EDWARDSVILLE - A volunteer volleyball coach for Saint Ambrose Catholic School claims she was injured when a student slid under the volleyball net and knocked her over.
Angela Santel filed the complaint in the Madison County Circuit Court against David Gorsage, individually and as parent and next friend of M.G., The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois Trustee Corporation, and/or Saint Ambrose Parish of Godfrey, doing business as Saint Ambrose Catholic School.
According to the complaint, Santel was a volunteer volleyball coach for the 7th Grade Boys volleyball team at Saint Ambrose Catholic School. She claims that from across the gym, Gorsage called his son over from the volleyball court. The student allegedly slid under the volleyball net and struck Santel, knocking her to the ground.
As a result of her injuries, the plaintiff claims she endured pain and suffering and incurred medical expenses.
Santel claims M.G. had a history of “obnoxious and dangerous” behavior, including spin kicking, grabbing the net, sliding under the net and running around with reckless disregard for those in his general surroundings.
The plaintiff claims Gorsage failed to warn his son of the dangers his behavior posed to those around him.
Santel alleges M.G. failed to comply with directions, failed to comply with disciplinary commands, failed to recognize personal boundaries, failed to keep a lookout for those around him, acted carelessly with blatant disregard for others, and was otherwise negligent in his conduct.
She alleges the Catholic Diocese and the school failed to provide her with a safe environment to carry out her duties as a volunteer volleyball coach and failed to have its employees intervene to address M.G.’s behavior. She claims the school’s athletic director and volleyball coach failed to supervise and instruct the team during practices and games.
Santel also alleges the defendants knew of M.G.’s behavior and failed to provide the appropriate and needed services to Gorsage to address the issue. She claims they failed to act upon the “pattern of activities by students who needed special attention or services.”
Santel seeks an unspecified amount in damages, plus court costs. She is represented by Kevin O’Connor Law Firm Ltd. in Chicago.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 22-LA-180