OHSAA Announces Initial Findings and Penalties Against Akron Archbishop Hoban Football Program

Violation of OHSAA recruiting bylaw results in sanctions

From Mr. Tim Stried, Director of Communications for the OHSAA

COLUMBUS, Ohio – While the investigation into the football program at Akron Archbishop Hoban High School on a number of allegations is still ongoing, the Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced the initial findings and penalties against the school. 

The penalties stem from a violation of OHSAA Bylaw 4-9-2 – Recruiting, when head football coach Tim Tyrrell initiated contact in the fall of 2015 with a student at St. Hilary Elementary School. 

“As a veteran coach and the current athletic administrator at Archbishop Hoban, we believe that Tim Tyrrell was aware his actions were in violation of the OHSAA’s recruiting bylaw,” said Dave Gray, OHSAA interim commissioner. “Rather than wait until the investigation concluded, which could be toward the end of the season, we felt compelled to announce these penalties now so the team and school have time to make the appropriate accommodations. We appreciate the cooperation of Hoban administrators and hope to conclude this investigation soon.”

The initial penalties include a postseason coaching suspension for Tyrrell if Hoban qualifies for the 2016 playoffs. In addition, Hoban is placed on probation for the remainder of the 2016-17 school year and all of the 2017-18 school year, and Tyrrell will be limited to a total of five days of contact with the Hoban football team during the summer of 2017. 

The OHSAA will announce the end of the investigation and any additional findings and penalties at a later date.