Cheerleading is the Most Dangerous High School Sport

Preventing injuries is a top priority

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By Heather Hintze
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Story Created: Mar 13, 2012 at 7:29 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Mar 15, 2012 at 10:07 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Hundreds of cheerleaders were at South High School on Tuesday for the Alaska State Cheerleading Competition.

But it’s not all about pep.

Preventing injuries is also a top priority for coaches and their athletes.

Girls and boys from 30 schools around the state have been practicing for months and know what it takes to stay safe during a competition of this caliber.

“Every time we fly that has to be the main focus, there can't be any giggling or talking, everything has to be completely focused on our flyer,” said Kaity McAdams, a senior at Sitka High School.

Chelsea Kilgore, a senior at Juneau Douglas High School added, “When we're doing stunts we always have spotters and we always encourage each other to stay up and fight for a stunt but if someone falls we all catch whoever is falling.”

Each year about 28,000 cheerleaders across the nation are hurt, making it the most dangerous high school sport. That’s why coach’s say teaching the basics is a must.

"We start from the bottom and build up which also builds the kids confidence which makes them more willing to do the more dangerous stunts they need to be at a competitive level,” said Joyce Davis, the Varsity Cheerleading Coach at Chugiak High School.

The tournament director, Chris Hebert, says with the sport becoming more competitive, it’s also crucial for coaches to stay up on the latest information. “ASAA makes sure all coaches are safety certified and stunt certified before they can have their students be involved,” said Hebert.

Though medics are standing by, cheerleaders hope they’ve taken enough precautions to ensure the only help they need is their squad’s spirits and smiles to take them to number one.

 

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MC said on Wednesday, Mar 14 at 7:51 AM

Perhaps we should bench these sports and focus on the academic side of education. In the arena of education the US has been on a rapid decline for decades. It's time to ask, "which is more important; building strong individuals who will return the US to Global Leader. Or building individuals who can make a perfect pyramid and chase a ball across a field, but who cannot find the answer to 2x7.

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The Voice of Men said on Wednesday, Mar 14 at 8:20 AM

It's not even a real sport.

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Renee99503 said on Monday, Mar 19 at 11:37 AM

I always get a laugh out of the people that post the old saw about competitive cheerleading..."its not a sport". Clearly they've never done it. Tumbling, strenghth, agility, flexibility, coordination, and all while smiiling and projecting to the audience. Good job to all the young men and women who competed!

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Christine said on Sunday, Mar 25 at 11:22 AM

Cheerleading at this level with acrobatics is absolutely as tough as 'some' sports. Cheerleading such as the ones who simply dance around and wave pom poms? Sorry, not a sport.

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Anonymous said on Sunday, Mar 25 at 11:27 AM

That medic looks like a heart attack waiting to happen!

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