Martin cheerleaders being left behind for trip to Marquette

by Joseph Schultz

Though most of the Martin community is excited about the football team and marching band going to the state finals in Marquette’s Superior Dome, there are some parents who aren’t happy.

Parent John Hoekstra told the school board Monday night, he is disappointed the cheerleaders are not going with the team and band to big game. Hoekstra said he wanted the cheer team to be recognized as an athletic team, like the other school sports teams.

Parent Cory Lafountain echoed Hoekstra’s sentiment, saying though he was glad the band was going, it seems that the band and cheer team don’t get the respect that the sports teams get, even though the school says that they are “One Team.”

Martin Schools Superintendent Samantha Ball later in the evening apologized about the cheerleaders being left behind. Ball explained that cheerleading is not considered an athletic sport, and as such, is not covered by the district’s liability insurance.

Ball confessed that she did not understand liability insurance very well, and that it was her error that caused the unfortunate situation. She pledged to correct her error when they work on the budget for next year.

In other news from the school board meeting:

• The board did a walk-through before the meeting to see the progress that is being made on the bond improvements. Board members said they were pleased overall that the renovations are on schedule.
• The board gave approval for the football team and marching band to take the overnight trip Friday to Marquette. It was also announced there will be a spaghetti dinner Tuesday night to help raise funds for the trip.
• Supt. Ball told the board that the middle and high school students were treated to an assembly to hear from motivational speaker Brad Hurtig, a student-athlete who lost both of his hands in an accident. He reminded students of the power to “Find a way.” They were also treated to a concert by DJ/singer Kevi Morse.