SFHS cheerleaders return to sidelines for teams

Since Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee's issuance of Executive Order 74 restricted the attendance of spectators at sporting events for grades Kindergarten through 12, cheerleaders, dance squads, bands and pep clubs have been unable to attend ballgames.

Locally, the South Fulton High School Red Devils' Cheerleaders chants, routines and cheers were silenced since mid-December.

"As the parent of two athletes who cheer, the mandate in December hit my household hard," said Rebecca Holtzclaw of South Fulton, whose daughters, Claudia and Ellen Colston are part of the SFHS Cheer team.

Claudia is a senior.

"Claudia is hoping she will receive a scholarship for cheerleading that will help with cutting the costs of her education. Without cheering at the games, her exposure was limited. She did continue to attend tumbling classes at a local gym to help her stay in shape for the day the cheerleaders could return to the sidelines," Colston said.

On Feb. 1, restrictions which impacted the cheerleaders' attendance and participation during games were lifted.

On Feb. 2, when the Red Devils and Lady Devils traveled to Gleason, Tenn. to take on the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs, the chants, cheers and tumbling exhibitions returned to the gym floor by way of enthusiastic cheerleaders and appreciative fans and team members.

"During the limited spectator attendance mandate, cheerleaders and dancers across the state felt discriminated against because it gave the appearance they were not seen as athletes, under the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association, TSSAA, rules. But, cheerleaders are held to the same standards as ball players," Holtzclaw said.

Consequently, petitions were signed asking for the Governor's reconsideration to allow the cheerleaders' return to basketball games. Tennessee State Rep. Rusty Grills wrote and submitted a letter of support to Gov. Lee on behalf of the cheerleaders and dancers, citing their potential to miss out on scholarship opportunities.

As covid positive numbers began to fall, Gov. Lee first extended attendance for grandparents of team members, and then ultimately lifted restrictions via Executive Order #75.