Former QU coach pleads guilty to disorderly conduct, other charges

Published 1:19 pm Thursday, July 30, 2026

QUINCY — What was scheduled to be a hearing on defense motions in the case against a former QU coach shifted to a plea hearing Thursday after attorneys came to an agreement.

Cody Pack, 34, was set to go to trial next week on charges that include two hate crime allegations stemming from his treatment of students during his time as a wrestling coach at Quincy University.

Pack was arrested in January after several student-athletes contacted campus security and provided information to law enforcement alleging both verbal and physical abuse against them, with a number of reportedly racially charged acts.

As part of the plea agreement entered into and tentatively accepted by Judge Tad Brenner, two of the charges Pack pleaded guilty to included telling one athlete, identified as Roy Phelps, that he was “too lazy to be an outside slave, you’ll have to be an inside slave.”

Brenner also read a comment in which Pack told Phelps he was “black and stupid. That’s two negatives that won’t make a positive.”

Another student named in the charges, Brian Farley II, was reportedly told by Pack to “do what your people do best, steal.”

In addition to the two disorderly conduct charges, both Class C misdemeanors, Pack also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm without a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card, a Class A misdemeanor, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony.

The felony charge carries a maximum possible penalty of up to three years in state prison. The misdemeanor charges would have maximum sentences of time in the county jail.

With Pack pleading guilty to the four charges, the Adams County State’s Attorney’s Office agreed to drop charges of aggravated battery in a public place, two counts of intimidation by use or threat of physical harm, a hate crime on school or religious property, a separate hate crime charge, and aggravated assault by the use of a laser device attached to a firearm.

Three of the dismissed charges, including the hate crime on school or religious property, are Class 3 felonies that could have resulted in up to five years in prison for each.

Pack was arrested after law enforcement investigated allegations that Pack, on different occasions, put athletes under his authority into chokeholds, pointed a handgun with a laser sight attached at them, and made threats to come and kill them if he ever lost his job.

At the time of his arrest, QU issued a statement that Pack was no longer employed at the school, but couldn’t go into detailed personnel matters. University officials at that time committed to the safety of all students and guests on campus.

“Quincy University cannot comment substantively on personnel matters,” the school’s statement said. “We are committed to the safety and security of our university community. We will take all necessary steps for the well-being of all persons on our campus.”

“Hate has no place in Quincy,” the statement said. “It is incumbent upon all its citizens to work feverishly to foster an environment where people can feel safe and accepted, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or economic status.”

Pack was lodged in the Adams County Jail following his arrest in January until he was granted pretrial release in April as the case progressed. Pack was placed on home confinement with GPS monitoring at a home address listed in Tahlequah, Okla.

At Thursday’s hearing, Brenner ordered a presentence investigation (PSI) to be completed. The court was also told that a new order modifying the pretrial release would be submitted that would allow Pack to travel directly between the Oklahoma residence and a residence maintained in Quincy, as well as travel to and from St. Louis due to health issues affecting his child.

Defense attorney Gerald Timmerwilke noted for the court that Pack coordinates travel with the county’s probation department and will continue to do so. Pack will also be allowed the usual movement included with pretrial release and home confinement, including his own medical appointments, if any, and appointments with his attorney.

Sentencing for the plea agreement was set for Sept. 24, with the deal listing probation for the charges, though the judge imposing sentence does not have to accept the terms of the deal. Brenner gave conditional concurrence with the deal, but the complete PSI will give guidance in making the final sentencing determination.