Ex-Swim coach gets 8 years

A former assistant Lawrence North swim coach was sentenced to 8 years behind bars for his inappropriate actions against someone he once coached.

Christopher Wheat pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct with a minor and child solicitation.

The courtroom was filled with former swimmers and parents who were supporting the victim, who was 14 at the time of the crimes.

The victim was a member of the Lawrence Swim team where Wheat was the head coach.

Probable cause affidavits say Wheat had inappropriately touched and kissed the victim and sent her inappropriate text messages.

He'll also be in a community corrections program and probation after his release.

"People think that, it won't go away. It will stay with us forever. It stays with the swim team forever. Our swim coach got arrested for this and it will be forever and nothing can change that now." said Leah Christy, a former Lawrence Swim team member.

Christy described herself as one of the victim's best friends. She said several swimmers have been rallying behind the victim, helping get through this difficult time.

Wheat started serving his sentence immediately.

He is a 36-year old, father of three.

He will have to register as a sex offender when he is released.