The NAIA has suspended the Huntington University cross country teams from postseason competition in the latest story developing from a long saga of events related to the Huntington University teams.

According to the NAIA Violations Report, the NAIA has suspended Huntington teams from competing in the 2024 NAIA National Championship. However, no specific violation was cited for the suspension.

The NAIA also handed down probations to the university through the 2026-2027 academic year and to Athletic Director Lori Culler through the 2024-2025 academic year. The NAIA cited violations of the NAIA Code of Ethics in both of these probations.

• Former Huntington Athletes Allege Pattern of Abuse (2022)
• Huntington University Coach Arrested (2020)

The development marks the latest incident for Huntington athletics in recent years. Back in 2022, former Huntington University runners filed a federal lawsuit alleging Title IX discrimination, alleging former coach Nick Johnson was emotionally, physically and sexually abusive. They also alleged that they were forcibly injected by unknown substances.

An investigative article by David Woods of the Indianapolis Star brought to light the scandal in 2022.

In a 2020 police report, former coach Nick Johnson admitted to sexual interactions between himself and two runners. Johnson called those relationships consensual.

The University fired Johnson in December of 2020 after he was charged in a case involving child seduction and kidnapping involving a high school student-athlete. Johnson later pled guilty in 2022 in court to the charge of identity deception.

Afterward, he was replaced by his wife, Lauren Johnson, as coach of the programs by the university. Former student-athletes alleged that she was negligent throughout their abuse in their 2022 federal lawsuit.

This September, Nick Johnson was convicted by a jury on a felony sexual battery charge involving a former student-athlete. Sentencing is scheduled for next week.

As a collective, the men's and women's programs have made 21 NAIA National Championship appearances since 1991. The women's team placed sixth at the NAIA Championship in 2023 and are currently ranked nationally.

Huntington University sent FloTrack the following statement regarding the NAIA suspension and probations:

“This week, Huntington University received notification from the NAIA that its athletic program will be placed on probation for three years ending with the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year. In addition, the University’s athletic director will also be part of the probationary process for one year (2024-2025). Huntington University will abide by the NAIA’s ruling.

The University’s athletic teams will remain eligible to participate in regular and postseason competitions, with the exception of the men's and women’s cross country teams, who will not be eligible to advance in national postseason competition in the current year (2024). The men’s and women’s cross country teams will continue to participate in regular-season competitions and will be eligible to compete in this year’s conference postseason meet.

The NAIA's decision is the result of a process between its representatives and the University concerning allegations against a former cross country coach whose employment ended in 2020. Throughout this time, Huntington University has been a collaborative partner in the NAIA’s efforts to protect student-athletes. We appreciate and value our longstanding partnership with the NAIA and its acknowledgment of our efforts to continue to have a positive impact on our students.

The NAIA’s investigation into this matter is complete and final. Accordingly, Huntington University will not be issuing public statements on this decision or the individuals involved.

As we look toward the future, we pledge to continue to make this focus on our students our highest priority and to maintain our commitment to carrying out the mission of Christ in higher education.”

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