FORT WORTH, Texas – Some San Antonio-area school districts are adjusting plans to attend a Fort Worth cheerleading competition this weekend amid impending freezing temperatures across the state.
The National Cheerleaders Association’s (NCA) High School Nationals, scheduled from Jan. 23-25, will continue as planned, according to a Fort Worth City Hall update Thursday morning.
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Hundreds of high school cheerleading teams from across the nation are expected at the event, including some from the San Antonio area.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Wednesday that the National Cheerleaders Association was offering virtual participation options for schools.
On its website, the NCA said it was monitoring weather conditions and would communicate with venues if changes were necessary.
On Thursday, KSAT reached out via email to the following districts and schools, asking about their plans:
- Harlandale Independent School District
- North East Independent School District
- Northside Independent School District
- Comal Independent School District
- San Antonio Independent School District
- Judson Independent School District
- Edgewood Independent School District
- Antonian High School
- St. Anthony’s Catholic High School
- Central Catholic High School
- Holy Cross High School
As of 10 p.m. Thursday, the following districts responded to KSAT requests:
Comal Independent School District
“At this time, cheerleaders from Comal ISD will not be participating in the National Cheerleaders Association competition scheduled to take place in Fort Worth this weekend.
“As always, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and decisions regarding travel take into account weather conditions and guidance at the time.”
Judson Independent School District
Judson ISD said travel plans for all three of its high schools were canceled on Wednesday afternoon. The schools will now compete virtually, a spokesperson said.
North East Independent School District
At North East ISD, only Roosevelt High School is attending, albeit virtually.
“The company offered all teams to stay in person or compete virtually and Roosevelt chose to compete virtually. So, they are not traveling to the competition,” the NEISD spokesperson said.
Northside Independent School District
“District officials are closely monitoring weather conditions to prioritize the safety of our students and staff. Travel has been authorized for all NISD campuses to participate in this competition. Each campus made their travel decisions in consultation with parent feedback, and the District respects that parents ultimately have the discretion to make the best individual decision for their child.
“To better ensure safety, arrangements are being made so that each participating team travels to the competition in advance of inclement weather, and that no team will return to San Antonio until travel conditions are safe.
“While we value the opportunity to compete at the national level, the safety of our students, staff, and families remains our primary concern.”
Edgewood Independent School District
Edgewood ISD canceled the Kennedy High School cheer squad’s trip, “due to concern about impending hazardous weather conditions,” a spokesperson said.
San Antonio Independent School District
Similarly, Lanier High School, within SAISD, also elected to participate virtually, spokespersons for both districts said.
“The company offered all teams to stay in person or compete virtually and Roosevelt chose to compete virtually. So, they are not traveling to the competition,” the NEISD spokesperson said.