Youngstown, OH – Ursuline High School Cancels Football Game Amid Hazing and Assault Allegations in Federal Lawsuit

Ursuline High School has canceled its upcoming football game against Farrell, originally scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025. The announcement was made public through a post on social media, indicating a significant decision by the school in light of serious allegations.

The decision to cancel the game was communicated to the Farrell Area School District after Ursuline High School’s Board of Directors convened to discuss the situation. Farrell Head Coach Amp Pegues received this notification from Ursuline Head Coach Dan Reardon.

This cancellation comes shortly after the filing of a 200-page federal civil rights lawsuit against Ursuline High School, its coaching staff, and its administrators, alleging hazing and sexual assault against a freshman football player during a team camp in June 2025. The lawsuit claims that the victim was subjected to both physical and sexual assault, with some incidents purportedly recorded and disseminated among the team members via Snapchat.

According to the lawsuit, there are allegations that the coaching staff dismissed the reported acts as “just boys being boys,” leading to inadequate investigation or address of the serious claims. Following the filing of the lawsuit earlier in the week, additional alleged victims or witnesses have reportedly come forward.

Ursuline High School has stated that it opened an investigation into the matter once a formal report was received from the alleged victim’s family. The school notified both the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and the Youngstown Police Department about the ongoing allegations. Consequently, some students “most directly involved” have faced disciplinary actions, although specific details have not been divulged. It is noted that some individuals implicated in the incidents had already exited the football program prior to the enforcement of any disciplinary actions.

The ongoing investigation led by the Youngstown Police Department will also inform future administrative actions that the school plans to communicate. According to the lawsuit, the federal complaint highlights a sustained culture of hazing at Ursuline High School, reportedly ongoing for many years.

The incidents cited in the legal filing took place over a nine-day football camp from June 12 to June 20, 2025. Disturbing details include players allegedly luring the victim into private rooms, subjecting him to physical assault, and filming the acts for later sharing.

The lawsuit suggests a climate of intimidation and silencing, noting that the alleged victim’s sister faced threats from other players as a result of the accusations. The lawsuit targets Ursuline High School, 11 unnamed football players, Head Coach Dan Reardon, two assistant coaches, and the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown as defendants.

Lead counsel for the plaintiffs emphasized the importance of accountability, condemning the school’s apparent failure to protect its students from harm. There are further allegations against Head Coach Dan Reardon concerning a history of willful ignorance towards misconduct among players, which purportedly contributed to the toxic environment.

In response, the Diocese has claimed that they conducted a timely and thorough investigation, cooperating with relevant authorities while denying any allegations of covering up the incidents in question. The situation has garnered extensive media coverage, alongside growing concerns about misinformation circulating on social media platforms.

Currently, the Youngstown Police Department is engaged in an investigation regarding the serious allegations outlined in the lawsuit, aiming to establish the veracity of the claims and to ensure justice is served.