High school football bullying incident still under investigation

The Herny/Florence game at Hamlin will go on as scheduled Friday. Sheriff says charges could still be filed.


An alleged hazing and bullying incident involving some players on the Henry/Florence High School football team is still under investigation by the Codington County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Brad Howell said charges could still be filed.

Any charges would be handled in juvenile court.

Henry School Superintendent Todd Obele said the earlier this week that the school learned of “incidents involving students riding one of our minibuses”

In a press release, Obele, who also the head football coach, said school officials began an investigation and reported it to law enforcement.

“We determined that there were multiple students in violation of district policy and our code of conduct for activity participants,” he said in a written statement. “Appropriate disciplinary action has been taken. We regret that this incident happened and want you to know that we make our students’ safety and well-being of the utmost importance.”

The Henry/Florence Falcons football team has 25 players on the roster and competes in South Dakota Class 9AA.

Florence School District Superintendent Mitch Reed made a statement on social media saying the incident does not include any of Florence students or staff members. He said the incident did not occur in a Florence bus and was not under the supervision of a Florence staff member. The incident is under investigation, and an assistant football coach has been removed from the coaching staff, he said.

The Falcons’ scheduled game against the Hamlin Chargers Friday at 7 p.m. will be played, according to school officials. Henry/Florence has lost its first three games of the season. Hamlin is undefeated in four games.