Austin Peay reinstates cheerleading program, removes spirit coordinator
Austin Peay State University intends to reinstate its cheerleading program — and hire a new spirit coordinator.
The university’s investigation into allegations of hazing and underage drinking within the cheerleading program is now complete, according to officials. The biggest change: Maurice Grant will no longer serve as spirit coordinator.
No timeline for the reinstatement of the cheerleading program was announced Friday afternoon. APSU officials declined future comment, according to a statement.
The cheer team, comprised of 25 members this school year, typically performs at men’s and women’s athletic events for the Governors. The group has also made appearances at university-wide and community events.
APSU opens its 2023 football season Sept. 2 at Southern Illinois before traveling to Knoxville to play Tennessee (Sept. 9). The program's first home football game of the season is Sept. 16 against visiting ETSU.
Related: Austin Peay outlines cheer team's structure, but quiet on violations
In February, the Clarksville-based university announced the cheer team was suspended, pending an internal investigation.
Grant, according to his social media profile, previously served as the assistant cheerleading coach at Kentucky. He arrived in Clarksville in 2013, serving as APSU’s assistant cheering coach until 2019.
Grant was named APSU’s spirit coordinator in July 2022.
In January, the cheer team placed fourth in the Small Coed Division I competition at the UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships at the Walt Disney World Resort.
This breaking news story will be updated.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Austin Peay reinstates cheerleading program, removes spirit coordinator
