Blog

Dec 07, 2023

Austin Peay cheer team reinstated after 5

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Austin Peay State University cheer team

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Austin Peay State University cheer team has been reinstated after serving a five month suspension for hazing and underage drinking.

The team's suspension comes to an end after Austin Peay Athletics appointed TJ Bettineschi as their new spirit coordinator and head cheerleading coach, according to their website.

When the allegations first surfaced, Austin Peay held an investigation, and when it concluded it had two outcomes. First, the cheerleading program's former spirit coordinator, Maurice Grant, was fired.

The second, the entire cheer team were suspended until a new spirit coordinator could be hired. Now, with the hiring of Bettineschi, the team can move forward.

When reached by Clarksville Now, university declined further comment on the suspension.

Bettineschi will not only serve as Austin Peay's spirit coordinator and head cheerleading coach, but she’ll also lead the APSU dance team alongside new assistant cheerleading coach Justin Mizen.

"I am so excited to start this journey at Austin Peay," Bettineschi said in the news release announcing her hire. " I look forward to becoming a part of the community and getting to call Austin Peay my home away from home. I am ready to get this season started and can't wait to grow together with our Austin Peay cheerleaders."

Bettineschi was a part of Long Island University's athletics department before accepting the open position with the Govs. She served as the spirit coordinator and head cheerleading coach for the Sharks.

According to APSU, Bellineschi also worked with students outside of her coaching role as an athletics success coach. During her time serving in this position, she advised over 180 student-athletes to ensure they maintained progress toward graduation.

Here are some other accomplishment's Bellineschi has experienced throughout her professional career, according to APSU:

Christian Brown, Content Editor for Clarksville Now. If needed, you can reach me at [email protected] or at 931-648-7720.