Cheerleading Coaches Resign Amidst Illness

A week after 10 cheerleaders were sent to the hospital due to the complications from working out in hot and humid weather,  the two women who coached the team to a national championship last spring have resigned.

Superintendent of Schools John Macero has confirmed that head coach Rachel Mustone and assistant coach Stephanie Bono have both resigned.

“Unfortunately, she and the assistant coach resigned,” Macero said emphasizing the word “unfortunate.”

Macero said the cheerleaders took the resignations hard. But Macaro said, “they are moving forward.”

“Cheerleading is about the kids,” Macero said.

The positions have been posted to be filled and in the meantime Melissa Ferrara is working with the cheerleaders. According to the job posting the varsity cheerleading coach will be responsible for heading the varsity program, as well as overseeing the junior varsity and freshman team and coordinating with the towns youth programs. This will include; coordinating tryouts, practice planning, game management, fundraising and implementing youth programs. The coach will also work closely with the athletic director to ensure all school policies/procedures are being followed.

According to Superintendent of Schools John Macero, the cheerleaders held a cheerleading camp and their coach made arrangements for a choreography company to come in and run the five-day camp. A day after camp began, one of the cheerleaders complained of soreness. The instructor told the cheerleader to get checked out. She was admitted to MGH and released a few days later.

“At that time, the instructor asked if anyone else was experiencing soreness,” Macero said. “Others got checked out and were also admitted. They are all home now and are expected to resume cheerleading after they receive medical clearance.”

He added that two weeks before school starts teams begin training durin summer vacation.

Macero said at the camp there were multiple breaks and they were cautious of what they’re were doing.

“They need to hydrate and not just with water. They need the electrolytes like in Gatorade,” Macero said.

Since Macero is not a medical professional and the cheerleaders are under 18, he opted not to go into the details of the diagnoses. One news report said the condition was called Rhadbomyolysis, a form of dehydration. Attempts to reach Mustone were unsuccessful.

Sue Ellen Woodcock can be reached at suewoodcock@reverejournal.com