Huntington University running program under scrutiny for alleged abuses: What we know

Phyllis Cha, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read
Huntington University in Huntington, Indiana
Huntington University in Huntington, Indiana

An IndyStar sports investigation uncovered allegations of sexual abuse, potential doping and other issues in the women's cross country and track and field programs at Huntington University. More details about the allegations were revealed in a federal lawsuit filed Friday on behalf of two former runners.

Here's what you need to know.

Where is Huntington University?

Huntington University is a Christian liberal arts college in Huntington, Indiana, about 100 miles northeast of Indianapolis. It is affiliated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. The university reported enrollment is 1,428.

The university says part of its philosophy is "the conviction that all truth is God's truth" and that the school "exists to carry out the mission of Christ in higher education," according to its website. Huntington is part of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities.

Huntington athletic teams are called the Foresters. The university is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), as well as the Crossroads League, a conference of private Christian colleges in the Midwest.

Who is Nick Johnson?

Nick Johnson, 35, formerly coached cross-country and track at Huntington University, where he was hired in 2018. He was fired in 2020 after being arrested on four felony charges related to a high school girl. Johnson, who grew up in Huntington and ran for the Foresters, pleaded guilty to felony identity deception in 2021 and served 30 days of a two-year sentence.

Johnson graduated from Huntington University in 2009 and was inducted into the HU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.

Nick Johnson pictured Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, on the Crossroads League website. The July 2, 2018, article announces Johnson as Huntington University's cross country coach.
Nick Johnson pictured Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, on the Crossroads League website. The July 2, 2018, article announces Johnson as Huntington University's cross country coach.

What are the new allegations?

A lawsuit filed on behalf of two former HU students Sept. 30 alleges Johnson had sex with two student-athletes and forced pills and injections on his runners. He referred questions about the lawsuit to his attorney, who did not comment.

The lawsuit also alleges negligence by Johnson's wife, Lauren Johnson, as well as assistant coach Curtis Hines, Huntington University and other school officials. The individuals and the school did not respond to requests for comment.

Who is Lauren Johnson?

Lauren Johnson is waiting a bit before an attempt to reclaim the running-while-dribbling record. “I don’t want to break it and have someone in the meantime break it again,” she said.
Lauren Johnson is waiting a bit before an attempt to reclaim the running-while-dribbling record. “I don’t want to break it and have someone in the meantime break it again,” she said.

Lauren Johnson, 35, is in her second year as cross-country coach of Huntington University, where she is the first female coach to head the program. She replaced her husband, Nick Johnson, in the position.

As an athlete, she earned All-America honors in track, cross-country and basketball.

Lauren Johnson represented the United States in the 1,500 meters at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, where she qualified for the semifinals. She was inducted into the the HU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Huntington University running program under scrutiny for alleged abuse