SUA VS NDA Breast Cancer Bowl
St. Ursula vs Notre Dame competitive flag football game coached by athletes from St. Francis De Sales and St. John's Jesuit High School.
SUA seniors and coaches post-practice at St.Ursula’s own, Strasser Field. September 14, 2025. Photo Courtesy of Ella Hertzfeld.
By Sophia Opaczewski and Sophia Pennywitt
September 22, 2025
TOLEDO, OH – Saint Ursula Academy gives current seniors the opportunity to compete in a flag football game versus their rival, Notre Dame Academy, in October.
This game is scheduled to be held at St. Francis De Sales on October 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets will be sold in the near future, estimated at around $10, with all proceeds going to The Victory Center.
“The money goes towards The Victory Center, a local cancer foundation,” said Ella Hertzfeld, a senior at St. Ursula Academy. “It serves not only the cancer patients, but their families as well. They have a lot of support groups and offer massages for those undergoing chemo.”
Four St. Francis De Sales students are coaching the SUA team: Beau Thomas, Brent Ghering, Drew Puckett, and Jackson Harbaugh. The coaches are either student-athletes or a part of the Student Council at SFS.
There are approximately 45 SUA students signed up, which is more than they have had in the past. The practices take place once a week on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St.Ursula’s turf field, Strasser Field.
The rules for this game consist of having seven players from each team on the field at a time, no tackling other players, and no kicking for extra points.
On game day, the players receive a pinnie that they get with a designated number, except the number 26, as that is the default number for the rest of the senior class. Along with that, they can choose to wear a pair of leggings or other comfortable athletic wear.
“This (event) brings us closer because everyone is participating and there are a lot of new people that I haven't talked to as much,” Sydney Hoffman said, a senior attending St. Ursula Academy. “I think it is a good chance for me to talk to new people and make more friends.”
The students at SUA, SJJ, SFS, and NDA can also purchase a $12 shirt or a $30 sweatshirt at school, sponsored by the company Jupmode, as they give a portion of the proceeds back to the organization. The purchase of the BCB gear will allow students to show their support for the event.
