UF cheerleaders will now be able to do more than shout and clap at Gators games.
UF’s University Athletic Association communications senior associate athletics director Steve McClain said cheerleaders will be able to do a few stunts since the UAA banned them from all tumbling and stunts at practices, events and games in November.
The UAA implemented the ban after an Orlando Magic cheerleader fell from a stunt and injured herself during a game against the New York Knicks.
“We made a few modifications to allow the cheerleaders to do some basic stunts and tumbling that we feel comfortable with regarding their safety,” he wrote in an email.
He said the changes went into effect last week.
Jason Merslich, a 28-year-old former Gators cheerleader and coach, said the UAA now allows back handsprings, chairs and shoulder sits.
“These are things that 4- and 5-year-olds can do,” Merslich said.
He said the team is grateful for the leeway. Wednesday night’s basketball game was the first time cheerleaders could stunt since the ban.
UF recreation, parks and tourism senior and team captain Tarin Moses tweeted, “First basketball game back with stunts... Well kinda. #babysteps,” from her @TarinMoses Twitter account Wednesday.
Contact Colleen Wright at cwright@alligator.org.
