Man seriously injured in fight at UT fraternity

8/23/2004

A fight at a University of Toledo fraternity house early yesterday left one person hospitalized, and university officials said several UT football players may have been involved.

Mark Heck, 20, who lives at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house where the fight occurred, was in serious condition last night in Toledo Hospital. Two others at the party, Peter Velotta, 22, and Jarrod Harmon, 23, were treated at the hospital.

Toledo police said they were called about a disturbance at 12:52 a.m. after a fraternity party at 2155 Alvin St. There had been a fight at the fraternity, and one of those involved left the house, threatening to return with football players and shoot the place up, police said. A short time later, the man returned with about 15 people and attacked the three men, police said.

Mr. Heck suffered a severe cut on the right arm when he was pushed through a window, police said.

There have been no arrests. University officials refused to provide additional details, including whether Mr. Heck and the others injured were students.

A man who answered the phone last night at Sigma Alpha Epsilon said the fraternity had been instructed by the university and lawyers not to make any comment.

UT football coach Tom Amstutz spoke yesterday to the players about the incident, Paul Helgren, assistant athletic director for media relations, said. Coach Amstutz is taking this very seriously. He has spoken to several members of the team. He was trying to ascertain who was involved.