By Nicarlyle Hanchard / The Jambar
Youngstown State University remains in a limited-business relationship in regards to the rental use of campus facilities with Ursuline High School amid recent controversy.
The university issued a statement to The Jambar that outlined Ursuline’s permitted use of various sporting facilities.
“Under this arrangement, the university receives an annual facility rental fee. This partnership is strictly a venue rental agreement and does not extend beyond the use of athletic facilities,” the university stated.
The Jambar asked for further clarification of the arrangement’s status. At the time of press, it is unclear whether the rental agreement would afford Ursuline a refund under these circumstances.
The Jambar previously reported that YSU rents six of its sporting facilities to interested parties. Beede Field in Stambaugh Stadium, is most often rented to host football games or practice matches.
Ursuline and Cardinal Mooney High School often rent the football field to host its home games. The schools also rent Farmers Bank National Field to play its varsity soccer games.
The other facilities available for rent include the Cafaro Family Field, YSU Softball Complex, Watts and Tressel Training Site and the YSU Indoor Tennis Center.
Ursuline announced the cancellation of the remainder of its football season Sept. 12. This came after two civil lawsuits were filed against the institution in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio Eastern Division.
The initial lawsuit was brought against the administration, coaching staff, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and several football players alleging sexual misconduct during a camp this past summer and further alleging the administration’s negligence in resolving the matter.
As several of Ursuline’s football players look to transfer to other schools, the Ohio High School Athletic Association ruled Sept. 16 that they will be ineligible to play for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
This decision was made according to OHSAA Bylaw 4-7-3 that discusses midseason transfers.
In its statement, YSU emphasized that the relationship with Ursuline is solely business and has no involvement in its current litigations.
