Sep 10, 2008 8:05 am US/Eastern
Marblehead Soccer Coach Accused Of Hazing
Former Player Takes Legal Action Against Steve Ingemi
MARBLEHEAD (WBZ) ―
Parents in Marblehead say it went on for years, but they were afraid to complain about the tough techniques used by their sons' soccer coach. They say they didn't want to jeopardize their children's positions on the Marblehead High School soccer team. Now one graduate wants to put an end to the hazing.
Jake Rainer says his former coach used specific drills to intimidate players. Rainer, the team's former captain, graduated two years ago and is now a college student. He has filed a letter of intent to sue Coach Steve Ingemi, the school system and the town.
"The coach kicks the soccer ball at them and the new players are required to stand there and not flinch, and the coach will continue to kick balls at them until they take the hit without flinching," explained attorney Chris O'Connor.
The athletes say, in many cases, the ritual leaves extensive bruising.
"Marblehead is kind of a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business and you don't want to be the kid who was afraid to participate in this activity," O'Connor said.
WBZ's Christina Hager spoke to several parents who agree the drills are over the top.
"Walking on stomachs, shooting the ball at close range, the 50-50 tackles are potentially quite dangerous," said David Traynor.
"My son is not a kid to complain at all, so he would hold that inside," said Alan November.
Steve Ingemi continues to coach at Marblehead High School. WBZ-TV tried to reach both Coach Ingemi and Marblehead School officials for reaction. Neither was available.
As for Jake Rainer's lawsuit, all parties have six months to respond to his letter of intent. If an agreement is not reached in that time, the lawsuit moves on to court.
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