Cheerleaders cleared to stunt

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
In addition to running, jumping and tumbling, Hartselle’s cheerleaders will soon be doing pyramids and other off-the- ground stunts providing a proposed revised cheerleading policy is approved at the next school board meeting.
The board approved a first reading of the revised policy at its regular meeting on Monday night after discussing the proposed change with Jeff Hyche, Hartselle High School principal, Bob Young, athletic director, and Beth Long, cheerleading sponsor.
While some board members expressed concern about the safety of cheerleaders doing stunts, they were assured mats would be used, medical assistance would be available, and cheerleaders would be properly trained as a prerequisite to stunting.
Long said a survey of the state’s Class 5A and 6A schools revealed only Hartselle Decatur and Mobile school district prohibited above ground-level stunting.
The board acted on other matters as follows: