Asheville News

Is cheerleading a sport?

Jason Sandford March 11, 2007

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

That seems to be the question at the heart of a dispute that we’re certain to hear more about. Here’s the deal – the Reynolds High School cheerleading coach has quit her job because the school’s athletic director won’t display a photo of the state championship-winning team over the school’s trophy case.

The coach, Bobbie Tweed, says her girls are crushed. There’s a photo of the 2005 state championship-winning cheerleading team over the trophy case, after all. But the school AD, Jim Sziksai, says the team is getting plenty of love in the form of a banner for the gym and individual plaques and T-shirts.

The controversy isn’t over yet. Cheerleader parents are meeting with Sziksai on Wednesday.

So what do you think? Should cheerleaders be honored alongside baseball and basketball players?

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Just a few issues

Caldwell calling it quits?

2 Comments

Carole March 13, 2007

It’s a trophy case for school achievements, for God’s sake! Why in the world would the AD have any say in the matter? What if it were a competition of minds? They competed and won. Let them hang their plaque!

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Martha March 12, 2007

When I was in high school I would have said "no." Cheerleading was only popular, pretty girls yelling while moving in sync with some dance moves. Now cheerleading involves gymnastics, acrobatics, strength, and a great deal of risk of injury. Beauty alone doesn’t cut it. You have to be athletic to be on the squad. Give those young women the space in the cabinet.

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