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Reports document widespread hazing among Molalla High team

By KYLE IBOSHI, kgw.com

Police reports obtained by KGW Newschannel 8 suggest hazing of younger teammates was widespread at Molalla High School.

The Oregon State police reports were compiled as part of a year-and-a-half investigation into allegations of sexual abuse among teammates on the Molalla High School varsity boys basketball team.

When asked by a detective if touching private areas among teammates is a common thing, one Molalla player responded, “It has been since I’ve been in high school.” The report describes abuse on the boys’ basketball team and track team.

Background: Molalla players could face jail time

The Molalla River School District Superintendent says he reported the abuse to state child welfare after allegations surfaced that players on the Molalla High School basketball team sexually abused a freshman teammate.

Police reports suggest, the abuse occurred on road trips to the coast and central Oregon in December of 2006. Police reports confirm, two teammates were involved in several incidents targeting a freshman teammate.

The reports indicate the victim was so terrified, he slept holding a pocket knife to defend himself from the older teammates.

The two accused along with three juvenile teammates were sentenced to jail time in Deschutes County for their role in the abuse. They are awaiting sentencing for a similar crime in Clatsop County.

Since the attack, the Molalla River School District has implemented a strict new policy on road trips. Coaches are now asked to be seated among students throughout the bus. Overnight trips must be approved by the school board.

Superintendent Wayne Kostur explains, “It reinforces that we just need to be diligent all the time about supervising students in all activities, not just athletics, all activities.”

Prosecutors fear there could be other victims who haven’t come forward. As one player explained to detectives, hazing has “been a long-standing game at Molalla High School.”