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As cheerleading gets competitive, a Kansas City doctor wants to make it safer from concussions

For each person someone hoists into the air — the flyer — there is at least one back spotter, often a coach.Without that, Archie says, school teams don’t feel any real legal pressure to abide by regulations. That includes having an emergency action plan, which the AAP report says should be commonplace and clearly posted […]

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As cheerleading gets competitive, a Kansas City doctor wants to make it safer from concussions

For each person someone hoists into the air — the flyer — there is at least one back spotter, often a coach.Without that, Archie says, school teams don’t feel any real legal pressure to abide by regulations. That includes having an emergency action plan, which the AAP report says should be commonplace and clearly posted in all schools and gyms.“We’ll be bringing all those things together to see if there are rules out there we have been allowing that we have a concern about and whether we need to address those through education or if we’ve done that, to make a rule change,” Lord says.
“In Missouri and in Kansas they have requirements for training either for their coaches, the same types of training that other sports coaches have to follow,” Lord says. “They provide opportunities for competition, but also they make them follow the safety rules and they do that without being necessarily a Title IX type of sport.”There’s no database where all gyms and schools report cheer injuries, so collection can be piecemeal. That’s something to consider when reviewing overall rates, says Kimberly Archie, a founder of the National Cheerleading Safety Foundation – established by former coaches, cheerleaders and their parents.“When I say that people are pretty taken aback, but it affects how seriously people take this issue,” she says.Jim Lord, USA Cheer’s director of education and programs, says that’s because under Title IX, teams should be competitive in nature and not every sport is.One roadblock to Title IX and broad recognition is a bias against cheerleading, Archie says. Depending on your age or exposure to the sport, you might still see it as the pom-pom-waving sport it was decades ago. It’s also the only sport with its own category on PornHub, Archie says.A major step would be state associations and high school athletic departments overseeing and formally recognizing cheerleading as a sport.“It would solidify cheerleader’s access to trained individuals, to making sure they have athletic trainers that are available, they have strength and conditioning personnel,” Canty says. “All those things kind of open up.”

KCUR 89.3

In its policy statement, the AAP also calls for physical health screenings for prospective athletes. Lord says USA Cheer supports all the recommendations in the report.

In its policy statement, the AAP also calls for physical health screenings for prospective athletes. Lord says USA Cheer supports all the recommendations in the report.

With large-scale changes such as Title IX recognition unlikely to happen in the immediate future, individual gyms and schools can still institute things like an action plan to help keep more kids out of Dr. Canty’s clinic at Children’s Mercy.

If a cheerleader has a concussion, Moore requires them to make regular visits to and be cleared by a medical professional before returning to practice. Once they do, they’ll start with light ground work, eventually working their way back to stunting over the next few weeks.

Ground level changes

Their report suggests the overall rate of injury in cheerleading is two to three times lower than in girls’ soccer or basketball, for example. But cheerleading injuries, particularly concussions, can be especially severe and have a prolonged recovery time.Moore wants his cheerleaders to know how each move should look and feel when they land it correctly before letting them do anything on their own.

“Because of that risk, we need to do everything we can as parents, as physicians and as a community to continue to make the sport safer,” Canty says.“If I can get somebody to practice something in a safe environment where they know they aren’t going to get injured they’ll give full effort to the technique,” Moore says. “It’s when they don’t feel safe when they try to get it over as fast as possible.”Despite those ambitions, Charles Moore, the gym’s owner and coach, wants to make sure his athletes don’t put success over safety.Dr. Gregory Canty of Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City co-authored the November statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics released. In his medical practice, Canty treats cheerleading patients every day. He’s seen concussions, broken bones and catastrophic injuries./

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Meet the High Divers of the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025

Up next in the women’s competition is Morgane Herculano. Morgane placed 11th at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha 2024 and ready to show the world what she has been training for in the World Championships in Singapore 2025.  We put Morgane into the question-and-answer hot seat. Here’s what we got from her: Image Source: […]

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Up next in the women’s competition is Morgane Herculano. Morgane placed 11th at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha 2024 and ready to show the world what she has been training for in the World Championships in Singapore 2025. 

We put Morgane into the question-and-answer hot seat. Here’s what we got from her:


Image Source: Morgane Herculano competes in the Women’s High Diving at the World Aquatics Championships- Fukuoka 2023 (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

When asked about her ideal landmark to dive in front of, Morgane didn’t hesitate. “Maybe the bridge in San Francisco. the Golden Gate! Yes, the Golden Gate,” she said. Combining iconic architecture with her thrilling sport would be an unforgettable moment.


Image Source: Morgane Herculano competes in the Women’s 20m High Diving at the World Aquatics Championships- Doha 2024 (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Of all the places Morgane has competed, Doha holds a special place in her heart. “The view, the way they set up the pool, and having all four sports together at the World Championships—it was incredible.” It was also her first World Championships, making it even more memorable.


Image Source: President Barack Obama speaks at the 121st International Olympic Committee in Copenhagen (Charles Dharapak-Pool/Getty Images)

If Morgane could invite anyone to watch her perform, her pick is presidential. “Barack Obama,” she said. With such a respected audience member, her dives would be even more impactful!

Morgane keeps it simple when preparing for a competition. “I eat a banana about an hour before diving,” she said. “It’s easy to digest and doesn’t make me feel heavy.” This practical snack ensures she’s fueled and focused.

Morgane draws inspiration from nature and majestic landscapes. One location on her wish list is “the big mountain in Chur,” a breathtaking Swiss destination. It’s a testament to her connection with natural beauty and her adventurous spirit.

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Michael Moffitt named Roosevelt men’s and women’s cross country and track & field coach

Story Links Courtesy of Roosevelt Athletic Communications CHICAGO — Roosevelt Athletics announced the hiring of Michael Moffitt as the Lakers’ new men’s and women’s cross country and track and field head coach Monday evening. Moffitt arrives in Chicago after one season as the assistant coach at Purdue Northwest, a fellow member of the […]

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Courtesy of Roosevelt Athletic Communications

CHICAGO — Roosevelt Athletics announced the hiring of Michael Moffitt as the Lakers’ new men’s and women’s cross country and track and field head coach Monday evening.

Moffitt arrives in Chicago after one season as the assistant coach at Purdue Northwest, a fellow member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. He previously spent three seasons as the Director of Men’s and Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country at Grace College in Indiana and one season as the head coach at Eastern University in Pennsylvania.

“I am thrilled to welcome Michael to our athletic department and begin collaborating with him on the growth of our cross country and track program,” Roosevelt’s Vice President of Athletics and Student-Athlete Success Michael Cassidy said. “Beyond the coaching experience, Michael’s energy, work ethic, and leadership ability stood out and will greatly benefit our student-athletes academically and athletically.”

Moffitt turned Grace’s program into one of the best in the NAIA during his three seasons at the helm. He recorded the highest rankings for both the men’s and women’s program in school history as the Lancers rose to as high as No. 3 indoors and No. 10 outdoors on the men’s side and No. 15 indoors and No. 23 outdoors on the women’s side. As a team, the men won two National Christian College Athletic Association championships and the women won three team titles.

He coached 115 national qualifiers, 83 all-conference performers, 31 conference champions and three national champions as individuals. Moffitt was also named the NCCAA coach the year five times – three times for track and field and twice for cross country.

During his time in charge at Eastern, Moffitt coached an All-American, two All-Region performers, three conference champions and 18 all-conference performers.

“I would like to thank Vice President of Athletics and Student-Athlete Success Mike Cassidy and the hiring committee for trusting me with this amazing opportunity,” Moffitt said. “I am truly honored to step into this new leadership role at Roosevelt. This team has the tools to grow into something special, and I can’t wait to begin this new chapter. “

Moffitt’s success began as a collegiate athlete at Indiana Wesleyan, where he was a member of the track and field program for four years. During that time, he won eight national championships in the high jump, two in the NAIA and six in the NCCAA, and qualified twice for the USA Track & Field National Championships in the high jump.

Following his time as an athlete with the Wildcats, he stayed at Indiana Wesleyan as a graduate assistant for two seasons. He was a member of the 2019 NAIA Program of the Year where he mentored three national qualifiers and an All-American.



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These 20 McQueen High athletes will sign college letters of intent to play at next level

Twenty McQueen High athletes will sign national letters of intent with colleges Tuesday during a signing-day ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in the Lancers’ big gym. Those players, which were provided by the school’s athletic administration, include: Division I * Shayne Patrick, swimming, Eastern Michigan University Division II * Jaxen McAdara, baseball, Cal State East Bay […]

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Twenty McQueen High athletes will sign national letters of intent with colleges Tuesday during a signing-day ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in the Lancers’ big gym. Those players, which were provided by the school’s athletic administration, include:

Division I

* Shayne Patrick, swimming, Eastern Michigan University

Division II

* Jaxen McAdara, baseball, Cal State East Bay

Division III

* Lena Minetto, swimming, St. Olaf College

* Camren Bingham, track and field, University of Puget Sound

* Addysyn Hansen, lacrosse, Bryn Mawr College

Junior college

* Avery Hayes, soccer, Lake Tahoe Community College

* Carmen Damian, soccer, Lake Tahoe Community College

* Adriano DoPrado, soccer, Folsom Lake College

* Brian Bruk, soccer, Santa Rosa Junior College

* Alex Hancock, football Butte College

* Cadel Ayala, football, Saddleback College

* Peter Park-Li, baseball, Butte College

NAIA

* Bella Coronado, wrestling, Eastern Oregon University

* Berett Callison, wrestling, St. Ambrose (Iowa)

* Evan Krantz, wrestling St. Ambrose (Iowa)

* Anna Wangberg, softball, Bethel College

* Cole Draper, golf, Ottawa University

Athletics Union

* Alyssa Allan, soccer, University of Chester (England)

* Emma McNamara, soccer, University of Chester (England)

Club sport

* Max Lancaster, lacrosse, Boise State (club)



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Armstrong Boys Volleyball Holds Off Park Center in Four-Set Win

4:56 PM | Monday, May 19, 2025 The Armstrong boys volleyball team held off Park Center in a Northwest Suburban Conference match-up to earn their fourth conference win of the season. The Falcons took the first two sets by scores of 25-19 and 25-16. Park Center rallied in the third set, winning 25-20. In the […]

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4:56 PM | Monday, May 19, 2025

The Armstrong boys volleyball team held off Park Center in a Northwest Suburban Conference match-up to earn their fourth conference win of the season.

The Falcons took the first two sets by scores of 25-19 and 25-16. Park Center rallied in the third set, winning 25-20. In the fourth set, the Pirates and Falcons were tightly contested until Armstrong ripped off eight straight points.

Kam Jospeh led the way for Armstrong offensively with several kills.

The Falcons are now 11-11 overall on the season with a 4-8 conference record.

The Pirates drop to 7-8 on the year with a 3-7 record in NWSC play.

Armstrong High School
Park Center Senior High School

Volleyball

CCX News – Daily Sportscast



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Making waves for a greener future: European Aquatics and Malta Final 4 Organising Committee unite for sustainable sporting legacy

European Aquatics and the Champions League Water Polo Final 4 Malta Organising Committee have announced a commitment to deliver a set of sustainable practices to minimise the environmental impact of all aquatics events. With several upcoming 2025 European Aquatics events on the horizon – including the Champions League Final 4 at the end of May […]

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European Aquatics and the Champions League Water Polo Final 4 Malta Organising Committee have announced a commitment to deliver a set of sustainable practices to minimise the environmental impact of all aquatics events.

With several upcoming 2025 European Aquatics events on the horizon – including the Champions League Final 4 at the end of May – the two organisations are aiming to set a new benchmark in sustainability and community engagement.

At the heart of their vision is a comprehensive strategy designed to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the events.

The initiative also aims to leave a lasting social and economic legacy that will benefit not just the host nation of Malta, but also the broader international community.

By championing the Aquatics Social Responsibility Strategy, the organisers are looking to inspire healthier, more active lifestyles, while promoting inclusion and wellbeing through the power of sport.

In alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the strategy highlights how aquatics events can serve as a dynamic force for positive change – from environmental stewardship to community empowerment.

With this pioneering approach, European Aquatics and the Champions League Water Polo Final 4 Malta Organising Committee are not just hosting a competition, they’re setting the stage for a movement toward a more sustainable and socially responsible future in global aquatics.

During the Final 4 event, there will be a series of key initiatives that will help make the event a huge success out of the water, as well as in the pool.

These include a Green Task Force of trained and dedicated volunteers – including children – who will act as green wardens and wear T-shirts with slogans such as ‘Leave Only Ripples, Not Trash’ and ‘Respect the Water, Protect The Land – Keep It Clean.’

There will also be a ‘Sustainable Fun Zone’ that will highlight sustainability through interactive activities and raise awareness in an entertaining and engaging way. 

Numerous recycling stations will be located inside and outside the venue, a new lighting system – utilising LEDs –  will ensure higher efficiency, and a designated parking area away from the pool will mean the event is held in a car-free zone.

Community ties to water polo are also set to be strengthened through the distribution of free tickets to local nurseries, which will allow young children the opportunity to enjoy the games, and help to inspire the next generation of players.

You can find out more information about the Champions League Final 4 sustainability and legacy initiatives by clicking here.

         

 

   



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Jamie Cook Named 2025 Maine Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Story Links ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Naval Academy Director of Track and Field / Cross Country Jamie Cook is among the 2025 Maine Sports Hall of Fame inductees. Cook joins nine other inductees who will be formally recognized at an induction ceremony at Husson’s Gracie Theatre in Bangor, Maine, on Sept. 21.   […]

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Naval Academy Director of Track and Field / Cross Country Jamie Cook is among the 2025 Maine Sports Hall of Fame inductees. Cook joins nine other inductees who will be formally recognized at an induction ceremony at Husson’s Gracie Theatre in Bangor, Maine, on Sept. 21.
 
“It’s such an honor to be recognized by my home state and I’m very appreciative of all the people who helped me get there, especially my parents and siblings,” said Cook. “My dad was my biggest influence, his support and my mom doing all the behind-the-scenes stuff is what motivated me. I appreciate them for everything they have done for me.”
 
The Honors and Selection Committee selects Maine sports figures to be inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame from applications that are submitted for consideration and approval. The requirements necessary to be eligible as an inductee are:

 

  • Nominee must be a Maine sports figure whose achievements have brought distinction and honor to the state of Maine in any field of sport.
  • Nominee must be a Maine sports figure or one who has made a major contribution to the development and advancement of sports in the state of Maine.
  • Nominee must be a Maine sports figure having five (5) years of retirement from their last competitive event in their sports field of expertise (in extraordinary circumstances this can be waived).

 
Others inductees into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame class include Paralympian Clara Brown; “American Ninja Warrior” star Jesse “Flex” Labreck; Bryant Barr, a former Mr. Maine Basketball who played in college with NBA star Stephen Curry; Maine Celtics president Dajuan Eubanks; Kelly Bowman Flagg, a high school standout who went on to play Division I at the University of Maine and is the mother of standout NBA prospect Cooper Flagg; Danny Paul, a longtime track and cross country coach who won dozens of Maine road races over three decades; award-winning college basketball coaches Lynn Hersey and Warren Caruso; and longtime Bangor Daily News sportswriter Larry Mahoney.
 
Cook attended Kennebunk High School in Kennebunk, Maine, where he was a three-sport athlete, winning two national high school championships and state championships in six different track and field events. In football, he was all-state at five different positions and was named the Lobster Bowl MVP.
 

Additionally, Cook was honored as a three-time All-American and academic All-American while competing for Penn State from 1995 to 1998. He was also a Big Ten, IC4A, and Penn Relays champion in the multi-events during his collegiate career. He was a 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials competitor in the decathlon and competed in six USA Track & Field combined events (decathlon/indoor heptathlon) from 2002 to 2005. He also represented the United States versus Germany in the 2003 Decathlon Duel. His personal best in the decathlon, 7,853 points, came during the 2004 Olympic Trials year.
 
Cook is in his eighth season at the helm of the Naval Academy program and has won 30 Patriot League championships and 24 Patriot League Coach of the Year awards. Under his guidance, the Mids have dominated the Army-Navy Star Series, which is part of the overall Star Series presented by USAA, winning 24-consecutive indoor and outdoor Star Meets. Navy has claimed six IC4A outdoor championships and one ECAC outdoor championship under Cook. Last season, Cook sent a program-best four competitors (Jacques Guillaume, Nathan Kent, Braden Presser and Brahmir Vick) to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
 
Cook’s coaching career began at the University of Pennsylvania from 2001 to 2010. During his tenure with the Quakers, he coached 64 Ivy League champions, oversaw seven school records, and helped Penn capture a pair of team titles (2001, 2002).
 
After his tenure at Penn, Cook spent seven years (2010 to 2017) as an assistant coach at the University of Oregon. He guided athletes to 27 All-America honors, 18 individual conference titles, and six individual NCAA championships. He assisted with all 15 of the Ducks’ men’s and women’s NCAA titles in track and field.
 



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