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NU cheerleaders cry foul over policy changes

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BY MELISSA LEE / Lincoln Journal Star

Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 - 12:24:52 pm CST

This isn’t why Evan Edwards picked Nebraska.

She came to cheer. To stunt. To represent her long-beloved Husker teams.

Not, she says, to find out through an Athletic Department Web site that what she loves most about her sport — standing atop the shoulders of a fellow cheerleader and energizing NU fans — is disappearing.

Story Photo
NU's cheerleaders lead a cheer in 2001. (LJS File)
What other Big 12 cheerleaders get

Some highlights of cheerleading benefit packages at other Big 12 schools:

University of Colorado

* Home game tickets for parents

* Free Nike apparel

* Free uniforms and travel

* Early registration for classes

University of Missouri

* Small scholarship stipend, based on seniority

* Small book scholarship

* Free uniforms and travel

Texas Tech University

* Free meal plan, uniforms and accessories and travel

* Tutoring services

* Small monthly stipend

Baylor University

* Free uniforms, shoes, bags and warm-up clothes

* Small book scholarship depending on funds available

* $200-per-semester scholarship for cheerleader with the highest grade point average

* Tutoring services

* Game tickets for parents of seniors on Senior Day

University of Texas

* Limited number of scholarships based on need and performance; range from $100 to $250 a semester

* Free uniforms, warm-up clothes and travel

University of Nebraska

* Free Adidas apparel

* Free uniforms, warm-up clothes and travel

* $600-per-semester scholarship stipend, up from $500 a semester last year

Sources: Athletic Department and Spirit Squad offices

But that’s what’s happened, and now the freshman accounting major isn’t sure she’ll return to the University of Nebraska Spirit Squad.

“It’s just, we don’t get answers, we don’t get answers,” said Edwards, a Lincoln Pius X High School graduate. “We’re ground-bound really without explanation.

“The Husker tradition is just slipping slowly and slowly away.”

She and other cheerleaders say that when they logged onto Huskers.com late last month to get information on tryouts for next year’s squad, they were shocked to discover the Athletic Department is doing away with the two-person stunting that’s been allowed since 2003.

Further, they say, the site informed them their textbook scholarships and food allowances — worth some $2,000 per cheerleader per year — will be cut off after this year.

And they say it’s all been done without their input.

“We just don’t know why this is happening,” Edwards said.

The Athletic Department cites safety concerns as the reason for prohibiting stunting. It also points out that starting next year, each cheerleader’s scholarship stipend will rise from $500 to $600 per semester.

Like other Husker athletes, cheerleaders also are entitled to free uniforms, warm-up clothes and Adidas apparel.

In all, that benefit package — even with the loss of funds for textbooks and food — remains competitive, Athletic Department spokeswoman Chris Anderson said.

She said the changes were made after athletics officials reviewed the squad’s budget and size and researched cheerleading benefit packages at other schools.

“We still feel what we’re offering is a great, fair amount,” she said. “And it wasn’t something we took lightly.”

This year’s 54 cheerleaders are the most NU has ever had, Anderson said, and it’s too much for one coach to handle. She expects that number to drop to about 40 next year.

Anderson also said NU officials tried to call a meeting with cheerleading captains to tell them about next year’s changes before they were posted on Huskers.com.

But, she said, only one captain showed up.

“That was their responsibility to tell the rest of the cheerleaders,” she said.

She empathized with cheerleaders upset about being grounded but maintained fans will respond to a safer alternative, enthused cheering and clapping.

Stunting at NU has been an issue since 1996, when then-student Tracy Jensen was paralyzed in an accident during cheer practice. The university paid Jensen a $2.1 million settlement.

In 2002, NU did away with most stunting, including basket tosses, pyramids and tumbling. One year later, though, new Athletic Director Steve Pederson brought back two-person lifts, and cheerleaders had hoped he would further ease restrictions if they followed all safety regulations, Spirit Squad member Heather Ludwick said.

Just the opposite happened when former cheer coach Vera Branch stepped down last fall.

Cheerleaders were grounded — temporarily, they thought — for lack of a stunt safety-certified coach.

New cheerleading supervisor Carrie Vitullo, hired in December, earned stunt certification in February, Anderson said. But the grounding remains.

Ludwick, a junior marketing major from Omaha, called the decision “unprofessional.”

“Tell the football team they can’t tackle, and you’re going to get controversy. Expect it,” she said.

“They treat us like we’re children. … We feel like the Athletic Department just wants to get rid of us.”

Ludwick says a change of heart from the Athletic Department might be the only thing that could bring her back to the squad.

“Everybody is holding on to a strand of hope,” she said. “But we’re not expecting much.

“They’re taking steps back instead of taking steps forward. It says a lot about tradition.”

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.


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JC wrote on March 6, 2007 12:29 pm:
" It figures that the best summation of the Steve Pederson era at NU would come from a cheerleader. They understand "school spirit" aspect of college athletics as well as anyone. "The Husker tradition is just slipping slowly and slowly away.” - Evan Edwards, Cheerleader "

 fan wrote on March 6, 2007 12:48 pm:
" I can cheer enthusiastically and hand clap...but that doesn't make me a cheerleader...groundbounding cheerleaders is just proof this athletic department is going to shame. "

 Ben wrote on March 6, 2007 12:52 pm:
" Let the flood gates open with this one. Steve Peterson and teh rest of the of AD - you just cant buy good PR right now!! "

 Lightbulb! wrote on March 6, 2007 12:53 pm:
" I am not a cheerleader and hadn't really thought about the gender issues at play until I read that last quote comparing chearleaders to football players. Football players accept injury as a part of the sport and the whole survival of the fittest mentality reigns. With our cheerleaders, it's all about protection-- at a cost to their integrity as competitive athletes. There's so much more to say about the pedestal of womanhood. I could go on and on. Anyone care to take this up where I've left off? "

 Darren wrote on March 6, 2007 12:54 pm:
" you chose a school based on cheerleading? How sad is that? "

 ES wrote on March 6, 2007 1:01 pm:
" It sounds as if these young women's priorities are cheerleading first, education second. I can sympathize with their disappointment over the changes and the seeming lack of respect in being notified of these changes but let's inject a little reality here. It is an extra-curicular activity, one I'm sure they enjoy, work hard and take pride in but they should be attending UNL to get a good education, not just so they can be cheerleaders. "

 paul wrote on March 6, 2007 1:10 pm:
" The University of Nebraska cannot afford to have daycare, either. Don't feel bad, cheerleaders. "

 Amie wrote on March 6, 2007 1:33 pm:
" Why would we question someone choosing a school based on cheerleading when waiting for high school boys to choose a school based on football is becoming a national past time? The poster who concluded there is a gender issue may be on to something. "

 Fiddler wrote on March 6, 2007 1:38 pm:
" The Athletic Dept should just get rid of all sports except for football, baseball, women's volleyball, women's soccer, and women's softball. Then there'll be enough money left over for the cheerleading squad. It's not like anyone will miss the basketball, golf, or track teams. "

 tm wrote on March 6, 2007 2:10 pm:
" I can understand that the University had to make budget cuts and I can understand why they would make cuts dollar wise in the cheerleading program. It is a non revenue activity. However, since Vera Branch left as coach, the squads have been getting the run around from the Athletic department. Cheerleading is not a dangerous sport. Just check out the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors for accurate statistics. Steve Pederson wants to keep up with the rest of the Big 12 in Athletics, but he wants a cheer squad out there that can't do anything and will be second rate in the Big 12. How come Texas, Baylor, OU, Kansas, Texas Tech and the rest of the Big 12 haven't followed Nebraska's lead in grounding their cheerleaders or prohibiting them from tumbling, pyramids, etc? Because they take the time to have trained and knowledgeable coaches who work closely with these kids. They care. Cut the budget, that is fine, take away the athletic part of cheerleading, that is sad. I know that I can honestly say that I will not be supporting the Huskers anymore financially or in the stands as a fan til Steve Pederson gets educated "

 dlb wrote on March 6, 2007 2:18 pm:
" The taxpayers are constantly pushing for lower taxes. Lower taxes mean less money for the current budget. Services have to be trimmed or eliminated. Gender has nothing to do with it as the tryouts are open to men and women.Beside, when looking a other big 12 schools listed, it seems the new policy is still quite a bit better than most. "

 Thank You Amie wrote on March 6, 2007 2:24 pm:
" Choosing a school based on their cheerleading program in no different than choosing a school based on their football team. Why are people so ignorant about things like this and have to make fun of these young women. They are just living out their college dream, and the athletic department just woke them up. Someone else mentions that they should be focused on their education first, then their cheerleading. I wholly agree, I just hope the person who posted that agrees that other athletes do the same. Most people here don't believe that. Lastly, this is another example of Steve Pederson and his lack of communication. Numerous times, it seems like people get told things via a website or some other non-personal way. This is not a way to run an organization. Pederson makes a lot of wise moves, he just doesn't articulate them very well. That's a big problem. "

 Joe wrote on March 6, 2007 2:32 pm:
" Maybe they should start charging tuition comparable to other state flagship institutions. "

 Tony wrote on March 6, 2007 2:33 pm:
" “The Husker tradition is just slipping slowly and slowly away.” Because cheerleading regulations changed? Laughable. “Tell the football team they can’t tackle, and you’re going to get controversy. Expect it,” she said. Thank you for furthering your stereotype. Think about that analogy for a second. "

 so what wrote on March 6, 2007 2:49 pm:
" They get clothes, they get trips, stipends, scholarships, tutors and other perks from the athletic dept for cheering. So they can't jump, who really cares. If they don't like it, leave. "

 annoyed wrote on March 6, 2007 3:02 pm:
" Before people make fun of the cheerleaders for choosing the college for cheering think about how many football players chose the college for football, and not education. Don't be so quick to judge. "

 Realistic wrote on March 6, 2007 3:06 pm:
" Everyone needs to calm down and think about this issue. First of all I agree that the communication between the AD and the cheer squad should have been much better considering the money being cut does affect their futures at UNL. However, the university has been cutting programs, personel, and other such things for quite a while now because they can't afford to keep all of the non-profit things afloat with all of the state budget cuts. If something has to go give in order to save a little money, cutting back on the cheer squad is a very logical place to do it, in my opinion. UNL makes little to no money on having the cheer squad around, but spends very much on them (clothing, meals, transportation around the country for sporting events, etc.). The only thing UNL gets in return is people to stand on the sidelines at games and 'lead' cheers. When is the last time anyone paid good money to go watch a volleyball, football, or basketball game to watch the cheerleaders? If anything, its more annoying to have cheerleaders around constantly screaming and absurdly claiming that EVERY team is "#1". Sorry if that is insensitive, but I would much rather see cheerleaders not getting large amounts of money to lead cheers than I would like to see a department cut because UNL coudn't afford professors' salaries. "

 Attorney wrote on March 6, 2007 3:26 pm:
" Don't forget that a cheerleader sued this University and won for injuries sustained while a cheerleader. That hasn't happened with the football program. The university needs to do risk management and not expose itself to a lawsuit from these young women if they are injured doing risky acrobatics. (It will be interesting, if Brady Berens wins his suit if football in Lincoln High Schools will be impacted.) "

 I am N! wrote on March 6, 2007 3:26 pm:
" Thank you for posting the benefits from other Big 12 schools. Obviously NU was way out of line. As a contributor to both the athletic and education sides of the house, I am glad to see that costs are actually reviewed and compared to sister institutions. I hope that this same scrutiny is performed on the education side. I also see no need to put the university at risk with the stunts. If some students don't want to cheerlead under the new rules, they are free to do that. I don't think NU will have any trouble filling those spots. Having been an NU fan since the knothole days, I can assure you that Husker spirit is much more alive than the dreary 50s. Somehow, we will soldier on if "B" doesn't return, or "K" for that matter. "

 Bob wrote on March 6, 2007 3:31 pm:
" I certainly don't need cheerleaders to define what school spirit means. I hardly notice them at the games. What I do notice is Dailey at QB and Dedrich at RB. "

 You got to be kidding! wrote on March 6, 2007 3:32 pm:
" Does anyone really pay attention to the cheerleaders at these sporting events? Seriously, the student body does more for team spirit then the cheerleaders, and they do it with their feet on the ground. Tradition is not about cheerleaders, it is about red checked suits, painted faces, and good sportsmanship on the field and sidelines. "

 D-bonz wrote on March 6, 2007 3:32 pm:
" Steve Pederson can't catch a break or catch a donor that would give some money to the program. Can't wait for his next move! "

 Nemesis wrote on March 6, 2007 3:35 pm:
" The cheerleading squad is part of the athletic department, which is self-funding. In other words, Football pays for cheerleading. Steve Pederson is a PR nightmare. How much longer can UNL afford to keep him around? "

 The Truth wrote on March 6, 2007 3:37 pm:
" I really have to laugh, I remember sitting at a 100 years of Nebraska Cheerleading Banquet and SP saying that he loved cheerleading and that he would do everything to keep the tradition alive and strong for the next 100 years. Funny thing is he said almost the same thing about the football program........ "

 NU Fan wrote on March 6, 2007 3:41 pm:
" My high school got rid of the cheerleaders a couple of years back and surprisingly, it has led to more school spirit. Maybe we do not need cheerleaders at all and that would save the taxpayers more money. "

 MC wrote on March 6, 2007 3:41 pm:
" Why don't we ban college athletics alltogether? Seems to me as though college is for furthering one's education, not just a springboard to multi-million dollar contracts for 21 yr olds that haven't a clue how to manage money or themselves. Oh, I forgot, this is NEBRASKA, where nothing else matters but NU Football. Can't wait to leave this redneck state. "

 Bill wrote on March 6, 2007 3:42 pm:
" lack of communication by the AD? Uh did you miss the part of the story where they tried to have a meeting with the cheer captains and just one of them could be bothered to show up? Sometimes the lack of accountability by "wronged" people is astonishing. "

 Ground Bound wrote on March 6, 2007 3:51 pm:
" Why not choose a school according to their spirit squad, if it is what you want to do and they are going to give you a scholarship to do it? I think that is was bad enough that they were made into an almost ground bound squad, but now no stunting? How do you go to competitions to win money for your program if you can’t do any of that? "

 Uh Bill wrote on March 6, 2007 3:52 pm:
" I agree that the captains failed their squads, but the athletic department still has a responsibility to the rest of the cheerleaders. Obviously, if the captains didn't show, the athletic department needed to contact all the cheerleaders directly. It's not that hard to send an email out. I agree, the captains failed, but so did the athletic department, and this is just another example of the athletic department lacking in communication with its people. "

 AK wrote on March 6, 2007 3:52 pm:
" Cheerleading isn't cheerleading without lifts and tumbling! Are the gymnastics teams going to be groundbound too? No dismounts? What about the wrestlers (no take-downs?). I find it inuslting and sexist that cheerleading is being reduced to provocative close-up shots at football games on National T.V. Ever notice how the camera people shot them while squating down on the ground? I honeslty hope no one trys out next year and the whole state can see how boring and quiet our games are without them. "

 Boo Hoo wrote on March 6, 2007 4:00 pm:
" Awww, Cheerleaders have to pay for food and textbooks? WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD LADIES. It is called get a job and start paying like the rest of us do. You Cheerleaders still get a lot of other benefits that the rest of us don't, so don't push your luck. I agree with everyone else, I really don't notice the cheerleaders anyways. I don't need a bunch of spoiled girls jumping up and down to love the Huskers. "

 Sylvia wrote on March 6, 2007 4:13 pm:
" Perhaps we could do away with cheerleader perks altogether, and get more tenured staff to teach classes and cure cancer instead? "

 Erik wrote on March 6, 2007 4:28 pm:
" Who actually watches the cheerleaders? Not me. I'm focusing on the game and I bet 90% of any crowd are focusing on a game, not so much the cheerleaders twirling around. "

 hmmm... wrote on March 6, 2007 4:37 pm:
" So the cheerleaders are gonna walk because they can't tumble. How's THAT for team spirit??!! "

 Dazed and Confused wrote on March 6, 2007 4:38 pm:
" We have a cheerleading squad? When did that happen? "

 Jason wrote on March 6, 2007 4:40 pm:
" First, I think the tradition the cheerleaders are talking about refers to competitive cheerleading. Nebraska used to be one of the best cheerleading teams in the nation when stunting and tumbling was allowed. Second, the cheerleaders do bring in money, although indirectly. They serve as ambassadors of the University and athletic department. Who do you think it is that rubs elbows with donors? Don't tell me hot girls showing some skin at donor's tailgate parties doesn't help the cash flow in. Third, cheerleaders don't have time for a job because they are busy with school and cheerleading. Most people don't realize how much time cheerleading takes up. Workouts, practice, philanthropic events and appearances at football, men's and women's basketball, and gymnastics as well as other AD and University functions takes up an ton of time. As far as the captains not showing up to some meeting, where was the captains' response to that in the article. There's always two sides to a story. "

 Jodi wrote on March 6, 2007 4:58 pm:
" I grew up in Nebraska and attended UNL. I was a cheerleader during high school and really wanted to cheer at the U. However, at the time, stunting was required during the tryouts, something grossly unfair to Nebraska high school cheerleaders, who have been ground-bound. A bit about what it means to be ground-bound. It does not mean you can just stand and clap. We were allowed to do lots of things. We could jump (and there are lots of jumping options) and we could do cartwheels and basic tumbling. I believe we were not allowed to do flips/backflips, although I do not know for certain. We also could not do things where one girl's safety relied on another girl to hold her. Secondly, sports teams train to be able to take a hit. I don't know how much training in stunting University cheerleaders receive, but I do know that when I had looked into trying out, we were expected to be fully qualified to stunt, both solo and with a male partner, prior to tryouts. And thinking about the function of cheerleaders at a sports event, it's to get the crowd united in cheering on the team, to energize things when they go a bit dead, to coordinate cheers during time-outs, etc. These things can be done perfectly well without requiring stunting. After all, the point of cheerleading is to SUPPORT the athletic event, not compete with it. If competitive cheer competition is the goal, then the squad should practice for that and perform at sanctioned competitions. I mean, we don't see the volleyball team attending football games and playing volleyball. Further, comparing competitive cheerleading and cheer stunting to gymnastics is not appropriate. Just because some of the basics are similar does not make them equal. For one, gymnasts do not wind up getting basket-tossed many feet into the air. Gymnasts do not rely on someone else to make sure they can safely complete their routine, whereas cheerleaders rely on other cheerleaders to hold them, toss them, and catch them. And gymnasts also often have mats and pads to help cushion falls (not that they do a whole lot, but it's an improvement over fieldturf in the stadium and hardwood floor in the Coliseum and Devaney.) And yes, compensation is appropriate, and frankly, no one is forcing a person to cheer. If a cheerleader feels that $1200 a year, a per-diem for away travel, uniforms, shoes, practice gear, tutoring services, plus access to one of the best athletic training facilities in the country isn't sufficient compensation, they do not have to try out. Plenty of girls who do feel it is adequate compensation will. "

 Mark wrote on March 6, 2007 5:45 pm:
" Wanna fix this cheerleaders? If NOT 1 of you show up, UNL would be forced to go back and look at the issue. We cannot have cheerleaders, so the power rest with you ladies and guys. Join together and boycott, and watch what happens, you may just get what you want. "

 cl wrote on March 6, 2007 6:11 pm:
" Ok. That was an unintelligent quote--"Tell the football team they can’t tackle, and you’re going to get controversy." The last time I watched a football game, the players wore pads and helmets for protection from injury. The cheerleaders have nothing to protect them from a fall. Isn't one paralyzed cheerleader one too many? "

 Wrong Way wrote on March 6, 2007 6:30 pm:
" I would like to see the Athletic Department go in the opposite direction: Declare the cheerleaders athletes for gender equity purposes, give them full scholarships like other women sports, and schedule competitions with other schools. This would give us more scholarships to give to our baseball and wrestling teams. Steve Pederson is in a unique position at Nebraska. If anyone complains, Pederson can tell them that he will rescind his decision if they will go on national T.V. and and tell Traci Jenson to her face that she was/is not an athlete but just some Barbie-bimbo playing around. We currently give 1/8, 1/4, 1nd 1/2 scholarships to our baseball players. With 40-50 cheerleaders scholarships counting for gender equity, we could give full scholarships to our baseball and wrestling players. We need to quit being afraid of offending the feminists who think that being a woman is a crime. "

 business wrote on March 6, 2007 7:04 pm:
" cheerleaders don't make money people, it is as simple as that "

 Bob wrote on March 6, 2007 7:26 pm:
" Wrong way: FYI the scholarships are determined by sport. Even if cheerleading scholarships counted (which they don't), NU can not allocate scholarships as they see fit. The universities through their voting reps have fixed the scholarships at 85 football, 13 basketball, etc. "

 Mike wrote on March 6, 2007 7:30 pm:
" My question is: Whose brilliant idea was it to give out $2000 each for books and food to cheerleaders. Byrne or Devaney. That is almost $100,000 that could be used for actual players. "

 Alum in LA wrote on March 6, 2007 7:58 pm:
" Lets put everything else aside in this controversy and look at the reason that Pederson made this decision. Its to save $100,000 in the budget and an undisclosed amount paid for the insurance premium that has covered the cheerleaders in the event of an unfortunate accident. Add these numbers together and it probably will pay for 1/2 of Steve Pederson's $400,000+ salary. Coincidence? I don't think so. And on another note, Nebraska is known nationally for their chearleeding program and for the excellent game management that they are a part of along with the Marketing Dept. This is provides exposure on a national level that is immeasurable. And finally, has anyone really thought about Paul Miles' resignation? Could it be that he is worn out from trying to fundraise for an Athletic Dept. that is led by Steve Pederson? Action needs to be taken soon with Pederson or else our Athletic Department will be in shambles. A concerned Alum in California. "

 C-h-e-e-r wrote on March 6, 2007 9:10 pm:
" Edwards says she picked UNL to cheer and stunt? They barely stunt now. She could have gone to many other schools that allow full stunts. I personally think the UNL cheerleaders don't add much to the game experience - any cheerleaders for that matter. Go go fight fight gee I hope I look alright. "

 unbelievable wrote on March 6, 2007 9:46 pm:
" football,basketball players etc. pick schools based on athletics but some think thats not right for cheerleaders.Bottom line is if NU didn't pay 2.1 million for someones injury then you would still be seeing quality cheerleading and aerial acts from the trained personell. but since 1 person decided of thier own free will to participate in this activity then had an accident and suffered severe injury then decided to hold others accountable for her decision that is the real reason for this decision to ground ther cheerleaders,so now all the other cheerleaders that chose this school for whatever reason get to suffer from the fact that another wanted someone else to be responsible for her decision and not her,everyone knew there was an inherant risk in doing cheerleading as with almost anything you do in daily life.It's unfortunate that so many have to pay the price because 1 did not want to be responsible for there own decisions. Hopethe rest of the athletes of all sports at UN don't have that mind set or we will be the only university with out any sporting events "

 Daddy-O wrote on March 6, 2007 11:10 pm:
" We are talking about cheerleading, right? are you kidding me, this is sad. you can still cheerlead, just not on the Univ. dollar. Go..Fight..Win,, Give..Me..A..Break... "

 still annoyed wrote on March 6, 2007 11:54 pm:
" How many people get upset if footaball players put football first instead of education? Sometimes I think that Husker fans wouldn't care if the entire team flunked out as long as we won. But when cheerleaders strive for excellence people consider them stupid or not having the priorities straight. What I'm saying is that they are equal programs. My heart goes out to the girl that was injured. UNL should have had programs already in place to prevent that situation. Maybe the football team could go without somenew gym equipment or something so they can pay the insurance premium. I understand that football is a moneymaker at unl but other students shouldn't be deemed as less or unimportant and basically discriminated against because they dont bring in money. It seems as if UNL is only focusing on one program, and that is football. "

 notahusker wrote on March 6, 2007 11:58 pm:
" Wait, UNL needs a daycare for the football players kids dont they? "

 Evan Edwards wrote on March 7, 2007 8:01 am:
" Yes I chose to go to the University solely based on their cheerleading squad... NOT. But if I can cheer in my hometown, for the team that I have grown up supporting, why wouldn't I pick NE? True I can go elsewhere to cheer, our entire squad would love to do that. But by the time that we found out about stunting being eliminated, it was getting to be pretty late to schedule college visits and apply for admissions. "

 NEhnor wrote on March 7, 2007 8:27 am:
" Life is tough, suck it up. If you do not like your situation, do something to change it, quit whinning. This is a fine example of how our society has turned into "me now". People complain because they have a rough lot in life, or that the system is against them. Everyone, think of the big picture, put yourself in someone elses shoes. Cheerleading is important to some, but cheerleaders remember, this is voluntary not a requirement, and that goes for all those who participate in athletics. You are being allowed to do something fun and enjoyable and many times you do it on national televsion. So you are not allowed to stunt, get all the cheerleaders to sign a letter to the AD to get it changed. If that does not work, pass it onto the President of the University and on up. That is how the system works. If you never get it changed, that is also how the system works, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. And on an added note, MC, you wrote you could not wait to get out of this "redneck state." No one is stopping you, there are no border guards, no penalty for early exit. You don't like Nebraska, you want to leave, pack yuor bags and go. "

 Tom wrote on March 7, 2007 9:44 am:
" I can tell you first hand that the University is not being truthful with their comments. In addition this is not so much a financial concern as a limitation for cheerleaders to enjoy their activity. UNO and UNK BOTH allow stunting AND tumbling. The accident in 1996 was unfortunate but should not make radical decisions based on an isolated incident. Nebraska is going to great extremes to put handcuffs on the cheerleaders and limiting their talents. The cheerleaders are asked to attend MANY corporate functions and public events. They should not be viewed as an expense but rather source of additional revenue. The Athletic Dept. should manage their activities and turn this into a profit center. "

 Wacky Jacky wrote on March 7, 2007 10:26 am:
" As a former cheerleader for the University of Nebraska, I can tell you first and foremost that the brunt of the reason the cheerleaders are upset is because of the restrictions placed on stunting. The money issue comes in second compared to the fact that they are no longer allowed to stunt. Nebraska cheerleaders have known for a long time that we've been fortunate enough to have substantially better benefits than other schools. That's not the reason they're all upset, and I think this article makes it seem like that is the main issue at hand. I was on the squad last year, and I know that if the girls had a choice between being able to stunt and receiving benefits for cheering, every one of them hands down would choose being able to stunt. Speaking to those who have commented about the cheerleaders priorities not being correct, I beg to differ. While being a cheerleader I graduated from the UNL Honors program in the top 7% of the College of Business, was a member of several organizations on campus, completed a Thesis research paper, and also had a job working 25+ hours a week, and the majority of the squad members were just as involved and academcially focused as I was. "

 Jonny Forthright wrote on March 7, 2007 10:33 am:
" Bunch of whiners! Wait until you graduate, get a job, lose a job, pay taxes, have kids, get into debt with a mortgage and possible car payment before you complain about fairness. Guess what? There are a lot of things in life that happen without one's input or approval. Change happens. Adapt! "

 R wrote on March 7, 2007 11:27 am:
" Did you ever go to college? Did you ever have to pay for school?? Some of these athletes that is the only way that they can go to college, with incentives that will help them get by. Not everyone can just pick a school and be able to attend. "

 Mom2girls wrote on March 7, 2007 11:28 am:
" My sister was Tracey Jensen's room-mate in 1996 when she got hurt during Cheerleading practice. I do not fault the University one bit for cutting the tumbling part of cheerleading. Tracey couldn't walk or talk for months after her injuries. Her family and friends were worried she wouldn't live through it. The University has an obligation to keep its students safe. "

 Mom2girls wrote on March 7, 2007 11:33 am:
" My sister was Tracy Jensen's room-mate in 1996 when she fell and was gravely injured during cheerleading practice. Her family and friends weren't sure she would even live through the horrible ordeal. She couldn't walk or talk for months; the rehabilitation process was long and painful. The University has an obligation to keep its students safe and it just makes sense to lessen your exposure to more lawsuits. I do not fault the AD or University one bit for stopping the tumbling. "

 Get a clue wrote on March 7, 2007 11:39 am:
" Boo Hoo...wow. First...how do you know anything about these girls personal life? Spoiled? You have no clue what they have gone through thru their years to stereotype them like that. For some maybe this is the only way that they have a chance to get an education and at least they appreciate it. Look at the football team, first tell me how many of them do graduate, and then how many of them find a job right after college. I would have to say the stats would be a lot higher on the "spoiled" girls than the guys that everything (including education and grades) handed to them on a silver platter by the university. "

 Academic wrote on March 7, 2007 12:07 pm:
" People remain confused by the organizational structure at the university. Athletics is a separate entity with its own, largely self-sufficient (from event-revenue, merchandising, and donations), budget. Budget decisions in athletics have no impact on academic budgets...professors will not be cut as a result of increases in athletics spending, and any money saved from budget cutting in athletics stays in athletics so money saved from having cheerleaders start to pay for their own textbooks will not transferred to any academic/business divisions. Likewise, the athletic departments at UNL, UNO, and UNK are completely separate from each other, a decision made at one does not directly effect the others so UNK and UNO can still allow stunting if they want. The decisions discussed in this article were made by UNL Athletics, not UNL and not NU. Regarding banning stunting, the issue is lawsuits and insurance, plain and simple. Someone mentioned that other Big12 schools currently still allow stunting, but have any of them had a lawsuit yet? Since UNL Athletics has been burned once by a lawsuit resulting from stunting, the current athletics administration appears to not be willing to risk it again. This is no different than Nebraska cities looking at banning snow-sledding in their public parks or any of the thousands of other myriad restrictions that businesses and governments have had to enact as a result of lawsuits. Lawsuits are a driving force behind business and governmental policy decisions, it's the environment in which we live. "

 want to know wrote on March 7, 2007 1:32 pm:
" Does the University get a cheaper insurance policy by not allowing the cheerleaders to do these stunts? Why else what it worry them so much? From what it sounds, the University will be cutting quite a bit of others things here in the near future so this will probably be just an afterthought. "

 big D wrote on March 7, 2007 1:36 pm:
" Other than volleyball, we need something to cheer about . "

 Mrs. Johnson wrote on March 7, 2007 3:24 pm:
" The entire sports program at UNL is out of control. There's some much money floating around, but most is going to high paid staff. It really needs looking into. Like that is ever going to happen. Go Big Fred! "

 Evan Edwards wrote on March 7, 2007 3:24 pm:
" There is clearly a lot of confusion. Tracy Jensen was injured while tumbling. Tumbling is gymnastics. Stunting is lifting people up into the air. Nebraska has NEVER had a stunting accident. And Nebraska has not been allowed to tumble since the incident with Jensen. Nobody is arguing the tumbling being taken away, it's been gone for years. As far as "stop our whining and do something about it", we have turned in lots of petitions, I've been in contact with Chancellor Perlman, and we have gone to the media to try to get our story out there. As the article states we don't expect much to change, in fact we know that it won't change. But we still put up a fight. Whether you hate the new changes or love the new changes, you have to admit it has sparked a lot of interest! "

 Short Notice for meeting wrote on March 7, 2007 7:18 pm:
" Chris Anderson, spokesperson for the University failed to mention they had given the cheerleaders a 2 hour notice prior to the meeting. How thoughtful, something you've been carving at for months and a 2 hour notice!!! This is par as to how communication between the Athletic Department and the cheerleaders has been since since their coach left in September. Totally irresponsible and unprofessional. "

 Cheerleading vs Football wrote on March 7, 2007 7:30 pm:
" There was a football player severely injured in the mid 70's. He was somehow covered by the University and medical expenses, etc. were taken care of (which they should have been). The cheerleader who was injured tumbling was not covered and had to sue the University for medical expenses etc. Why was the football player covered and the cheerleader not covered? We all know football is a much more dangerous sport than cheerleading so why do we still have football? This makes no sense! Steve Pederson is having major problems with fundraising and he is cutting all the low hanging fruit. Simple as that! I really don't know how much longer we can afford to have this "PR NIGHTMARE" around. "

 Bob wrote on March 7, 2007 8:05 pm:
" Paul Miles was "worn out" from fund raising. Oh man, that has to be the spin of the year. What a joke. He thanked the AD and the department. There is no evidence that he was "worn out." But, the spinmeisters are not deterred by the facts. Spin on! Your lack of credibility is showing. "

 Carrie who????? wrote on March 7, 2007 8:52 pm:
" By the way, Carrie Vitullo, the new cheerleading supervisor is a very good friend of Tami Pederson, Steve's wife. She has no experience in cheerleading whatsoever, she only has the job because of her relationship with the Pedersons. If she has earned stunt certification, that is news to the entire cheerleading squad. No one was aware of that either. "

 tip of the iceberg wrote on March 8, 2007 1:51 am:
" There seems to be an obvious lack of communication going on within the athletic department. The assoc. AD of Communications is telling half the truth in stories to the press? Wow, the PR is just worsening the more we hear about these situations. Judging by the lack of donor funding, this is probably just the tip of the iceberg in this PR nightmare. "

 whatever wrote on March 8, 2007 5:56 am:
" Eventually most colleges will eliminate cheerleading altogether. Most High Schools in this state have eliminated pep clubs for a variety of reasons, why should college be any different. Not saying it is right or wrong, just saying that this seems to be the trend. "

 Excuses wrote on March 8, 2007 7:22 am:
" The reasons provided by the the UNL athletic department are worthless and a slap in the face to the student body. Anyone who thinks else is in denial. Everyone knows the football is the sole money make for the athletic department. Their are only a couple of teams in the athletic department that break even every year. All the other teams are in the red. The issue of liability is a joke. If the athletic department is really worried about liability and safety then ground the gymnastics team. Better yet, the basketball and volleyball teams can no longer jump, and football players are only to play flag football. The athletic department spends a lot of money every year on medical bills associated with player injuries. How many times have you seen a cheerleader out with an injury? I'm tired of excuses. The athletic department needs to stop providing excuses and give the cheerleaders the real reason. I can only imagine what the real reason is. As for liablity people need to understand their is potential risk for serious injuries in every sport. Simply put the school needs to institute policy and procedures to help reduce the risk of injuries. I'm sure when Tracy Jensen was hurt more could have been done to prevent her injuries. I'm sorry it happened. I have been on the side lines numerous times during a football game where a visiting teams cheerleading squad was told they could not tumble or do stunts...I'm sure you can only imagine their response to NU's policy. Don't believe everything you hear from the NU athletic department. "

 Glenda Chambers wrote on March 8, 2007 8:45 am:
" As a parent of a University of Nebraska Spirit Squad Member I feel compelled to express my thoughts. We have had a child on the Cheerleading Squad for the past three years. Generally speaking, what an amazing experience it has been. However, the past three months we have witnessed a complete reversal in the treatment of the Spirit Squad members by the Athletic Department. And keep in mind this has been a slow unravel that has just now surfaced. The issue at hand here is not so much the "grounding of the squad" but the lack of communication between the NU Athletic Department and the Squad as well as the lack of respect towards these outstanding young adults. The communication on the part of the Athletic Department has been just shy of "juvenile". These Young Adults put in a phenominal amount of time representing the University well beyond the court and field. They participate in numerous philanthropies as well as, and not limited to, pep rallies all over the Lincoln area. I have to believe these young adults are by far the "cheapest form of advertising" the University has. These young adults represent UNL with a tremendous amount of pride and leadership and are by far some of the most outstanding individuals I have ever met. The Spirit Squad members represent the Husker Nation with good old fashioned "Husker Pride". As everyone is aware, Good Old Fashioned Husker Pride is symbolic for honesty, integrity and leadership. That very same Husker Pride is now next to extinct in the quality of personnel we have in the Athletic Departrment. The past few months the "players" activly involved in the Athletic Department have attempted to sweep the whole Spirit Squad issue under the rug. They have threatened the members of the squad, and yes, in all honesty have even lied to the squad members. Is this how our leaders handle "issues"? What are our Athletic Department leaders at the University of Nebraska Lincoln trying to teach our young adults? And that is the "behind the scenes" real issue at hand here. Glenda Chambers, Parent of a UNL Cheerleader "

 Lynne wrote on March 8, 2007 9:33 am:
" People, people - this is the educational experience the University of Nebraska wants your youngsters to embrace. "Life is not fair and nothing stays the same." What was last year doesn't have to be THIS year. Steve Pederson is a genius - GET OVER IT! "

 college cheer coach wrote on March 8, 2007 11:13 am:
" Even though I am a coach, and part of my job is to ensure the safety of my squad, the Athletic Department at UNL needs to have their heads examined. UNL cheerleaders aren't the USC yell squad! And do you really think you're going to get a lot of male cheerleaders...NOT. They have fun stunting...just yelling and doing motions, ain't gonna happen. "

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