Citadel to Send Ill Faulkner to Hospital for Tests

The Citadel made plans Wednesday to send its first female cadet to a hospital to try to learn what continued to make her ill three days after she was overcome by 100-degree heat.

Shannon Faulkner, who fought for 2 1/2 years to join the state military school’s corps of cadets, was admitted to the campus infirmary Monday after becoming ill while marching. Four male cadets were also admitted, but the last of them was released Wednesday.

School spokesman Terry Leedom declined to discuss Faulkner’s condition, citing privacy rules. He confirmed that she would be taken to a hospital today for tests.

Her father, Ed, said: “I think she’s worn out mentally from the court fight.”

The Citadel had cited her physical condition in a failed attempt to keep her out. Leedom has said Faulkner, 20, was more than 20 pounds over U.S. Army weight standards for her height.

Citadel lawyer Dawes Cooke said: “The expectation is she will recover and get on with her training as soon as she possibly can.”