Ursuline High School Cancels Football Game Amid Lawsuit

Youngstown, Ohio, September 5, 2025

News Summary

Ursuline High School has canceled its upcoming football game against Farrell due to serious allegations from a federal civil rights lawsuit claiming hazing and sexual assault. The lawsuit accuses several players and the coaching staff of failing to address misconduct during a football camp. Investigations are ongoing as more alleged victims emerge, raising concerns about the school’s handling of the situation. Parents and community members are watching closely as the investigation progresses.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Ursuline High School has announced the cancellation of its scheduled football game against Farrell on Friday, September 5, 2025, amid serious allegations stemming from a federal civil rights lawsuit. The notification was shared with Farrell Area School District via social media, following a decision made by Ursuline’s Board of Directors.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this week, alleges that a freshman football player experienced hazing and sexual assault by teammates during a football camp held in June. The federal lawsuit spans over 200 pages and includes disturbing claims of physical and sexual assault, with reports suggesting that some incidents were recorded and disseminated through the team’s Snapchat group chat.

According to the lawsuit, the coaching staff dismissed reports of the misconduct as “just boys being boys.” It accuses the school of failing to adequately investigate the allegations brought to their attention, which led to further discontent. As a result of the lawsuit’s filing on Tuesday, additional alleged victims and witnesses have emerged.

Ursuline High School has stated that an investigation was initiated once the alleged victim’s family formally reported the incidents. The school also confirmed that the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and the Youngstown Police Department were notified regarding the claims. Although some disciplinary actions were taken against students directly involved, details regarding these consequences remain undisclosed. Additionally, numerous students linked to the incidents left the football program before any disciplinary measures could be applied.

The ongoing investigation by the Youngstown Police Department is poised to steer further administrative action, which will be communicated when the investigation concludes. The lawsuit also includes accusations against 11 unnamed football players, Ursuline’s Head Coach Dan Reardon, two assistant coaches, and the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. The claims provided in the complaint describe an extensive culture of hazing that has been present for years. The alleged victim reportedly faced harassment during the nine-day football camp from June 12 to June 20, 2025. Disturbing accounts detail interactions where players lured the victim into private spaces where they physically assaulted him and filmed the acts.

Furthermore, the victim’s sister faced intimidation and threats from other players during this tumultuous period. The lead counsel for the plaintiffs has raised concerns about the school’s failure to protect students and emphasized the importance of accountability for the alleged perpetrators.

As the situation continues to unfold, the Diocese maintains that they conducted a prompt investigation and have cooperated with the authorities, denying any attempts to cover up the incidents. Meanwhile, the story has gained traction in the media, prompting concerns over the potential spread of misinformation on social platforms. The Youngstown Police Department’s investigation remains ongoing to uncover the truth behind these allegations.

Key Features of the Incident

• Canceled Game: Ursuline High School’s football game against Farrell is canceled.
• Federal Lawsuit: Filed alleging hazing and sexual assault of a freshman football player.
• Coaching Staff Response: Allegations suggest that incidents were dismissed as typical behavior.
• Investigation Status: Ongoing investigation by Youngstown Police and the school.
• Disciplinary Action: Some students faced consequences, but specifics remain undisclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WKYC: Ursuline High School Lawsuit
• WFMJ: Ursuline Football Game Canceled
• WKBN: Ursuline Family Files Lawsuit
• Beacon Journal: Ohio High School Football Hazing Lawsuit
• WFMJ: National Hazing Attorney Weighs In
• Wikipedia: Hazing
• Google Search: Ursuline High School football hazing
• Google Scholar: Hazing
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hazing
• Google News: Ursuline High School hazing lawsuit

Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER

HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.