Wrestling Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student

A southwest suburban Tinley Park High School varsity wrestling coach and history teacher is charged with sexually assaulting a student.

Ryan Dolan, 29, of Tinley Park, was charged with one count of criminal sexual assault on Saturday.

Dolan is the school’s head varsity wrestling coach.

Officials say the incident involving Dolan and the 17-year-old student happened away from school property.

According to a police statement, Dolan's position of authority and supervision over the victim was one element considered in the decision to pursue the sexual assault charge.

Dolan was placed in the Will County jail and appeared in court Monday afternoon where bond was set at $250,000.

Dolan posted that bond a few hours later and was released, leaving the jail flanked by his parents.

Bremen Community High School District 228 school superintendent Bill Kendall attended the court hearing.

"It's one of those things that you just want to make sure that all of your students are taken care of, so we're going to be on high alert," Kendall said. "We had a meeting with our faculty and our faculty are making students aware. It's an uncomfortable situation because you're dealing with family and victims."

Dolan worked at the school for seven years, and by most accounts, was energetic and well-loved.

Dolan also coached freshman football and sophomore softball.

Former Tinley wrestler Chance Degnegaard was one of many students caught off guard by the charges against the coach he described as a "big mentor.

"Very shocking, very shocking, especially from Coach Dolan," Degnegaard said.

District school officials have suspended Dolan and plan to take up the matter at next week's board meeting.

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