The Sept. 5 incident was discovered by university public safety officers, who responded to a report of students gathered at the track at night and found members of the men's team preparing to run laps naked.
LAWRENCE -- The entire Rider University men's cross country team was suspended from a meet last month following a hazing incident that involved team members preparing to run naked around the school's track, officials said.
The Sept. 5 incident was discovered by university public safety officers, who responded to a report of students gathered at the track at night and found members of the team preparing to run laps naked, the university said.
The officers halted the plan and found the students also had alcohol at the track, and the university launched an internal investigation, the university said.
"The ensuing investigation revealed that no ill intent was involved, nor was there intent on the part of any of the team members to coerce participation," university spokeswoman Kristine Brown said.
"Although no ill intent or coercion was involved, the team's behavior was unacceptable and is indeed considered hazing," Brown said.
Some students were charged with university alcohol violations and hazing and had their cases processed through the university's Office of Community Standards, Brown said.
All 28 members of the men's team were investigated, but the university did not say how many were charged with violating Rider's internal rules, called the Student Code of Social Conduct.
The Lawrence police department was not notified.
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After the incident, the team's head coach Bob Hamer canceled practice until the investigation was completed on Sept. 10.
As a result of the investigation, the men's team was suspended from competing in a Rider-hosted invitational meet on Sept. 19.
"Both the team's head coach and our director of athletics have met with the team to educate them on why their actions were inappropriate and reinforce Rider's student code of conduct," Brown said.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.
