(EDITOR’S NOTE: Stacey Page contributed to this report.)

Wawasee Community Schools has been served with legal papers, but the school’s policy, according to superintendent Dr. Tom Edington, is to not comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit was filed on Jan. 31 by Donny Griffith of 11465 N. E. Wawasee Dr., Syracuse.

Donny Griffith

This morning we have confirmed that the complaint stems from the dismissal of Griffith as assistant wrestling coach at Wawasee High School. He is seeking damages from that action.

Court documents show Griffith was employed by WCSC as “among other things, the head coach of the wrestling program at Wawasee Middle School and the assistant head coach of the wrestling program at Wawasee High School.”

Documents state he was in the program for approximately six years prior to his termination as assistant head coach at WHS on May 16, 2012, and from WMS on June 19, 2012. During that same time he was terminated as the assistant coach of the cross country and track programs.

According to the complaint, “Leading to his termination of employment with Wawasee Community School Corp., Griffith had reported to his superiors at WCSC, improper conduct of the high school’s head wrestling coach Paul Meyer. The improper conduct involving Meyer and student athletes of the high school wrestling team was first noticed by Griffith during the 2011-2012 wrestling season.”

In the lawsuit, Griffith alleges the “improper and disturbing conduct” included inappropriate placing of hands on student wrestlers during wrestling practice. He also alleges Meyer struck a student athlete leaving welts and failing to adhere to the IHSAA individual weight management program.

The 8-page complaint also alleges Griffith’s concerns were expressed to Meyer and that he also reported his concerns to Wawasee Athletic Director Steve Wiktorowski.

Allegedly on Jan. 10, 2012, Griffith met with the athletic director and Meyer and a decision was reached regarding the accusations. “At this meeting, Wiktorowski informed Griffith that he had met with the parents of the student athlete who Meyer had slapped” and the matter was “horseplay that got out of hand.”

It further states that on May 1, 2012, Griffith was given an evaluation by Meyer which said he was not loyal to him and he expected “full loyalty.”

Documents state on or about May 16, 2012, Meyer informed Griffith in light of what had happened during the past season, WSCS was terminating his employment in the high school wrestling program.

Griffith had a meeting with Wiktorowski on May 17, 2012, and again voiced his concern over Meyer’s conduct. Wiktorowski allegedly responded he was happy with the team’s performance under Meyer and Meyer had been given a positive review.

Griffith also alleges in the suit he was warned by Wiktorowski to “be careful how you pursue this, you have other coaching jobs at Wawasee schools to think about.”

On June 19, 2012, Griffith was then notified by Ryan Connor, assistant principal/ athletic director, his employment with WMS was terminated. The suit claims a week prior to that Griffith had received a positive written letter of recommendation.

Following the June termination Griffith met with WCSC Superintendent Dr. Tom Edington expressing his disagreement regarding his termination and concerns about Meyer’s actions. Griffith also said Meyer had a history of improper conduct with student athletes which could be corroborated by a coach and parent from another school. Griffith was informed that the matter was between the other parties involved and that the findings would not be discussed with Griffith.

Another part of Griffith’s complaint alleges he was discharged for refusing to turn a blind eye and that WCSC is legally responsible for damages caused to him.

According to one source, Griffith’s termination was due to his contract
expiring.

In what appears to be an unrelated matter, Griffith, 48, was arrested on Nov. 2, 2012, on a class C felony forgery charge.

Court records show that in his criminal case, Griffith is represented locally by attorney Scott Lennox. In the civil case against WCSC, Griffith is represented by John C. Theisen and Nathaniel O. Hubley of the law firm Theisen Bowers & Associates.

WCSC has turned the complaint over to its insurance company which has hired
Lyle Hardman with Hunt, Suedhoff, Kalamaros, Fort Wayne. Hardman was not
available for comment.