Sebastian River still investigating baseball incident
By Colleen Wixon
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
SEBASTIAN — More than a month after a hazing incident involving the Sebastian River High School baseball team allegedly occurred, School District officials say they’re still investigating.
Schools Superintendent Harry La Cava said the district still is in the process of compiling facts in the issue.
“We’re still finding people to talk with,” La Cava said.
La Cava said he didn’t know when the investigation would be complete. Until then, the district’s attorney has advised officials not to divulge any information about the case, he said.
According to a complaint parents of a player on the team filed April 7 with School Resource Officer Mark Howder, the incident happened March 31 at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Plantation. The team was staying at the hotel overnight while competing in the Nova Spring Break Classic.
Five students were suspended last month in association with the incident. Of the five, two were suspended for five days and three were suspended for 10 days.
Head baseball coach George Young and assistant baseball coach Christopher Rahal were temporarily placed on a leave of absence from their coaching duties. The baseball season now is over.
Last month, Indian River County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Luther said the Sheriff’s Office has come up with new information indicating a second incident may have occurred.
Luther said there are no updates at this time.
“It’s still under investigation,” Luther said.
Staff Writer Laurel Scheffel contributed to this report.
