By BY BRUCE HIXON – sports editor
With oldest daughters Perry and Julian having already gone through the program and youngest daughter Maggie currently a member, Ava Crutchfield has had plenty of dealings with W.S. Neal cheerleaders in recent years.
Crutchfield's involvement took another big step forward last week when she was tabbed as the Blue Eagles cheerleading sponsor. Crutchfield takes over for Jennie Salter, who had to resign due to health reasons after 24 seasons in that position.
In addition to family involvement, Crutchfield has some prior experience with the W.S. Neal cheerleading program.
Crutchfield admits the timing of her hiring puts things in a bit of a rush.
Crutchfield gives a lot of credit to senior captain Katelin Hulley for helping direct the squad this summer.
The elder Crutchfield will not be involved in the cheerleader tryouts as long as Maggie is involved.