OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Gowanda will be contracting athletic trainers at a per diem rate this year.

GOWANDA — Panther pride is alive and well in Gowanda, so much so that the district’s cheerleading teams are outgrowing their anticipated enrollment.

“Cheerleading has become very, very popular, both sideline cheer and competitive cheer,” said Gowanda Superintendent Dr. Robert Anderson.

As a result of high participation in cheerleading, the district feels additional supervision is necessary. Anderson recently asked the Board of Education for its thoughts on adding an additional cheer advisor position.

“I’m advocating for the board to look at creating this position and add it into the contract. We’ve got a lot of people that want to participate,” Anderson said.

Board of Education Vice President Dollene Christopher responded, “I have a kid who is doing it, and there are a lot of girls. I understand the need. I’m not necessarily against it.”

Christopher explained how competitive cheer and sideline cheer are two separate teams with only one cheer coach to oversee both teams. With increased participation, supervision is a concern of the district. Board of Education member Mark Nephew called the current situation “a liability issue.”

The added position would be an appendix position that will be filled each year as needed.

“I support it, definitely. I’ve been a cheer mom forever, so I know there is definitely the need for a second coach there,” said Board of Education member Barbara Weston.

The district is also planning on contracting services for an athletic trainer to be at events at a per diem rate.

“We’ll see how that goes for us,” said Anderson.

The district attempted to utilize an agreement with BOCES to find a trainer, but there were no applicants for the position. “There doesn’t seem to be a lot of athletic trainers available out there in the world,” Anderson said. “… We’re fortunate to find somebody who can help us out.”

In terms of capital improvements, the district has refinished the floor of the high school gym, while the Hillis Field Scoreboard is still on track to be replaced Sept. 18. Playground equipment is set to be shipped in late September.