A 'Pseudo' Competitive Cheer Crew At Lyons Township High?

LA GRANGE, IL – A Lyons Township High School parent told the school board Monday that the sideline cheerleading team's new sponsor has made changes that conflict with the program's heritage.

Kristi Bruno, a former La Grange Highlands School District 106 board member, said the "sweeping, unneeded changes" were made without notice. She said tryouts are now based on technical performance without taking into account other factors, as happened before.

Bruno emailed Patch about her issues with the program two weeks ago.

For the last couple of weeks, Patch has sought comment from the school. Spokeswoman Mary Lin Muscolino said tryouts have taken place for two decades, while the new sponsor, Kristi Gabriel, did not return a message for comment.

Lyons Township High School already has a competitive cheerleading team.

"They are athletes. They rock," Bruno said.

But she said the school does not need to turn sideline cheer into a "pseudo" competitive cheer program.

"For years, sideline cheer has been a noncompetitive, spirit-based activity, one grounded in inclusivity, school pride and student connection," Bruno told the board. "The program valued dedication, leadership and consistency, not just technical performance."

However, Gabriel "abruptly discarded" the past practice, launching a competitive tryout process, Bruno said. Because of that, Bruno said, students were expected to learn and be evaluated on a complex routine in a single day. No consideration was given for past involvement, leadership or volunteerism, Bruno said.

Three seniors were emailed about being cut while they were leading a cheer camp, with Bruno calling the timing "heartless."

Years ago, special education employees started sideline cheer because they saw the need for students of all abilities to take part, Bruno said.

"My own child forged special relationships with students of all abilities in her time in the program," Bruno said. "She enjoyed that aspect immensely."

Following its meeting policy, the board did not respond to Bruno's comments.