Somerville High School, which sponsors the team-building retreat annually, was made aware of the charges Tuesday, according to WBZ. The students were arrested Friday.

‘All of us, frankly, are horrified at these allegations,’ school superintendent Tony Pierantozzi said at Friday’s news conference in Somerville with the mayor and other school officials. ‘We will ensure to the best of our ability that everyone and anyone who needs support will have it.’

‘We will plead not guilty Tuesday because my client is not guilty,’ attorney William Korman said in a statement to the media. ‘He has absolutely no criminal history. He has never been in trouble before. We steadfastly maintain his innocence. His parents support him 100 per cent.’

A total of 165 student athletes attended the camp, 62 boy football players, 61 boy soccer players and 42 girl soccer players, with eight coaches per team as supervisors, according to Pierantozzi.

The school has taken athletes to the camp for the past 15 years, and makes them sign no-hazing pledges before taking part in the three night trip, said Curtatone.

Curtatone stood by the students, praising their courage and pledging support.

‘[This incident] not define us… our spirit and character is defined by the courage shown by the victims and by the team. They have stood up and spoken out... and we will stand up with them and for them.’