Charges dropped against coach
By Josh Ellerbrock
Published in News on September 18, 2013 1:46 PM
Cyberstalking charges filed against Mount Olive College Track Coach Matt Van Lierop by a former track athlete have been dismissed.
According to the Wayne County Clerk of Court's office, the charges were dropped Thursday at the request of the athlete, Amber Thompson.
Mount Olive College released a statement concerning the dismissal of the case.
"Both the college and Mr. Van Lierop are pleased to have this matter come to a close. ... We believe that we have made every effort to handle this issue with great care and sensitivity to all parties concerned," MOC President Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter said in the college's official statement.
Mount Olive College declined to comment further on the allegations.
Ms. Thompson filed a criminal summons against Van Lierop back in mid-August. His first appearance in court was set for today at 1:30 p.m.
Van Lierop became head coach of the Mount Olive College men's and women's cross country and track and field teams midway through the spring of 2009 and has since led both the men's and women's track and field teams to conference championships.
Ms. Thompson had a successful running career at Mount Olive College, having won the individual title at the Conference Carolinas Women's Cross Country Championship and Runner of the Year Award. She currently holds the school's record in the mile, but has since stepped down from the track and field team.
Both Van Lierop and Thompson were called for comment on the dismissal of the case. Neither returned messages by press time.