is Growing Rapidly. If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. FORT WAYNE, Ind. The IHSAA confirmed Monday the meet will be held on Oct. 22 at Indiana Wesleyan University. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Its more than a premier Christian college experienceits a solid foundation, a close-knit community, and a Christ-centered home where you belong. The college is affiliated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, and it competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Crossroads League conference, which is made up of private Christian colleges. What happens to unclaimed lottery ticket winnings? A probable cause affidavit obtained by WANE 15 shed more light on Johnsons alleged crimes. (WANE) A former Huntington University cross country coach was charged with identity deception and is serving time in jail. It is one of the area's premier courses and is predominantly grass with small sections of crushed gravel and features gentle rolling hills to make for a challenging race. The University was informed on Thursday, December 10, that charges were filed in Huntington County against Johnson. The lawsuit also alleges negligence by Johnson's wife, Lauren Johnson, as well as assistant coach Curtis Hines, Huntington University and other school officials. We are committed to academic excellence and equipping you with the education and real-world skills needed to thrive in your future career. The petition calls for resignations of Sherilyn Emberton, university president; Russ Degitz, chief operating officer, and Lori Culler, athletic director. The university then hired Lauren Johnson, who was still living with Nicholas Johnson. .css-17zuyas{display:block;font-family:Sailec,Sailec-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-17zuyas:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-17zuyas{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.4;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-17zuyas{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.4;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-17zuyas{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.4;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-17zuyas{font-size:1.2rem;line-height:1.4;}}.css-17zuyas h2 span:hover{color:#CDCDCD;}USATF Mountain Running Championships Results, These High School Boys Have Run Sub-4 Minute Miles, Watch: 96-Year-Old Clocks a 24-Second 100 Meters, Stephanie Bruce Sneaks In a Race at Big Sur, Ultramarathoner Runs to Destigmatize Incontinence, Mark Zuckerberg Just Ran a Surprisingly Fast 5K. Nicholas Johnson, 33, was originally charged with two counts of child seduction, as well as charges of kidnapping and identity deception. Nick Johnson told athletes the substance was part of a study to measure the effects of the supplement on body fat and was approved by the university and the NAIA, though the athletes describe random injections that werent part of any organized study. All proceeds from the Night Lights 5K will be donated to Huntington Universitys Cross Country team. (WANE) A former Huntington University cross country coach was charged with identity deception and is serving time in jail. Huntington University 2023. Voters in the Hoosier state will be heading to the polls Tuesday to cast their vote in the 2023 primaries, packed full of municipal government races. Lauren Johnson represented the United States in the 1,500 meters at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, where she qualified for the semifinals. 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An earlier petition, signed by more than 200 current and former Huntington University womens athletes, asked for removal of administrators and those on the Board of Trustees who knew of the abuse. No criminal charges have been filed. The Huntington Beach, Calif., native is the only player in program history ranked in the top five in career hits, doubles, runs and RBIs. The runners are seeking damages from all involved. L-carnitine is the naturally occurring amino acid that converts fat to energy; use in limited quantities is not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, though its prohibited overuse was part of Alberto Salazars downfall. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. A federal lawsuit filed by former Huntington University cross-country runners alleges sexual assault and potential doping violations by former coach Nick Johnson, and negligence by his wife,. Fallout from a scandal in the Huntington University track and field program has continued with cancellation of a campus gala and a second petition calling for ouster of university leaders. A lawsuit filed on behalf of two former HU students Sept. 30 alleges Johnson had sex with two student-athletes and forced pills and injections on his runners. On Wednesday, Oct. 5, Huntington University sent emails to students and financial supporters saying they're working through the allegations and remained focused on caring for students. The other runner became a part of a similar program the next year, according to accusation sin the lawsuit. More than 200 Huntington students and alumni signed a petition calling for the ouster of university leaders who knew about the allegations of abuse in the track and field program. T-shirt orders need to be submitted by August 10 to ensure delivery before the race. She replaced her husband, Nick Johnson, in the position. Huntington University is a Christian liberal arts college in Huntington, Indiana, about 100 miles northeast of Indianapolis. The runners also claim in the lawsuit Nicholas Johnson continues to coach and give pointers to juvenile runners from all over northeast Indiana at his home. When reached for comment, Huntington officials released the following statement: University leadership has been made aware that a civil suit was filed that names the University, as well as individuals formerly and currently associated with the University. More than 200 Huntington students and alumni signed a petition calling for the ouster of university leaders who knew about the allegations of abuse in the track and field program. The race for Fort Waynes next mayor is ramping up as candidates prepare for the 2023 primary election in Allen County. 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We remain committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities, that are free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.. It is affiliated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. A disturbing investigative .css-1hr08dr{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#59E7ED;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1hr08dr:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}report in the IndyStar revealed details behind the lawsuit, which was filed on Friday on behalf of Hannah Stoffel and Emma Wilson, both of whom won NAIA individual national titles for the program under the Johnsons. With plenty of campus visit options, you can catch a glimpse of what it would be like to be a student here. An IndyStar sports investigation uncovered allegations of sexual abuse, potential doping and other issues in the women's running program at Huntington University. . Heres How We Start, I Was Sexually Abused by My High School Coach, USATF Mountain Running Championships Results. Huntington athletic teams are called the Foresters. Since then, a civil lawsuit has been filed by two former athletes claiming Johnson sexually harassed them and injected them with an unknown substance. It was moved to Indiana Wesleyan University. On Wednesday, Oct. 5, Huntington University sent emails to students and financial supporters saying they're working through the allegations and remained focused on caring for students. The lawsuit alleges that Nick Johnson continued to advise runners while serving home detention, and he was allowed to do so by Huntington University officials. Director of T&F and Cross Country: Austin Roark She contributes to Runners World, ESPN, Austin American-Statesman, FloTrack, MileSplit, Womens Running and Podium Runner. Nicholas Johnson would also rub unknown substances on the runners, the lawsuit claims. An IndyStar investigation into the Christian college, located in northeast Indiana, disclosed allegations of sexual abuse and pressure to submit to doping. In the police report filed after Nicks identity deception charge, the University of Oregon employee whose identity said it was her understanding that he was fired or fined by anti-doping authorities when he was an assistant coach at OTC. The University has engaged in communication with key stakeholders to begin the necessary work required to ensure the ongoing care of our students," the statement said. Lauren Johnson, 35, is in her second year as cross-country coach of Huntington University, where she is the first female coach to head the program. Johnson claimed that different injections were lactic acid for a tolerance test on the treadmill, and to treat a case of poison ivy so Stoffels achilles tendon injury would heal faster. Questions can be directed to Kay Schwob, director of development, at kschwob@huntington.edu or (260) 359-4382. Huntington University is a Christian liberal arts college in Huntington, Indiana, about 100 miles northeast of Indianapolis. He was fired in 2020 after being arrested on four felony charges related to a high school girl. He had previously faced two counts of child seduction and one count of kidnapping and identity deception, but the charges were dropped in a plea deal. An Indiana law that requires abortion clinics to either bury or cremate fetal remains will remain in effect after the U.S. Supreme Court declined on Monday to consider a lawsuit challenging it. The northeastern Indiana school featured two national champions in cross-country, won a national team. He was terminated as the coach of Huntington University. Huntington athletic teams are called the Foresters. (WANE) Two former Huntington University cross country and track runners claim in a federal lawsuit they were doped, sexually assaulted and raped by a coach and that school officials and other coaches allowed the abuse. So let us say this very clearly, shepherds: there are wolves in the pen. The Indiana High School Athletic Association is moving the semi-state cross country meet away from Huntington University. Looking for something special to get your mom for Mothers Day? On Oct. 10, Indiana High School Athletic Association announced that its upcoming semistate would no longer take place at Huntington. 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Johnson was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 150 days to be served under electronic monitoring in February of 2022 after pleading guilty to identity deception. Nick Johnson was fired as HU coach in December 2020 and succeeded by his wife. If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. All rights reserved. We certainly hope to return to Huntington for the 2023 . Lauren Johnson and Hines were placed on administrative leave Oct. 7. HUNTINGTON, Ind. We help them discover who God wants them to be along the way. This event will take place on Friday, August 26 at 8:30 p.m. The IHSAA confirmed Monday the meet will be. Police records show that Johnson slept with and showered with the teen. Attorneys for an embattled ex Huntington University track coach are seeking a change of venue for his looming sexual battery trial, according to a motion filed late last week in Huntington Superior Nick Johnson was fired from Huntington and banned by the U.S. Center for SafeSport following his arrest in December 2020 for felony counts of child seduction, kidnapping, and identity deception. His arrest followed accusations that Johnson used a phony email account to communicate with a child and took the victim out of state without her parents knowledge. A campus gala scheduled for October was taken off the HU calendar and website. If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. As of Thursday afternoon, Oct. 6, profiles of former head coach Lauren Johnson and assistant Curtis Hines, who were named in the federal lawsuit filed by two former HU runners, have been removed from the universitys website. A lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern Indiana late last week names former coach Nicholas Johnson and his wife, current coach Lauren Johnson, as well as assistant coach Curtis Hines, the university, the universitys board of trustees as well as unnamed administrators as defendants. The HU cross country course is located north of campus off of Gragg and Stults Roads. HUNTINGTON, Ind. She was inducted into the the HU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015. According to the lawsuit, one runner shared the story of abuse both orally and in writing with the Huntington Police Department. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. OB/GYN malpractice, IndyGo changing routes, increasing some wait times, Vandalism closes Clinton Co. school for the day, Thieves commit smash-n-grab at Beech Grove gun store, Teacher charged with stalking sent student 600+ texts, Aerosmiths farewell tour to stop in Indianapolis, 21-year-old arrested after deadly Brown County crash, Clothing, human remains found in Greene County field, This IN restaurant ranked among Yelps Top 100 of, Indiana OB/GYN faces medical malpractice suit, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this spring, Surprise your mom with one of these Mothers Day, Mothers Day inspo: This foot massager has 20,000, Drew Barrymores Walmart collection is perfect for, Best Mothers Day gifts for the budding plant mom, Best Mothers Day Gifts for moms obsessed with books, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Nick Johnson, 35, formerly coached cross-country and track at Huntington University, where he was hired in 2018. After a 2021 season that saw her win five NAIA titles and run 32:38.56 for 10K, Wilson left Huntington to transfer to the University of Indianapolis and then Indiana State. 2023 www.indystar.com. Huntington University. It is affiliated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Huntington University is doing its due diligence but cannot comment further at this time.. In the lawsuit, the runners claim the Johnsons instilled the doping program where some of the team members were invited to partake in a study or experiment endorsed by a shoe brand and Huntington Universitys athletic director. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. On Oct. 10, Indiana High School Athletic Association announced that its upcoming semistate would no longer take place at Huntington. Online court records show Nicholas Johnson is now facing additional sexual battery and battery charges, filed on Monday. The whole system to me seems broken right now, she said to the IndyStar. A dark side:Christian collegecoach created a culture of doping and sex, star runners allege. Stoffel called the initial injections The Experiment and says that Nick Johnson called the substance Carnitor, a diet supplement used to treat low blood levels of carnitine. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. In 2019, one of the runners was one of a select few who would receive injections of an unknown substance on a bi-weekly basis and told to sign non-disclosure agreements. The court also issued summons to the defendants listed in the lawsuit. In the suit, the runners claimed Nicholas Johnson would perform massages or treatments on them and sexually assault them. She was inducted into the the HU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015. (WANE) - Two former Huntington University cross country and track runners claim in a federal lawsuit they were doped, sexually assaulted and raped by a coach - and that school. Austin Roark, head coach of HUs track and field team, will assume a dual role and lead the cross country team as well during this time. Doyel:Unspeakable allegations of sex, doping and denial at Huntington. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. HUNTINGTON, Ind. (WANE) Huntington University has placed its head cross country coach and an assistant on leave after two former runners claimed in a federal lawsuit they were doped, sexually assaulted and raped. Learn more about the sector and what jobs are available. According to a post on the Huntington University Foresters Facebook page, Johnson is a HU alum and Huntington native who was hired in 2018 to take over the universitys mens and womens cross country program. American Idol contestant Zachariah Smith continues to make Northeast Indiana proud. FORT WAYNE, Ind. Lauren Johnson was promoted to the head cross-country coach position following her husbands firing, despite student-athletes and parents concerns that Nick Johnson was allowed to stay too close to the program. Stoffel describes her distress after being forcibly injected near her uterus, and later being given unidentified pills to take, which she threw away. The Huntington County Sheriffs Department says one person was killed in a crash late Monday morning along U.S. 24 in Roanoke. We remain committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities, that are free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.. Yes, she has run a marathon! 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