Cheerleading a poisonous toxin? That's a bit over the top, don't you think? A few cheerleading controversies have been in the local news lately. But in hundreds of high schools across Texas, cheerleading is just one of many extracurricular activities, no better or worse than others. Cheerleading encourages physical activity, teamwork and school spirit. The occasional scandal doesn't negate the good it promotes.
If Mr Parks wants to encourage reform, he ought to focus on underage drinking in general. Cheerleading is not the root issue here. The root issue, underage drinking, gets lost in the sensationalist coverage of the media whenever cheerleaders are involved.
Mr Parks' suggested reforms are equally off the mark. Getting rid of the cheerleader booster club risks leaving these students under less adult supervision than ever. If booster clubs are part of the problem, reform them, don't get rid of them.
And was Mr Parks himself drinking when he came up with the idea to eliminate cheerleaders from the sidelines at football games? Instead of pretending cheerleading is a separate sport, we ought to be restoring cheerleading to its origins — leading cheers. As it is, cheerleaders on the sidelines at football games too often look like they are practicing for some upcoming competition of their own instead of getting fans involved in the game in front of them.
We ought to be nurturing students to develop school spirit and a sense of community and a shared effort towards a common goal. School sporting events can provide the setting. Cheerleaders can lead the way. But only if they are coached to realize that crowd enthusiasm is the real measure of success, not gymnastic skills.
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