BEREA, Ohio — Jabriel Williams, 18, was charged Wednesday with rape, sexual battery, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and hazing after his Berea-Midpark football player was indicted on numerous allegations, including rape, sexual battery, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and hazing. Williams entered a not-guilty plea.
Mayor Fraley read the Constitution Week Proclamation and encouraged everyone to continue supporting local businesses, register to vote, and participate in the November 6 elections.
History
Berea High School is an historic high school located in Berea, Ohio, that was constructed between 1927 and 1929. As the first high school to offer diplomas for graduating students prior to this change in policy, its colors are green and white, and its mascot is Block B.
Berea’s football program boasts an illustrious legacy. Over its history, its teams have won multiple championships while never claiming a state crown since 1976. Berea and Midpark’s rivalry has been intense over time, and both schools have shared numerous memorable moments between themselves; both made state playoff appearances: Berea twice reached the semifinals (’78 & ”82) while Midpark reached four times total.
Berea College was home to one of the nation’s first integrated football teams during the early 1900s, traveling via horse and wagon across Kentucky to play other schools regardless of size or budget – from liberal arts colleges like Centre College in Danville all the way through state universities such as what would become Kentucky University.
Berea School Library was opened for business in 1906. Stocked with 140 books, its funding came from patron fees of $10 and the school district, located within its schoolhouse and maintained by its superintendent.
In 1962, a new high school was constructed to house 750 students. Designed by architect E. C. Grissom and costing $1,300,000. Situated between Berea Drive and Burdine Street, it became known as Berea Junior and Senior High School before changing again upon merging with Midpark High School in 2013.
Berea High School is a three-story brick structure constructed between 2002 and 2005 at the cost of $35.4 million, housing the Berea-Midpark Titans, who compete in Ohio High School Athletic Association Southwestern Conference competition and under Tim DeLuca who began coaching career at Norwalk High School before also coaching at Baldwin Wallace University.
Coaches
Berea High School football team experienced a disappointing year last year, finishing 1-9. They hope for better this time around under new head coach Drew Chisholm (also athletic director). He previously led Blacksburg’s successful program before coaching North Greenville himself from 1995 to 1999.
Blackwell guided DeAngelo Branche to a state championship and earned various all-state accolades during his time at Camden, Woodmont, and Mauldin high schools. Additionally, his coaching success extended across ten years at these high schools – as he led running backs on similar journeys at each location.
Berea City Schools District was accused of turning a blind eye to allegations that its coaches and administrators knew about an atmosphere of hazing, bullying, and assault among members of Berea-Midpark High School’s football team – claims which have been advanced by an attorney representing John Doe – however, their actions weren’t taken swiftly enough against all parties involved, including coaches and players at school. Timothy J. Weyls brought forth the lawsuit on behalf of John Doe against various parties associated with school coaches as well as players themselves – allegations which Weyls filed on his client’s behalf to hold them accountable.
Julius Prince, head coach at Berea High School football team, and Greenville County Schools spokesperson Ryan Flood confirmed Thursday that Prince had been charged with driving under the influence. This follows a traffic stop conducted on Oct 15 at Antrim Drive and South Pleasantburg Drive after an officer observed Prince’s car traveling into the left lane on a two-lane road, according to Greenville County Schools spokesperson Ryan Flood.
Berea-Midpark was constructed between 1929 and 1927 and is located east of Baldwin Wallace University. As one of two high schools within the Berea City School District, Berea-Midpark once shared facilities with Central High School; both buildings were later sold back to Baldwin Wallace University when its campus moved. At one time, there was an estimated student enrollment of 3,100 at Berea-Midpark, which offers various programs, including full-time culinary training as well as health and wellness resources.
Schedules
Rivalry Week continues in Berea-Midpark this Saturday when Berea-Midpark takes on Olmsted at George Finnie Stadium. Fresh off a 28-7 victory against Elyria last weekend, Berea-Midpark quarterback Trevor Bycznski hopes to secure a playoff berth in Region 1. His stellar high school career includes throwing for over 3,000 yards last season!
Players
Berea High School football team boasts some talented players this year, led by quarterback Amazay Robinson, who hopes to lead them to victory this season. Robinson is widely recognized as an elite recruit with scholarship offers from several colleges, thus making him an invaluable addition to this year’s squad.
Berea’s first high school was constructed between 1927 and 1929 on Beech Street in Berea, Ohio, and served as a replacement for one built during the 1880s; it was later sold to Baldwin Wallace University and torn down soon afterward. Now part of Berea-Midpark school district.
Berea High School (BHS), located east of Baldwin Wallace University and part of the Berea City Schools district, serves students in grades nine through twelve. BHS was originally one of two high schools serving Berea City School District, but it closed and was combined with Midpark High School to form Berea-Midpark High School in 2013.
Berea High School offers its students a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses fundamental math, science, English, history, Latin and American government, music lessons, foreign language study, and art lessons are also part of this comprehensive program. Furthermore, Berea also has a unique curriculum for gifted and talented learners.
To be considered a high school, a school must provide four years of instruction with at least eighteen units taught per term at least four times. Furthermore, diplomas must also be awarded, which differs from previous systems which issued certificates to students.
Berea High School is a popular destination for college-bound athletes. Its varsity teams have won several national titles, and its academic programs rank among the best in Kentucky. Students may enroll in over 30 Advanced Placement (AP) courses as well as extracurricular activities; it is also the home of the Berea Musical Arts Association.
