Parents of students from Warren Central High School are expressing outrage after multiple girls on the school’s majorette team sustained serious injuries during a practice session on September 18, 2023. The incident occurred when students were allegedly forced to perform bear crawls on an asphalt track under intense heat, leading to second-degree burns and blisters.
Travis Peagler, whose 14-year-old daughter, Trinity, was one of the injured, described the shocking moment he picked her up from school. He noted her hands were visibly burned and blistered after enduring the grueling exercise. According to Trinity, she was subjected to the additional physical challenge due to her academic performance. The temperature that day reached nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with the track surface likely exceeding 100 degrees.
Stacey Peagler, Trinity’s mother, expressed disbelief at the conditions under which the practice occurred. “What made you think that it was OK to have them doing bear crawls on an asphalt track when it had to be at least over 100 degrees?” she questioned. Images shared on social media depict severe blisters on Trinity’s hands, raising concerns about the safety protocols in place for student-athletes.
Trinity was subsequently treated at Riley Hospital for Children, where doctors confirmed her injuries as second-degree burns. The Peagler family revealed that she is also receiving treatment for heat exhaustion and may face long-term effects from her injuries. “Watching her go through this much pain has been heartbreaking for us as parents,” Travis Peagler said.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for the MSD of Warren Township confirmed awareness of the situation and stated that an active investigation is underway. “We are taking this matter very seriously,” the spokesperson said. The district emphasized that the safety and well-being of student-athletes remain a top priority.
Travis Peagler, a former soldier in the 82nd Airborne Division, voiced his concerns about the severity of the punishment. He argued that while discipline is essential for building character, the treatment his daughter endured crossed a dangerous line. He called for accountability and stronger safety measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Alongside the Peagler family, Ronnisha Banks reported a similar experience with her daughter, who is also a freshman on the majorette team. She shared photos showing her daughter’s second-degree burns and blisters. “I was livid. I just couldn’t believe it,” Banks stated, noting that the injuries have affected her daughter’s ability to complete schoolwork effectively.
Both families are advocating for increased awareness regarding the dangers of excessive physical punishment in school activities. They are seeking answers and accountability from school authorities to prevent future incidents. “We don’t want to see any parent have to go through what we’re going through right now,” Peagler emphasized.
In light of the events, Banks has contacted the Indiana Department of Child Services, while the Peagler family has engaged legal counsel, although no formal legal actions have been initiated yet.
As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all students involved in extracurricular activities.
