### Lubbock Cheer Coach Under Investigation for Punishment Leading to Student Burns

Thirteen eighth-grade cheerleaders from Evans Middle School in Lubbock, Texas, have sustained first and second-degree burns as a result of performing physical exercises on an overheated track, allegedly as punishment imposed by their cheer coach.

The incident occurred following a football game where the girls performed a cheer routine that the coach deemed "disrespectful." In response, the coach reportedly forced the cheerleaders to do "bear crawls" and "crab walks" on a track with surface temperatures reaching at least 125 degrees, according to a parent who later checked the track's temperature. The girls were instructed to carry out these exercises for a mile, but most were unable to persist after two laps due to the intense pain, with some becoming physically ill.

One mother, Angel Thompson, recounted her shock when her daughter revealed the injuries sustained during practice. "I had asked [my daughter], 'Are you okay? How was school?' She put our stuff down in the car, went to sit down and said, 'Mom, you want to know how my day was in cheer?' I said, 'Yeah.' She told me that they got a punishment and showed me her hands," Thompson said.

The situation escalated further when the coach allegedly ignored the girls' complaints about their burning hands and insisted they continue the exercises. The students suffered serious burns, with at least one girl requiring treatment at the University Medical Center burn unit. Despite the severity of the injuries, the parents claim they were not notified by the school, learning about the incident only from their children.

The cheerleaders' parents are now calling for criminal charges against the coach, describing the punishment as "malicious" and "intentional." The Lubbock Independent School District (Lubbock ISD) confirmed that the coach has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an ongoing investigation.

Lubbock ISD issued a statement expressing deep concern and regret over the incident, emphasizing their commitment to student safety and the unacceptability of the actions taken. "We are heartbroken over these events, as the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. This type of incident does not reflect the standards or values of Lubbock ISD and Evans Middle School," the statement read.

The district assured that it is addressing the issue with the utmost urgency and adhering to district protocols and applicable laws to prevent such incidents from recurring. The outcome of the investigation remains pending.