Cheerleading coach prevails in appeal over student's fall

CLARKSTON (AP) - A former high school cheerleader who sued her coach over an injury isn't doing handstands after a decision from the Michigan appeals court.

The Clarkston district and the coach were sued in 2012, four years after Lindsey Friend was hurt while performing a move called a "double twist." She fell when others failed to catch her in 2008, suffering temporary memory loss, headaches and neck pain.

Friend accused coach Jaclyn Fahrner of failing to provide enough safety. But the appeals court says Fahrner provided weeks of training before the double twist. The court last week said "reasonable minds could not differ."

The court notes that Friend did well in high school and received a scholarship to Aquinas College, where she ran track.

Published: Tue, Jun 23, 2015