A cheerleader has spoken out against their coach, accusing her of “malicious” and “intentional” actions that caused the team to suffer “bvrning” hands. Evans Middle School in Lubbock, Texas, has launched an investigation after thirteen cheerleaders sustained first and second-degree bvrns on their hands during a session with the coach.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 9, when the cheerleading squad’s “red” team was reportedly subjected to a punishment session by the coach around 2:00 p.m. The cheerleaders were allegedly forced to perform “bear crawls” and “crab walks” on a hot outdoor track, which one parent said reached at least 125 degrees. This was in response to the team performing cheers at a football game that the coach had not approved. The coach allegedly warned the girls that their future cheerleading prospects would be affected if they did not comply.
One cheerleader, speaking anonymously to Everything Lubbock, said the team informed the coach their hands were burning, but she allegedly replied that she “didn’t care” and made them continue. “It was malicious. It was intentional,” the cheerleader stated.
Angel Thompson, the mother of one of the cheerleaders, shared that her daughter explained the situation when she picked her up from school. “She told me they were punished and showed me her hands,” Thompson said.
Evans Middle School addressed the matter, with a spokesperson confirming that Lubbock ISD administrators were made aware of the incident involving the coach’s disciplinary method, which caused burns to multiple students. The injuries were sustained after the coach instructed the students to perform activities on the heated track. One cheerleader even required treatment at the University Medical Center burn unit.
The spokesperson expressed deep concern, stating, “We are heartbroken over these events, as student safety is our top priority. This incident does not reflect the values of Lubbock ISD or Evans Middle School. An investigation is underway.”
The coach has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The school expressed regret for the distress caused to the students and their families, assuring the community that they are committed to preventing similar incidents in the future and will follow district protocols and legal guidelines in addressing the situation.