Photo courtesy of Jimmie Haska/Civic Media
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has temporarily suspended its 2026 men’s cross-country season as officials investigate allegations of violations
Sep 16, 2026, 1:57 PM CT
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The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has temporarily suspended its 2026 men’s cross-country season as state officials investigate allegations of hazing and student-athlete conduct violations within the program.
The suspension follows a swift sequence of events earlier this month. Chancellor Tammy Evetovich received an initial report detailing the allegations late in the afternoon on Sept. 1. After being briefed the following day, Chancellor Evetovich requested additional information, which was delivered on September 3. On September 4, the chancellor officially decided to pause all team operations and place Head Coach James Akita on paid administrative leave.
The Universities of Wisconsin Administration Office of Compliance and Integrity (OCI) has taken charge of the ongoing investigation into the matter.
“Our priority is to support students involved while ensuring this matter is investigated as thoroughly, fairly and promptly as possible,” said Melanie Platt-Gibson, spokesperson for UW-Platteville.
University officials noted that support and counseling resources are being actively provided to affected student-athletes. Due to the active nature of the review and university commitments to student privacy and applicable laws, UW-Platteville declined to offer further details, adding that additional updates will be released as appropriate when the investigation concludes.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
