Former WKU swim team member files lawsuit against university

The Bill Powell Natatorium will no longer be called home by the more than 50 student athletes of WKU’s Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving programs after President Gary Ransdell and Athletic Director Todd Stewart announced on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 that the programs will be suspended for the next five years effective immediately. This comes after a former swim team member, Collin Craig, filed complaints with the Bowling Green Police Department on January 6, 2015, sparking an investigation by both police and WKU Title IX coordinators. Nick Wagner/HERALD

Herald Staff
October 1, 2015

Collin Craig, a former member of the WKU swim team, has filed a federal lawsuit against the university, former head coach Bruce Marchionda, an associate head coach, athletic director Todd Stewart, two associate athletic directors and three of his former teammates. Last year, Craig’s allegations of hazing and assault sparked a Title IX investigation and a five-year suspension of the team.

The 21-page complaint, which can be read in full here, was filed in U.S. District Court on Wednesday. The lawsuit alleges negligence from all of the listed defendants, in addition to charges of assault, battery and infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit did not list a specific amount of sought-after damages. Craig no longer attends WKU.

WKU spokesman Bob Skipper issued a statement Friday in regards to the lawsuit. The statement reads: “WKU completed a thorough investigation into this matter and will be defending the lawsuit filed by Mr. Craig. Given the fact this matter is in litigation, we do not feel as though we can make any further comment at this time and all other questions should be directed to our attorney, Thomas N. Kerrick.”