The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) confirms that the Lakeland College Rustlers Women’s and Men’s volleyball teams have been sanctioned for the teams’ planning and participation in team hazing activities, which is a violation of the ACAC’s zero tolerance hazing policy. The ACAC has fined both teams a combined $6,000 among other sanctions.
Also, two student-recruits have transferred out of the program, and the College has to issue an apology.
Incidents
According to the ACAC, the hazing incidents occurred over the weekend of Aug. 29 – Sep. 1, 2025, culminating in an on-campus rookie party on September 1—just one day before the start of fall semester classes.
Upon receiving reports of the incidents, the ACAC and Lakeland College launched a joint investigation. The findings confirmed that both the Women’s and Men’s volleyball teams were involved in hazing activities, with more evidence implicating the Women’s team.
ACAC Sanctions
The sanctions applied to the Rustlers’ volleyball programs include:
- Women’s team is suspended for the first 8 matches of the 2025-26 season and will not commence ACAC competition until November 28, 2025
- Men’s team is suspended for the first 4 matches of the 2025-26 season and will not commence ACAC competition until November 14, 2025
- Lakeland College will be fined $6,000. That is an amount equal to the ACAC $500/match forfeit penalty (12 matches x $500/forfeit = $6000)
- Lakeland College is required to issue a letter of apology to two recruits who experienced the hazing incidents and ultimately elected to withdraw from Lakeland College and enroll elsewhere in the ACAC
- All members of the current Lakeland College Volleyball teams, including players and coaches, will be required to undergo anti-hazing training in a program prescribed by the ACAC, before being eligible to participate in ACAC competition
Longstanding tradition
According to the ACAC, the investigation revealed that hazing had been a “longstanding” practice within the volleyball programs, suggesting a pattern of behavior that had persisted over several years as part of an unofficial team tradition.
The ACAC denounces all forms of hazing and reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy. It emphasizes that such conduct has no place in fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful academic and athletic environment.
To reinforce this commitment, the ACAC will soon implement a mandatory, ongoing annual education program designed to inform student-athletes and team personnel about the dangers of hazing and the expectations outlined in the ACAC Anti-Hazing Policy.
Mark Kozak, CEO of the ACAC, said in an email to MyLloydminsterNow that they had “two credible witnesses come forward.” Also, they “met with other team members.” They “repeatedly heard statements throughout the investigation from various players that ‘they all went through it’ and it’s ‘something everyone had to get through.'”
Lakeland College concurs
In an online statement, Lakeland College agrees with the sanctions imposed by the ACAC but is disappointed. Director of athletics, Al Rogan says, “training about hazing will be expanded to include all Rustlers programs.”
Parent response
“The parents of the men’s volleyball team at Lakeland College are clearly disappointed by the sanctions imposed by the ACAC regarding a team party in late August,” says Aaron Rawlake whose son is in the program. “Our parent group is currently just supporting our sons as they navigate next steps and the path forward for their team. The boys are proud to be Rustlers and will hold their heads high as one team now bonded closer in adversity. Their focus will be on their return to play November 14th and their ultimate goal of an ACAC championship.”
Community reaction
Former Lakeland College alum, and principal, Wendy Plandowski said she “fully supports Lakeland College’s decision-making and leadership in this matter.” She added, “Lakeland has a long tradition of turning challenges into opportunities for growth”, and she has “every confidence that the College will use this as a teaching moment.”
