Hundreds of Munford High School student-athletes have signed athletic scholarships over the years, but Shelbie Crum made some history Monday afternoon in the MHS cafeteria.
In front of family, friends, teammates and coaches, Crum became the first Munford student to sign a cheerleading scholarship. She’s headed to UT-Martin.
Heather Gill became Munford’s cheerleading coach five years ago and made a concerted effort to transform the squad into one that competes instead of just cheering on the football and basketball teams.
She met Crum when she was a freshman and watched her transform into a college cheerleader.
“Shelbie came in really nervous, really timid,” Gill said. “Over the last four years she’s grown immensely. She’s super dedicated, a hard worker and the whole team loves her. She’s a person when you see her smile you smile. I don’t mean to get emotional, but she’s my girl.”
Crum has served in various cheerleading roles during her four years at Munford.
“She’s very versatile and knows how to do every position,” Gill said. “She’s the girl who will do anything and everything for you.”
Crum said she’s proud to have been a part of Munford’s improving cheerleading program and, of course, making some history along the way.
“It means a lot knowing I’m the first one from here to get a cheerleading scholarship and it shows that other people can actually get a scholarship for cheerleading.”
