To the editor:
I am writing to express my support for Marge Robertson, a 20-year cheerleading coach at Beverly High School who was recently told it would be best if she and Beverly cheerleading part company.
Marge has served hundreds of young women and men during her tenure at Beverly High. An acknowledged "tough cookie" with a huge heart, she sought to instill in her team members the values of hard work, cooperation, perseverance and respect both on and off the field or basketball court. She worked tirelessly on behalf of her teams, making them a priority even through her own personal tragedy. Under her watch, the cheerleading squads of Beverly have been a force to be reckoned with, winning numerous competitions and titles.
Marge has tailored her work hours for years to accommodate her coaching schedule (practices, games, fundraising activities, gymnastic lessons, etc.) and was known to use her own funds to see that not only her teams in general but individual members had what they needed to succeed in their chosen sport. Her dedication and devotion to her teams are unquestionable, as is her integrity when enforcing rules or acting on their behalf.
One has only to read the wonderful tributes written by members of the "We support Marge Robertson" group on Facebook to see how profoundly she has affected those who were fortunate enough to work with her. She is one of the people who, as longtime Beverly sports boosters would say, "bleeds orange and black."
While cheerleading is not officially recognized as a sport in Massachusetts, it has grown substantially from a sideline activity. Its coaches deserve the protection and support given those of any other sport. As the difficulty and complexity of the stunts these student-athletes attempt become more advanced, the need for experienced, knowledgeable coaches increases. In Marge, Beverly High had an experienced coach who is well-acquainted with safety rules, procedures and the necessary building blocks for attempting more advanced stunts. Should an accident occur, her skills as a surgical nurse make her even more of an asset to her teams.
It is a travesty that her authority was undermined and her reputation besmirched, sadder still that future BHS cheerleaders won't benefit from her vast knowledge and expertise. Marge Robertson is truly a class act. She deserves better than the shoddy treatment she has received at the hands of those who facilitated her departure.
Lori McCulloch
BHS cheerleading coach, 1982-1996
Beverly
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