Former PA University Coach Charged With Hazing In Student's Death

LEWISBERG PA — A former Bucknell University assistant football coach is facing multiple criminal charges related to the hazing death of a student in July 2024.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Mark Kulbis, Bucknell strength and conditioning coach at the time, subjected freshman Calvin "C.J." Dickey Jr. to extensive calisthenics that put him at risk of dying because of his Sickle Cell trait.

Sunday asserted that Kulbis subjected Dickey to the hazing even after being aware of his medical condition and receiving training from the university on Sickle Cell trait and state law and NCAA standards on hazing

"My office filed very serious criminal charges after investigating what took place at Bucknell University two summers ago," Sunday said in a statement.

"The facts show this was an intentional, deliberate hazing perpetrated by a coach who knew C.J.’s health condition made him vulnerable to extreme workouts.

"This is an extraordinary tragedy, worsened by the fact that C.J.’s death was preventable.”

The investigation showed that, prior to the first-day practice on July 10, 2024, Kulbis subjected Dickey and other players, to 100 “up-downs” and several full-body plank drills — both considered extraneous calisthenic exercises.

That occurred despite of training and direction from other coaches that such exercises were inappropriate and unsafe.

Dickey, recruited to play lineman positions, was visibly struggling with the exercises . According to Sunday, Kulbis, the only coach in the training room, did not summon help until Dickey passed out.

Dickey was treated at an area hospital, but died on July 12, 2024. An autopsy determined the death was caused by Kulbis subjecting Dickey to the exercises in combination with Dickey’s Sickle Cell trait, body weight, and exertional rhabdomyolysis.

Kulbis on Monday was charged with felony aggravated hazing and misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing.

He surrendered late Monday morning and was arraigned on the charges. Bail was set at $10,000 unsecured.

Kulbis' attorney, Barbara Zemlock, said that Kulbis plans to vigorously defend the charges against him.

"While the death of Calvin Dickey is tragic, Mark Kulbis did not contribute to it and is not responsible for it," Zemlock said in a a statement provided to ESPN. "The strength and conditioning program that was implemented was appropriate and in accordance with the training that Mr. Kulbis received, and with applicable standards.

"There are facts and other circumstances surrounding this matter that, once presented at the appropriate time, will demonstrate that Mr. Kulbis did not commit the crimes charged."

According to his LinkedIn profile, Kulbis left Bucknell in January 2025.

Bucknell is located in Lewisberg, Union County, about 30 miles south of Williamsport and about 60 miles north of Harrisburg.