News Summary
Due to a high number of player injuries and illnesses, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School has canceled its Week 8 varsity football game against Harvest Prep. This decision was made to ensure the health and safety of student-athletes, following recent challenges faced by the team. The cancellation marks the second consecutive week of disruptions for Greater Akron football teams. STVM currently holds an 0-6 record, and consultations about player health are ongoing. The school remains committed to monitoring player recovery and maintaining communication with opponents.
AKRON, OHIO – St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (STVM) has announced the cancellation of its Week 8 varsity football game against Harvest Prep due to a significant number of player injuries and illnesses that have compromised the team’s ability to compete safely. This decision comes on the heels of a bye week for the team and follows the recent cancellation of Youngstown Ursuline’s football season.
The STVM administration prioritized the health, safety, and well-being of its student-athletes, leading to this difficult but necessary decision. The cancellation marks the second consecutive week when a Greater Akron football team has had to forgo a game, after Barberton withdrew from its matchup against Highland the previous week. STVM noted that several of its varsity players have not only sustained injuries but some are facing season-ending conditions, which has further strained the team’s roster.
In addition to the injuries, the team has been affected by a bacterial skin infection that has led to additional players being sidelined. The culmination of these injuries and health issues has forced the school to consult with the athletic training staff at Akron Children’s Hospital to determine the best course of action. The decision to cancel the game allows players to focus on recovery while evaluations continue over the coming weeks to assess their readiness for future competitions.
The St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish currently hold an 0-6 record for the season and were set to play Walsh Jesuit in Week 9. The canceled game against Harvest Prep is the sixth game that STVM has had to cancel this season for various reasons including health and safety concerns. In earlier matches, the team experienced several tough losses, including shutouts against Nordonia, Perry, and Hudson. The last game played by STVM resulted in a 28-14 defeat to Elyria Catholic on September 26.
In addition to the impact on the football team, the cancellation also affects other associated groups, including the marching band, cheerleaders, and the fans and families who support the team. STVM expressed disappointment regarding the cancellation and acknowledged its ripple effects through the school’s community.
Despite the setback within the football program, school officials have confirmed that all other athletic events and school activities will proceed as planned. STVM continues to maintain open lines of communication with upcoming opponents to ensure everyone involved is aware of the situation.
The school’s administration is committed to monitoring the health of the players on a weekly basis and will provide updates on their status as they progress through their recovery. The health and safety of its student-athletes remain the highest priority as the team navigates this challenging situation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Beacon Journal
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- WKYC
- Google Search: St Vincent-St Mary high school football
- SI.com
- Google News: Ohio high school football
- Cleveland 19
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
