High school rivals come together to host ‘United for Mental Wellness Night’

Friday night was about more than touchdowns and traditions as St. Xavier and Elder High School faced off on the field, organizers turned the rivalry into a chance to talk about something both schools say matters even more than the score: young men’s mental health.Booths from Cincinnati Children’s and local nonprofits like 988 and the Ben Morrison Foundation lined the concourse, offering resources and one-on-one conversations for students and families. Saint X’s therapy dog, Evan, greeted students, while members of the school’s Sources of Strength club handed out information and shared their own stories of where they find help.“We’re trying to deconstruct this idea that being manly means forcing your mental health down and not talking about it,” said Jason Ahlers, Saint X’s assistant principal for student life. “I graduated in 1991 — we were taught if you talked about mental health, people would harm themselves. We now understand that’s just not right.”Students echoed that message.“I’d say my source of strength is probably healthy activity,” said junior AJ Thomas. Eric Nienabear added, “For me, it’s my mom and dad. I rely on them — they’re kind of my rock.”Organizers say the goal is simple but urgent: use a packed stadium and a heated rivalry to normalize asking for help.“My ultimate hope is that if there’s one kid in this crowd who feels alone, who feels like it’s too hard, that he’s going to ask somebody to talk about it. That’s all that would matter. That’s what’s important.” Ahlers said.

CINCINNATI —

Friday night was about more than touchdowns and traditions as St. Xavier and Elder High School faced off on the field, organizers turned the rivalry into a chance to talk about something both schools say matters even more than the score: young men’s mental health.

Booths from Cincinnati Children’s and local nonprofits like 988 and the Ben Morrison Foundation lined the concourse, offering resources and one-on-one conversations for students and families. Saint X’s therapy dog, Evan, greeted students, while members of the school’s Sources of Strength club handed out information and shared their own stories of where they find help.

“We’re trying to deconstruct this idea that being manly means forcing your mental health down and not talking about it,” said Jason Ahlers, Saint X’s assistant principal for student life. “I graduated in 1991 — we were taught if you talked about mental health, people would harm themselves. We now understand that’s just not right.”

Students echoed that message.

“I’d say my source of strength is probably healthy activity,” said junior AJ Thomas. Eric Nienabear added, “For me, it’s my mom and dad. I rely on them — they’re kind of my rock.”

Organizers say the goal is simple but urgent: use a packed stadium and a heated rivalry to normalize asking for help.

“My ultimate hope is that if there’s one kid in this crowd who feels alone, who feels like it’s too hard, that he’s going to ask somebody to talk about it. That’s all that would matter. That’s what’s important.” Ahlers said.