Former Wheeling (W.V.) University head women’s rugby coach Kenneth Pape has filed a lawsuit against the school and its athletic director, mere days after National Collegiate Rugby announced that Wheeling would not compete for the national title, citing internal disciplinary turmoil — including the firing of Pape and the suspension of several players — that left the program unable to field a team.
As reported by WTRF in Wheeling, the complaint argues Pape was wrongfully terminated on Dec. 1 because the reason Wheeling University gave for firing him did not violate any university policy. His attorney clarified in the Dec. 12 filing in Ohio County Circuit Court that while the university can choose to end his employment, Pape’s contract contains no termination-for-cause provision, arguing he could not be fired for the specific reason cited by the school.
NCR officials stated university officials said Pape was fired for permitting 21-year-old team members — all of legal drinking age — to consume alcohol on Nov. 16. The filing states this permission was granted only after the season’s end and explicitly excluded underage athletes. Pape claims Wheeling University allows students older than 21 to drink on campus and that he violated no team or university policy, WTRF's Jake McGlumphy reported.
Pape further alleges that athletic director Carrie Hanna conducted an improper investigation, used the incident as a pretext for termination, and interfered with his employment, prompting claims of tortious interference.
Pape is seeking damages including lost wages, bonuses, reputational harm, and compensation for personal property he says the university has refused to return.
Before the lawsuit surfaced, NCR confirmed it had suspended Wheeling’s women’s rugby program from all postseason play for a minimum of two years. The organization cited accountability and integrity concerns after the team withdrew from the national championship, McGrumphy reported.
