Former Bellwood-Antis High School Coach Convicted for Failing to Protect Students from Sexual Abuse

Pennsylvania Coach Found Guilty in Child Endangerment Case

In a high-profile case shaking Pennsylvania’s school athletics community, Timothy Andrekovich, the former varsity wrestling coach at Bellwood-Antis High School, has been convicted of endangering the welfare of a child. The conviction stems from his failure to protect student-athletes from a known threat—junior high wrestling coach Ryan Blazier, who was under investigation for child sexual abuse at the time.

The verdict, reached by a Blair County jury after a two-day trial, affirms the growing calls for accountability among school officials who knowingly ignore or minimize allegations of abuse.

Coach Ignored Warnings About Accused Abuser

According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Andrekovich was warned in December 2019 that Blazier was being investigated for sexually abusing a child. Despite this serious allegation, Andrekovich did not enforce a safety plan. Instead, he allowed Blazier continued, unsupervised access to students, putting vulnerable athletes at risk.

“As head wrestling coach, the defendant was supposed to be looking out for his wrestlers. Instead, when notified of a potential threat, he abdicated his responsibility to protect those students,” said Attorney General Dave Sunday.

Convicted Predator Allowed Access to Students

The ramifications of Andrekovich’s failure became devastatingly clear in June 2023, when Ryan Blazier was convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to multiple decades in prison. The criminal case revealed how the school’s failure to act may have prolonged the suffering of victims who were supposed to be protected.

The fallout from these revelations has shaken the Bellwood-Antis School District, where families and the broader community are left wondering how such negligence could occur under the guise of school leadership.

Sentencing and Legal Aftermath

Andrekovich’s sentencing is scheduled for August 25, where he will face the consequences of his inaction. The case was successfully prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Julia van Leeuwen and Senior Deputy Attorney General Lauren Eichelberger, both of the Criminal Prosecutions Section. Attorney General Sunday commended their dedication to seeking justice.

A Wake-Up Call for Pennsylvania Schools

This case serves as a powerful reminder that school officials and coaches have a legal and moral obligation to act when they are made aware of potential abuse. Turning a blind eye not only enables abusers—it endangers children and violates public trust.

Legal Help for Victims of School Sexual Abuse in Pennsylvania

If you or someone you love was harmed by a school employee or coach, you are not alone. Survivors deserve to be heard, and they have the right to seek justice and compensation for the trauma they endured.

Ashley B. DiLiberto, Esq., of Survivors of Abuse PA, is a trauma-informed attorney dedicated to representing survivors of institutional abuse across Pennsylvania. She understands the sensitivity of these cases and is here to provide confidential, compassionate support throughout your legal journey.

Contact Survivors of Abuse PA for a Free Consultation

Justice starts with taking the first step. Contact Survivors of Abuse PA today at (267) 502-9090 or visit https://survivorsofabusepa.com to schedule your free, confidential case evaluation.

Let us help you hold those who failed you accountable and begin your path toward healing.

Source:

https://www.si.com/high-school/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-high-school-soccer-standouts-find-roles-with-pittsburgh-riveters-01jzbzqffdgh