University of Guelph alumni want fuller investigation into track program after coach fired for misconduct

A group of alumni from the University of Guelph track and field team want an investigation into what they say are systemic issues within the running program that have come under public scrutiny following the firing of coach Dave Scott-Thomas in 2019.  

The university hired a consulting firm to review policies within its athletic department following Scott-Thomas's firing, but the alumni say this review was limited in scope and didn't include the perspectives of former athletes. 

"We are deeply disappointed in the responses from the University of Guelph thus far, and are concerned that the systems that enabled the health and well-being of many athletes to be harmed by individuals in positions of power are still in place," said the alumni in an open letter published on iRun.ca late last month. 

"We are calling on the University of Guelph to undertake an independent, comprehensive and transparent investigation to determine how its existing policies failed to protect student athletes from an abusive environment." 

Scott-Thomas, a longtime star coach, was fired in December 2019 after the university said it became aware of past "unprofessional conduct." An investigation by the Globe and Mail the following February alleged Scott-Thomas groomed an athlete for a sexual relationship beginning when she was a teenager, and ran the school's running program with a win-at-all-costs mentality that prioritized performance over athletes' physical and mental health.

In a statement provided to the media last year, Scott-Thomas said through his lawyer that "in the course of my 22-year coaching career, I have always endeavoured to conduct myself with integrity and professionalism. In one case, I failed. I deeply regret my behaviour at that time. I am sorry for the pain and disappointment my actions caused."

In their open letter, the eight former student athletes — all women — recall problems ranging from the encouragement of training on injuries, to the neglect of eating disorders, to "public and private humiliation." Some brought their concerns to staff at the time, to little effect. Others convinced themselves the behaviour was normal, the letter said.