'Appalling' Hazing Lands New Trier Boys Lacrosse Team On 2-Year Probation

WINNETKA, IL — After an investigation into a hazing incident uncovered "appalling" behavior, New Trier High School administrators said they placed the boys varsity lacrosse team on probation and barred it from out-of-state competitions.

The "serious and disturbing hazing incident" took place during an off-campus party attended by members of the team, according to a message to families from Superintendent Paul Sally, Winnetka campus Principal Denise Dubravec and Athletic Director Augie Fontanetta.

"We began our comprehensive investigation as soon as we learned about the hazing incident, and the investigation has continued through spring break," the administrators. "We have issued significant consequences to the students involved that are consistent with our school policies and recognize the gravity of this event."

The boys varsity lacrosse team will be on probation for the entire 2022 and 2023 seasons, according to Thursday's message from school officials.

This year's season had been due to begin March 24, the last day before spring break, at home against Grayslake North, but the game was canceled.

The team has forfeited its out-of-state games over spring break — three games had been planned in Ohio — and it is currently banned from any future competition outside of Illinois, according to the administrators.

The team is currently scheduled to play York High School in Elmhurst on Thursday.

"Any off-campus team social gatherings are prohibited," they said. "We are continuing our investigation and will end the team’s season if other serious behaviors occur or are uncovered."

Winnetka police said they investigated a report of hazing incident that occurred March 5 but the family of the victim had declined to press charges. Police said juvenile record laws prohibit the release of further information.

Though the message from administrators does not acknowledge it, a video has circulated online this week showing what appears to be a violent hazing incident involving members of the lacrosse team.

The recording appears to show a member of the lacrosse team on his hands and knees with an empty box of beer over his head as his teammates pour cans of liquid on him, strike him with a plastic bat and kick him on the ground, according to Record North Shore, which first reported the video Monday.

The school administrators said the lacrosse team would participate in anti-hazing and positive team culture education.

"The behavior that took place does not represent the values and heart of our school and our community, and the consequences reflect the serious nature of the incident," according to the message from Sally, Dubravec and Fontanetta.

Team members will also work with administrators to "determine how to help repair the harm done by this incident." Administrators also called on families to talk to their students about the significant effects their actions can have.

"We want to make it clear: Hazing is a serious violation of our values and school policies and will not be tolerated," the administrators said. "We expect every New Trier student to feel safe and respected as part of our culture of dignity and belonging. The behavior that our investigation has uncovered is appalling, and we are working to ensure it will never happen again."