About

About US Athletics

University School lacrosse player running across the pitch during a game.

In this section

Greetings from US Athletics!

Since 1890, University School has supported the belief that interscholastic sports provide boys with the lifelong skills they need to lead and serve.

We feature best-in-class athletic facilities across two campuses, inspiring coaches who mentor and develop our boys from grades Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, and high-achieving students who support the mission of the school each day through their hard work, relentless passion, and servant leadership as University School athletes.

Go US!

Sean McDonnell
Athletic Director Jr. K-12

 

 

 

 

History & Championships

US has a storied athletic tradition, having played the first high school football game in Ohio and being a founding member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association in 1907. In 1925, US left the OHSAA to become a charter member of the Interstate Preparatory School League with other leading Independent Schools in the Midwest. US remained in the IPSL until 1991 when the School returned to the OHSAA for good.  Since 1992, US has won 29 State Championships and supports one of the finest athletic programs in the State.

National Championships (9)
  • Squash (4)
    2014, 2016, 2023, 2025
  • Tennis (5)
OHSAA State Titles (29)

1990-Present

  • Golf (5)
    1990, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008
  • Hockey (2)
    2003, 2009
  • Swimming (11)
    2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
  • Lacrosse (3)
    1999, 2008, 2009
  • Tennis (8)
    1990, 1992, 1993, 1996, 2002, 2005, 2012, 2017
State Finalist (18)
  • Baseball
    2025
  • Cross Country (4)
    2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
  • Golf (3)
    1989, 2000, 2010
  • Lacrosse (3)
    1995, 2010, 2011
  • Soccer (1)
    1992
  • Tennis (2)
    1991, 2007
  • Wrestling (5)
    1944, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010
Regional Titles (8)
  • Lacrosse (6)
    1995, 1999, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2017, 2024
  • Soccer (1)
    1992
  • Track & Field (1)
    2008
District Championships (21)
  • Basketball (2)
    2002, 2009
  • Baseball (1)
    1992
  • Hockey (12)
    1990, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
  • Soccer (5)
    1992, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017
  • Track & Field (1)
    2008
IPSL Championships (163)

1925-1990

  • Baseball (27)
    1925, 1928, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1942, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1955, 1956, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1979, 1980, 1981
  • Basketball (15)
    1928, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1939, 1940, 1954, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1989, 1990
  • Cross Country (8)
    1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982
  • Golf (3)
    1983, 1987, 1989
  • Football (18)
    1927, 1932, 1935, 1948, 1949, 1953, 1954, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1983
  • Soccer (15)
    1936, 1948, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1960, 1961, 1965, 1968, 1974, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1986
  • Swimming (1)
    1987
  • Tennis (28)
    1931, 1932, 1946, 1948, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1966, 1969, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990
  • Wrestling (25)
    1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1987

 

 

Affiliations

Administration

Mr. Sean McDonnell

Mr. Sean McDonnell
Director of Athletics K-12, Basketball Coach, Admi

Email

 

Mr. John Ptacek

Mr. John Ptacek
Director of Athletics 9-12, Soccer Coach

216-831-2200 x7332

Email

 

Mr. Robert Emmet

Mr. Robert Emmet
Middle School Athletic Director, Jr.K-8 Physical Education Teacher, Co-Director US Day Camp

216-371-6818 x8250

Email

 

Contact Us

For General Athletics’ Inquiries Related to Grades 9-12

Mike Perrino
Athletics Assistant

216-831-2200 x7334

Email

For General Athletics’ Inquiries Related to Grades 7-8

Rob Emmet
Middle School Athletic Director

Email

For High School Athletics’ Scheduling or HV Campus Sports Camp Inquiries

John Ptacek
Upper School Athletic Director, Director of Summer Sports Camps

Email

For Strength & Conditioning Inquiries

Carlo Alvarez
Strength & Conditioning Coach

Email

Explore Your Journey

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University School students playing football, team member runs with the ball across the pitch.

Sports

View information for team sports at University School, including game schedules.

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Aerial view of University School's athletics field.

Facilities

University School’s athletic facilities are among the best in Northeast Ohio with a full range of spaces, playing fields, and other amenities to support our excellent physical education and athletic programs.

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University School student leaping over hurdles during a track and field event, wearing a University School athletics uniform.

Sport Performance

US’s Strength and Conditioning program's grade-by-grade athlete development model is built around annual plans with the goal of equipping each boy to maximize his academic and on-the-field success.

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Take the Next Steps

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