WHEELING, W.Va. — The former women’s rugby coach at Wheeling University has filed a civil lawsuit against the institution, alleging wrongful termination of his contract.
Ken Pape, who served as head coach of the women’s rugby program, claims the university improperly ended his contract and asserts that the agreement contained no provisions allowing for early termination.
The filing follows a turbulent period for the women’s rugby program that included the suspension of several players due to internal disciplinary issues. Those issues reportedly involved underage alcohol consumption among student-athletes.
As the situation unfolded, Wheeling University ultimately withdrew from the Division I National Championship, announcing it could no longer field a full team for competition.
