Former Latrobe wrestling coach to serve probation for hazing incident

The former assistant wrestling coach at Greater Latrobe Area Junior High School was sentenced Wednesday to serve two years on probation in connection with hazing allegations.

David F. Galando, 44, of Youngstown was charged in May with misdemeanor counts of child endangerment and failing to report potential child abuse allegations for what police described as multiple hazing incidents at the school in January.

Galando offered no explanations during a short court hearing Wednesday morning, according to defense attorney Chris Nichols.

Westmoreland County Judge Tim Krieger sentenced Galando to serve the probation term and admitted him to the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program for first-time nonviolent offenders. Galando did not plead guilty to the two counts and can have his record expunged at the conclusion of his sentence.

Police said both Galando and team Head Coach Cary James Lydic, 29, of Greensburg, witnessed and failed to stop the students from what police described as assaults against other team members. According to court records, several of the incidents involved students being tied to a volleyball net while others shoved a wooden stick, described as a “rape stick” into their buttocks.

“The incidents were captured on video and the victims and their parents have cooperated with the investigation,” said Assistant District Attorney Judy Petrush.

Police said neither Lydic nor Galando notified school officials about the alleged hazing incidents.

In addition to the probation term, the judge ordered Galando to complete an anti-hazing program and submit letters of reflection and apology to the student victims. Galando will not be permitted to coach juveniles during his probation term.

Latrobe school officials fired both Galando and Lydic following their arrests.

Four 15-year-old boys also were charged as juveniles with hazing and possessing an instrument of a crime. Two of the students are facing additional stalking counts, according to police.

A court arraignment for Lydic scheduled for Wednesday was canceled. Lydic is charged with misdemeanor counts of child endangerment, reckless endangerment and failure to report allegations of child abuse. His case is pending.