Cheer Teams in The Capital Region Adapt to new COVID-19 Guidelines

By September Mostransky

March 12, 2021

As high school students venture into 2021, new opportunities arise due to a decrease in COVID - 19 cases, specifically in the capital region. One of the most exciting announcements is the approval of sports, especially cheerleading.

While the excitement of cheerleading spreads around our community, schools must remember safety. There are many COVID - 19 safety measures being implemented in order to keep these cheerleaders safe and able to participate in their sport.

Cheerleading is a hands-on sport. High schools in the capital region have begun this close contact sport, and with that, brings stunting, tumbling, and hard cardio. The sport in it's true nature raises concern amongst many in the community, and has become quite controversial due to safety concerns while COVID - 19 is around.

Colonie High’s cheerleading captain Karena Hubicki, said safety of cheerleading during COVID times was very important.

“Very strict safety measures are being taken including wearing masks at all times besides water breaks at which we are distanced, washing hands, and sometimes cleaning the feet of flyers. Our mats are sprayed at the end of each practice to be extra sanitary,” Hubicki said.

Hubicki feels safe at her cheer practices due to the safety precautions being implemented however she does have some concerns.

“The only concern I have for my specific sport is the stunting aspect since people are physically touching,”Hubicki said.

Hubicki isn't the only one who has this concern as cheer parent Meegan Mostransky says that she's worried about the “face to face contact,”.

Despite Mostransky’s concerns, she says, she's not concerned “enough to stop from allowing” her daughter to cheer.

Mostransky believes that the benefits from letting her daughter cheer ultimately outweigh the risks. One main benefit that Mostransky references is how playing a sport helps keep the mental health aspect in check.

Because of the safety precautions taken due to COVID - 19, cheerleading is different from what it was in the past years. All the competitions are now virtual.

“I am sad that all competitions are virtual, but I know that it is the best option for everyone’s safety,” said Hubicki.

Mostransky agreed with Hubicki that the vibe isn't the same having the competitions be virtual. However, she also understands that safety comes first and she wants everyone on the team to stay safe.

“If my daughters' competitions were in person, I would go to them to see her perform one last time as a senior,” said Mostransky.

In both cases, It is evident that the only concern with the sport is the physical contact. Every safety precaution that can be taken for cheerleading is in place to ensure that these athletes will have a safe season.