Lakeland College has now responded to sanctions brought down by Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Commissioner Timothy Dooley, after hazing incidents occurred involving the women’s and men’s volleyball teams.

“As an institution, we’re disappointed this has happened, but we’re in agreement with the sanctions against the teams,” says Alan Rogan, director of athletics at Lakeland College.

The sanctions follow a joint investigation by Lakeland and the ACAC into hazing incidents that took place at separate team parties on Sept. 1.

“The investigation found that the teams participated in hazing activities, which is a violation of both Lakeland’s and the ACAC’s student-athlete codes of conduct,” said Rogan. “These activities don’t align with Lakeland’s values of respect and integrity, nor with our expectations for student conduct.”

The women’s volleyball team is suspended for the first eight games and the men’s volleyball team for the first four games of the 2025-26 ACAC season. The matches will be recorded as forfeitures.

ACAC’s decision also includes a $500 fine for each match forfeited, a letter of apology to two players who experienced hazing and then withdrew from Lakeland, and mandatory training about hazing for both teams.

Rogan noted that training about hazing will be expanded to include all Rustlers programs. He also acknowledges that Rustler Athletics must reinforce expectations and ensure that all student-athletes and coaches are aware of and adhere to the conduct standards.