FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. -- The investigation into a hazing incident on a high school wrestling team is ongoing.
First Coast News reported Thursday that the school had suspended the wrestling program at Fernandina Beach High School after a student there claimed he was the victim of battery after wrestling practice on Monday.
His family told police their son was paddled more than 14 times on his buttocks, a beating administered by members of the high school wrestling team.
The alleged victims' parents filed a complaint with police two days later, saying their son's injuries were so severe that large bruises were still visible three days later.
Today, district spokeswoman Sharyl Wood said they think the investigation could be complete by the end of next week. She said the probe is broader than the police investigation. The district will be talking to more people, although she was not sure how many.
One mother of an 11th-grader at FBHS said today that she was stunned by the news.
"I'm in awe. I would never have thought this would happen; it's an awesome school," said Becky, speaking on condition of not using her last name to protect her child who attends the school.
A FBHS resource officer is monitoring Facebook for information on the case, said Wood. No one has been disciplined at this point.
The school does have a policy against hazing, which is considered a Class 3 violation of the school's code of conduct, said Wood. Violations are ranked 1 through 4, with 4 being the most severe.
Mark, a 17-year-old FBHS student who wanted to remain anonymous because of the subject matter, said today that paddling is part of an initiation to the team.
He said he thought the victim should not have joined the team knowing this was part of its tradition.
First Coast News