Investigation Launched After Cheerleaders Sustain Burns During Extreme Punishment in Texas

A middle school coach in Lubbock, Texas, has been put on administrative leave following allegations that she imposed severe punishment on cheerleaders on an extremely hot track, leading to first and second-degree burns. On October 9, an incident occurred involving the eighth-grade cheerleading team at Evans Middle School.

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Reports indicate that the coach directed the girls to execute “bear crawls” and “crab walks” on a track with a surface temperature surpassing 125 degrees. The punishment was reportedly imposed because the cheerleaders executed a routine that the coach found unacceptable during a recent football game. A parent who assessed the track's temperature referred to it as “dangerously hot,” prompting worries regarding the safety and well-being of the young athletes.

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The girls returned home from practice, showcasing noticeable injuries such as blisters and hand burns. Some individuals sought medical attention, with one cheerleader reportedly receiving treatment at the burn unit of Texas Tech University Medical Center. Parents assert that, despite these injuries, the school did not adequately communicate the severity of their children's injuries or their visits to the school nurse.

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“This was not a mistake; it was a deliberate act,” stated one mother, describing the coach’s actions as “malicious and intentional.” She voiced her frustration regarding the insufficient communication from school officials.

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The school district has announced that the incident is under investigation, and the coach will stay on leave while awaiting the results. Parents are now seeking accountability and guarantee that similar incidents will not occur again, urging improved safety protocols for student-athletes.

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