2 waive preliminary hearings in Greater Latrobe hazing case

Two former Greater Latrobe Junior High School wrestling coaches waived their rights to preliminary hearings Monday on allegations related to hazing incidents. One of them could enter a probationary program.

Court records show David Francis Galando, 44, of Youngstown, is scheduled for an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition hearing Oct. 28. The program is for first-time nonviolent offenders that allows their criminal records to be expunged if they meet probation requirements.

The apparent agreement with prosecutors must be approved by a judge before Galando is admitted into the program.

Cary James Lydic, 29, of Greensburg is set for a formal arraignment Oct. 28. Prosecutors and defense attorneys either declined to comment or left district court without addressing reporters.

Lydic was the head coach and Galando was his assistant in January when state police said they failed to report hazing incidents among team members that were captured on surveillance video in January. Both are charged with misdemeanor child endangerment and failure to report.

Four 15-year-old boys also were charged. Their cases are being handled in juvenile court.

Troopers said Galando and Lydic were present for several incidents of hazing in the school’s wrestling room. Several witnesses described the incidents to police and said they and a parent told Lydic about it.

Neither suspect reported the situation to district officials or ChildLine, according to police. Two exhibition tournaments and an exhibition match were canceled as a result of the investigation and both were released from the school district. Charges were filed in May.