Gamma Phi pledge hurt in hazing at area college

The Gamma Phi Gamma fraternity at an Ohio college is under the spotlight after a student was allegedly hurt in a hazing incident.

Three pledges at Wilmington College were put through a Gamma Phi induction ceremony on Halloween night, and one suffered a permanent injury, according to a report from WCPO Ch. 9 in Cincinnati.

Court records released to WCPO indicate the pledges were blindfolded, ordered to the floor and told to make swimming motions in three feet of water in the basement of the Gamma house.

The pledges were then made to stand naked and had Icy Hot balm slathered on their bodies while members snapped them with towels tied in knots.

One pledge underwent surgery at Clinton Memorial Hospital to repair an injury to his groin area from one of the towel strikes, according to the court records.

Wilmington College President Jim Reynolds said fraternities and sororities must complete anti-hazing education before rush season.

"It's hard to understand why at a college like this that we could have an incident like that when we don't or would never condone that type of activity," Reynolds told WCPO.

Wilmington police may be pursuing charges with the Clinton County Prosecutor's Office.

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