YOUNGSTOWN (OH)
WKBN-TV, Ch. 27 [Youngstown OH]
September 15, 2025
By Gerry Ricciutti
Since the beginning of September, employees with Ursuline High School have been removed from their coaching jobs, and the football team’s season has been canceled.
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It comes after two federal lawsuits were filed against the school — one alleging hazing and sexual abuse on a summer football team trip and the other alleging assault by a football team player in 2023 and continued menacing behavior for two years after.
On Monday, Catholic Diocese of Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar made his first public comments since the lawsuits were filed. He said he prays for all those who have been impacted.
“On behalf of the diocese, we are deeply saddened by the allegations that have emerged regarding Ursuine High School,” Bonnar said. “We really feel the pain that parents and students are feeling right now.”
Both lawsuits alleged that Ursuline coaches and administrators tried to cover up the problems. Bonnar said the legal process will have to play itself out.
“We’re the church. We don’t, we don’t use the media to try to cases, and we’re certainly not going to do that here,” Bonnar said.
The bishop stressed that the situation goes beyond the safety of students.
“It’s the dignity of the human person. That’s something that we teach daily in our schools and from our pulpits — that we’re all sacred and special,” Bonnar said.
Bonnar said he’s leaving any future decisions up to the school’s administrators and Board of Directors.
“I’ve never been a micromanager. I think there’s a lot of good people on the board who will do their best and are doing their best to work through this,” Bonnar said.
While the bishop knows many of the students, staff and alumni have been heartbroken by the allegations, he hopes all will come together.
“I’m confident that God will lead us through this and that we will persevere,” Bonnar said.