News Summary
The Ursuline High School football program is engulfed in controversy due to serious hazing allegations leading to lawsuits and canceled games. Neighboring schools are withdrawing their teams, and the entire coaching staff has been placed on leave. Investigations are ongoing, raising concerns about student safety and school responsibility amidst troubling allegations of misconduct, including sexual harassment and assault.
Ursuline High School Football Program Hit Hard by Hazing Allegations
In a shocking turn of events, the Ursuline High School football team, sitting proudly at No. 12 in the state of Ohio, is currently embroiled in serious allegations of hazing that have stirred up a storm of controversy and led to multiple lawsuits. The situation has escalated to the point where some neighboring schools are pulling back, leading to canceled games and significant administrative changes within the program.
Warren City Schools Taking Precautions
Recently, the Warren City School District made headlines by announcing they would not compete against Ursuline on September 19. The superintendent, Steve Chiaro, emphasized that this decision was made to safeguard not only the students of Warren G. Harding but also the broader community. In these kinds of situations, it’s understandable that schools prioritize the well-being and safety of their students above all else.
Coaching Changes Amid Investigations
As investigations into the hazing allegations unfold, the entire coaching staff at Ursuline is feeling the impact. Head coach Daniel Reardon, along with assistant coaches Timothy McGlynn and Christian Syrianoudis, have been placed on administrative leave. In their stead, Michael Frasco has stepped in as the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025 season, tasked with guiding a team that just finished the previous season with an impressive 13-2 record.
A Promising Start Turned Tumultuous
Despite starting the 2025 season off on a positive note with two wins, the team’s progress has hit a significant roadblock due to the ongoing hazing allegations. Notably, the scheduled game against Farrell was called off, adding to the growing list of cancellations as the situation continues to escalate.
Serious Allegations Surface
The controversy took a particularly serious turn with the filing of a civil rights lawsuit. This lawsuit alleges that hazing and even sexual assault took place during a team trip in June 2025. This isn’t the only legal action taken; another federal lawsuit has been filed, pointing fingers at the school for failing to protect a female student who became a target of harassment and assault by a notable football player.
Details of the Lawsuits
The claims made in these lawsuits are nothing short of alarming. They include accusations of sexual harassment, stalking, and violent assault, with several figures within the school and the football program named in the litigation, including the school itself, an assistant principal, and the athletic director, alongside the player in question. These allegations paint a concerning picture, suggesting a potential pattern of neglect by the school in addressing serious incidents of misconduct.
Cancellations Ripple Through the League
Following the revelations, schools like St. Vincent-St. Mary and Austintown Fitch have also opted to cancel games against Ursuline. This ripple effect demonstrates how seriously these allegations are being taken within the athletic community, leading to a broader discussion about the safety of students and the responsibility of educational institutions to protect them.
A Culture in Question
The lawsuits argue that a troubling culture existed within the football program that placed the interests of the team above the safety and welfare of students. This is especially concerning given the accusations of hazing and even the recording of child pornography during incidents. The implications are severe, and they raise critical questions about oversight and accountability within school athletic programs.
Community Response and Next Steps
As the situation unfolds, parents of the students allegedly involved have expressed their frustration toward the school for what they viewed as a lack of seriousness in addressing their concerns. They believe their voices were overlooked, compounding the distress experienced by those involved. While the leadership of the church and the school have shown public support for the administration and coaching staff, indicating they believe protocols were followed correctly, the community remains anxious about the outcome of the investigations.
Legal Troubles on the Horizon
With investigations still ongoing, legal experts anticipate that more lawsuits could be on the way as the situation continues to develop. Only time will reveal the full consequences of these allegations for the Ursuline High School football program, but it’s clear that this is a story we’ll be watching closely for updates.
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Additional Resources
- WFMJ: Ursuline High Coach Suspensions
- Wikipedia: Hazing
- Beacon Journal: Football Cancellations
- Google Search: Ursuline High School Hazing
- Trib Today: Coaches on Leave
- Google Scholar: Hazing in High Schools
- Sports Illustrated: Hazing Allegations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hazing
- Cleveland 19: Lawsuit Against Ursuline
- Google News: Ursuline High School Hazing