By Phillip Whitten
February 25. THE Simon Fraser men's swimming team, perennial and current NAIA national champions, will not get the chance to defend its
title next month, according to a story by Jonathan Woodward in the Toronto Globe and Mail.
The action was taken by university administrators after investigating a hazing incident in which younger swimmers were allegedly asked by upperclassmen to describe sexual fantasies.
Associate Vice President Nello Angerilli said the school was taking the action because this was the second time Clan swimmers had broken rules regarding freshman hazing. Another incident two years ago resulted in a censure and a warning.
“SFU takes allegations of hazing — in whatever form — very seriously,” Mr. Angerilli said. “These are repeat offenders, and we're sending a stronger message.”
According to the university, Woodward reported, 19 team members gathered over drinks at a party last fall and revived an old tradition: imagining each other performing sex acts and describing their fantasies to their teammates.
Mr. Angerilli pointed out that the students were fully clothed and they did nothing illegal. Head Coach Liam Donnelly, the NAIA Coach of the Year last year, was not available to comment.