As communities across the country dug out from under massive snowfall, many high schools canceled classes and after-school activities along with them. Some eager sports programs, however, decided not to let the weather interfere with their practice plans.
One such program is the Cousino (Mich.) High School cheerleading squad, who gathered off-site for what was called a voluntary, informal practice during a snow day this week.
That decision, however, appears to have led to the resignation of the team’s coach.
Cousino cheerleading coach Tina Brown resigned rather than be placed on administrative leave after hosting an off-site practice during a school-sanctioned snow day, according to ClickOnDetroit.
Brown told ClickOnDetroit that despite the school cancelation, team members were eager to practice in order to prepare for a league championship.
“The texts started coming in from athletes,” Brown said. “What are we doing? We have a league meet. Can we practice? Can we do open gym?”
Brown was able to find a location for the team to gather, and held the practice.
The following day, Brown was informed by Cousino’s principal that she would be placed on administrative leave. Rather than allow herself to be banned from the league championship event, Brown decided to simply resign.
Brown said that there’s never been a school policy prohibiting off-site practices. Additionally, another coach at the school allegedly held an off-site practice on the same day.
Sharon Irvine, COO of Warren Consolidated Schools said she was unable to comment on off-site practice policies, but did express surprise at Brown’s resignation.
Parents were shocked and dismayed over the resignation, and some suggested Brown was pushed out.
