Although a Wisconsin lawsuit is asking for weight restrictions for cheerleaders, Ohio State’s squad does not have such limitations. The lawsuit, filed by Douglas O’Reilly, a former cheerleader from Marquette University in Milwaukee, claims O’Reilly fractured his back while practicing stunts in April 1996, according to Reuters news service. He told the Chicago Sun-Times that his injuries were caused by lifting heavy female partners during stunts.However, weight has not been an issue for OSU cheerleaders, said Becky Daniels, trainer for the OSU cheerleading team.Daniels said OSU does not have weight restrictions but the stunts are arranged so female cheerleaders are lifted by male cheerleaders of comparable weights. “They are taught the correct way to hold them so they are not hurting themselves,” she said.”With cheerleading being such a public sport, cheerleaders feel they should look a certain way,” Daniels said. Dr. Robert Whitehead, the cheerleading team physician, said he has seen two or three injuries this year from cheerleading. He said most injuries are caused by hyperextension of the back.”Cause and effect are difficult to define in injuries,” he said. “We can’t always point to one factor.” Mike McGlynn, an OSU cheerleader, performs stunts with his team members during OSU games. “Lifting a heavier person makes it harder to maintain technique, but I haven’t had a problem,” said McGlynn. McGlynn said injuries similar to O’Reilly’s could be caused by improper form when lifting. McGlynn said twisted ankles and sprained wrists from tumbling are common but none have resulted from lifting a heavy partner. “Cheerleading predisposes you to common back injuries,” said Whitehead.Whitehead said injuries can be more common at the end of the routine when muscles are fatigued. Stretching, weekly weight training, conditioning and proper form when lifting help prevent these injuries, said Daniels, the cheerleading team trainer. Daniels said the team attends a preseason camp, where members learn how to form pyramids and perform stunts.