By Shari Phiel
Berthoud Recorder
The recent case of Berthoud High School athlete Brandyn Wahlert, who was charged with four counts of third-degree assault — a Class 1 misdemeanor, stemming from a series of alleged hazing incidents — has in many ways polarized students, parents and residents in the community.
Some view the incidents as nothing more than “boys being boys” and both the school’s and Berthoud Police Department’s subsequent involvement as examples of overzealous prosecution. But there are many others think Wahlert, who was suspended for 10 days, got off light and typifies a culture in the Berthoud school system that tolerates, ignores or even condones bullying behavior – especially within athletics.