An eastern Iowa high school wrestling team will return to the mat tonight for the first time since “extreme bullying” allegations surfaced last month. In December, a parent reported his son was attacked by senior members of the Lisbon wrestling team in the locker room.
Other parents have since expressed similar concerns. Lisbon High School Principal Ian Dye says the school has completed its internal investigation and the team will compete tonight in a meet at Durant.
“We’re going to work hard to continue to move forward from these tough last couple of weeks,” Dye said. School officials have not said if anyone has been suspended from the team. Dye said he and other administrators have met with the team and are working to make sure bullying won’t be a problem in the future.
“Our kids are going to represent themselves very well, not only in athletics, but in the academic classroom,” Dye said. When the initial allegations surfaced, Lisbon canceled two wrestling practices and a meet with two other schools. The Linn County Attorney has said he’s considering charges and working with police as they investigate the case.
Lisbon is currently 7th in the class 1-A Iowa High School Wrestling rankings published by The Predicament.
By Jill Kasperie, KCRG-TV, Cedar Rapids