Lock Haven, Pa. - The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference has announced a new semifinal pairing for the 2009 Field Hockey Championships set to take place Friday, October 30 at Shippensburg University. Kutztown University, which finished third in the Eastern Division standings, will replace East Stroudsburg University, which finished in second place.
The announcement comes in the wake of a decision by East Stroudsburg to withdraw its team due to allegations, currently under investigation by the university, regarding team member participation in hazing activities.
East Stroudsburg was scheduled to play host Shippensburg on Friday at 2:30 p.m., the second of two semifinal contests at the site. Kutztown will now replace East Stroudsburg, taking on Shippensburg at the originally scheduled time. The first semifinal contest, pitting Bloomsburg University (No. 1 Eastern Division) and Mercyhurst College (No. 2 Western Division) will proceed as scheduled with a noon start. The winners of the two semifinal games will play for the PSAC title Saturday at the same location. That contest is slated to start at 1 p.m.
“I know East Stroudsburg’s decision was a very difficult one to make,” said PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray. “The university should be complimented for acting prudently and appropriately. Hazing is a very serious concern on all collegiate campuses. We must continue to educate student-athletes, coaches and administrators in the seriousness of the problem.”
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An official East Stroudsburg University release on the situation can be read below.
Press Release
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Contact: Office of University Relations
(570) 422-3532
For Immediate Release
ESU Field Hockey Will Not Participate in 2009 PSAC and NCAA Championships
(Issued 10/29/09)
EAST STROUDSBURG – The East Stroudsburg University women’s field hockey team will not participate in this weekend’s Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championships on Friday and Saturday, (October 30th and 31st) at Shippensburg due to allegations, currently under investigation by the university, involving team member participation in possible hazing activities.
The allegations regarding student-athlete participation in hazing are being vigorously investigated by the university. Investigations are also being conducted as to possible staff involvement and the matter has been referred to law enforcement authorities. Disciplinary action, if warranted, will be taken by the university.
“East Stroudsburg University does not condone hazing and takes hazing allegations seriously. Hazing is an illegal and dangerous activity and is unacceptable in all forms. Student-athletes at ESU deserve the best possible experience and should be protected from participating in either individual or team-based hazing practices,” said University President, Dr. Robert J. Dillman.
Due to the investigation the university will forfeit Friday’s PSAC semifinal game vs. Shippensburg and will not participate in the NCAA Division II championships.
The university extends its sincere apologies to the PSAC and its member institutions, including the coaches and student-athletes at Shippensburg, Bloomsburg and Mercyhurst who will participate in the PSAC field hockey championship this weekend.
The field hockey team was set to make its first PSAC playoff appearance since 2002 and had a 14-6 record in the regular season.