GOPHER HOCKEY CHEERLEADING TEAM Try-out Packet

Transcription

1 GOPHER HOCKEY CHEERLEADING TEAM Try-out Packet

2 TRYOUT PACKET HOCKEY CHEERLEADING TEAM TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Program Overview Hockey Cheer Team Description Team Information Tryout Requirements Required Forms 9-end TRYOUT DATES/TIMES [NOTE: All practices are REQUIRED unless previously arranged or noted as *OPEN*]: Friday, April 25, :00-5:30 PM Registration, Ridder Arena Lobby 5:45-7:45 PM Cheer/Dance Clinic 8:15-11:15 PM Ice Practice, Ridder Arena Saturday, April 26, :30-12:30 PM Individually Scheduled Interviews, Spirit Squad Office, Room 140 Sports Pavilion 2:00-4:00 PM *OPEN* Ice Practice, Ridder Arena 4:00-7:00 PM Land Practice (dance/cheers/fight songs), RidderArena Lobby 5:00-6:00 PM Dance Evaluations, Ridder Club Room 7:00-10:00 PM Final Try-out, Ridder Arena (closed to the public) 10:30 PM Team roster will be posted (outside Ridder Lobby)*Note: roster may be posted earlier Sunday, April 27, :00-8:30 PM Official Team Meeting, Ridder Arena *Please bring skates - team picture will be taken on ice It is important that you read and fully understand the enclosed information. Give serious thought to the level of commitment you must make if you are chosen to be a part of this program. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to Coach Anderson at heft0020@umn.edu. Thank you for your interest and GOOD LUCK! 2

3 SPIRIT SQUAD PROGRAM OVERVIEW When you become a member of the Spirit Squad program at the University of Minnesota, you become a part of a rich tradition and a legacy that started over 100 years ago. Cheerleading was invented in 1898 on the University of Minnesota campus, and our founders spirit and pride have never left. Very few people have had the exclusive right to say that they are a part of the world s ORIGINAL cheer program - it is truly an accomplishment to be proud of. Along with this great history comes a very serious sense of responsibility. As a spirit squad member, you are a visible representative, not only of the athletic teams you support, but also of the University and the entire state. You are some of the most important ambassadors we have, and you are expected to conduct yourself accordingly on and off the ice. Today, the proud tradition of our Spirit Squad program carries on with over 90 dedicated student-athletes, who devote hours every week to practices, games, special appearances, and other volunteer events. Like student-athletes in other Gopher sports programs, members of the Spirit Squads the Cheer Teams, the Dance Team, and Goldy Gopher mascot team must maintain high academic standards and carry a full credit load in order to participate. Because of these responsibilities, when we choose our teams, we are not only looking for skilled and talented athletes, we are looking for skilled and talented people. Our team members come from all over the nation and have very diverse backgrounds, but all are hard working, dedicated and committed young people who are willing to work and sacrifice over a four year period. They believe that as they improve their team improves, and the rewards from having this experience cannot be measured. Imagine the excitement that comes with being a part of a Big Ten athletic department: performing at some of the biggest, nationally televised games, and traveling to storied venues around the country. Every once in awhile you come across an opportunity, and make a decision that will change your life. Earning a place in the Spirit Squad program at the University of Minnesota has the potential to do just that, securing friends for a lifetime and your place in history forever. 3

4 HOCKEY CHEERLEADING TEAM The state of Minnesota has many claims to fame. Minnesota is known as the state of hockey, but it s also the birthplace of cheerleading. Cheerleading originated at the University of Minnesota over 100 years ago, when a man by the name of Johnny Campbell organized a group of yellleaders. The sport of cheerleading has really grown since then. In the state of hockey, and the birthplace of cheerleading, it should be no surprise that the University of Minnesota has a group of cheerleaders who exclusively cheer at hockey games. The Gopher Hockey Cheerleaders combine choreographed individual figure skating skills, synchronized skating skills, dancing, and cheerleading on the ice and in the stands, into one unified sport. Furthermore, the team at the University of Minnesota is looked upon as an especially unique and innovative representative within the sport of hockey cheerleading, given that all of the girls on the team are talented figure skaters. One alumni of the program said, When I came to the U, I started going to hockey games and instantly discovered what an amazing experience Gopher Hockey games are. Hockey cheerleading is the most unique sport I've ever seen! The squad was comprised of 13 young women who come from both diverse backgrounds, including cheerleading and dance experience, and the common backgrounds including a love of hockey and many years of figure skating. The Gopher Hockey Cheerleaders perform on the ice before the game and between periods as well as in the stands during the game. Their time is dedicated to performing, supporting the hockey team, and adding to the Gopher fan experience. As members of the Minnesota Hockey and Spirit Squad families, Gopher Hockey Cheerleaders participate because they love the sport of hockey, love figure skating, want to continue performing in college, and take pride in being part of this great Minnesota tradition. 4

5 HOCKEY CHEER TEAM This unique team cheers and performs on the ice and in the stands at all home hockey games. They will make special appearances on occasion, and put in approximately hours per week. They cheer for the legendary Golden Gopher hockey team at sold out Mariucci Arena. The team consists of female members, and all hockey cheerleaders are required to have a vast array of figure skating skills, as they perform on the ice between periods. Time Commitment: Summer Practices (all dates tentative, exact dates TBA) Captains Practice: First week in August (weekdays) Mandatory Spirits Squad Retreat: TBA Mandatory (Choreography) Practice: Starting the second week of August (weekdays) School Year Practices YOU MUST SCHEDULE CLASSES AROUND PRACTICE/GAMES The Gopher Hockey Season runs from October-April games are typically on Fridays and Saturdays (5:00-10:00pm) Practice: Three mornings per week 6:00-8:00 AM Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays Required Strength and Conditioning: 2 (1-hour) sessions per week Skating Open Ice Hockey Cheer Team Only, Wednesday evenings Special Events/Appearances You may be required to attend events sponsored by the athletic department Hockey cheerleaders work at all U of M Spirit Squad fundraisers Keep in mind that our activities do not stop during the Holiday season or Spring Break Expenses: (team members are able to keep whatever items they are required to purchase) Bodysuits, briefs, poms, and practice apparel: $350 (approx.) Required Fundraising in the summer (Twins Games) The team may also purchase jackets, bags, sweatshirts and T-shirts on their own (not required) In the event you do not choose to honor your commitment and finish the season or you are dismissed from the program, you will be required to reimburse the U of M for payments made on your behalf 5

6 TRYOUT REQUIRMENTS Suggestions: All hockey cheerleaders are suggested to have passed or be at the level of United States Figure Skating: Novice Freestyle and Novice/Junior Moves in the Field; ISI Freestyle 8 or above. Synchronized skating experience is not required but is helpful. No previous cheer or dance experience required. Except for the dance, the tryout will take place entirely on the ice. Here is an outline of how the tryout will go. 1. DANCE (only element performed off-ice): You will perform a dance that will be taught to you at tryouts. The dance will be the only element performed on dry land; the rest of the tryout will be on ice. 2. ON-ICE ENTRANCE: During your entrance, you will demonstrate figure skating skills as music to Minnesota March plays. The following REQUIRED SKATING SKILLS must be performed during the music segment: Axel (single or double; must be fully rotated) Double Jump: Salchow, Loop, or Axel (choose one) *Note: if you choose double axel, you do not need to repeat the skill Flying Camel/Back Sit Combo Spin Layback Spin Split or stag falling leaf Heel Stretch Right OR Left leg (either forward or backward) may be done gliding or while spinning Bauer or Spread Eagle (R or L) Step Sequence (using approx. ½ ice should include skills such as Brackets, Rockers, Choctaws, Counters, Loops, Twizzles) *NOTE: each spin must consist of 4 complete revolutions in the specified spin position 3. MOTIONS: During Minnesota March you will stop at center ice and perform the cheerleading motions that go along with that portion of the song (taught at try-outs). Music will continue and you can perform more required skating skills until the song ends. 4. CHEER: You will shout the words and perform motions to 1 cheer, taught at tryouts. 5. SKATING PROGRAM: You will provide your own program music (on ipod/phone); bring a past skating program or a routine that you choreographed to your favorite song (something that shows personality is preferred). You will use the music to demonstrate additional figure skating skills. Extra emphasis should be placed on performance choreography, show skills (i.e. unique spin variations, flexibility/balance skills, big/exciting jumps, intricate/unique footwork, flying spins/death drop/butterfly), attire, and over-all appeal use your program to tell us more about you as a performer. There is no required time length give yourself enough time to show your talent/skills, but not too much time where you lose the effect of the mood/choreography. 6

7 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA INFORMATION FIGHT SONG: MINNESOTA MARCH : Rah! Rah! Ski-U-Mah. Rah! Rah! Rah! March on, March on to Victory. Loyal Sons of Varsity. Fight on, Fight on for Minnesota For the glory of the Old Maroon and Gold (2, 3) March on, March on to win the game. Down the ICE, fighting every play. We're with you, team, Fighting team! Hear our song, we cheer along To help you win a victory. 7

8 APPLICATION CHECKLIST The following is a checklist to help ensure you are prepared for tryouts. Please follow these instructions carefully and bring your completed packet/application with you to tryouts. If you have questions, please contact Coach Anderson at least a week before try-outs (heft0020@umn.edu). IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU HAVE ALL ITEMS ON THIS LIST TO TURN IN AT REGISTRATION. You will not be able to participate in any portion of the tryout process without complete forms (including any missing information on the forms) - this includes veteran/returning members. 1. Application/ Picture (attached -- packet pages 9-11) a. All applicants must complete form on p. 9 and corresponding questionnaire. b. Please attach a current photo. 2. Waiver Form: a. All applicants must complete and sign the attached Waiver Form no substitutions. b. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a guardian s signature. 3. Demographic/Insurance Form: a. All applicants must complete both pages of the Medical Insurance Form (attached). b. Attached to this form, all applicants must provide a photocopy of the front and back of your medical insurance card. c. Be sure to complete the form in full i.e. Policy Holder Information, DOB, etc. and it must be signed. d. Must complete the U of M Insurance Form no substitutions will be accepted. 4. Pre-Participation Physical Form: a. New candidates only. b. Must be completed within the past year (from tryout date). c. Must indicated or be marked Cleared for participation. d. If applicant is under the age of 18, it must co-signed by a guardian. 5. Try-out Fee: $20 cash or check made out to University of Minnesota 6. Proof of Admission a. Copy of acceptance letter for incoming freshmen/transfer students b. Unofficial copy of transcript for current University of Minnesota students (printed from OneStop) 8

9 SPIRIT SQUAD APPLICATION Hockey Cheerleading Team Please attach current photo Name: Current Address: (last) (first) (middle) (street) (city) (state) (zip) Current Phone: Your address: Parent's Names: Parent's Address: (street) (city) (state) (zip) Parent's Phone & High School Name: (phone) ( ) Incoming Year in College: Fr So Jr Sr Major: Will you have any conflicts over the summer? (please specify dates) Student Identification Number: Social Security Number: (for traveling purposes) Birth Date: Are you currently employed? If yes, where? Will you be working while you are in school? If yes, how many hours per week? 9

10 SPIRIT SQUAD QUESTIONNNAIRE FOR NEW TEAM MEMBERS 1. What high school sports were you involved in, if any? 2. What other extra-curricular activities did you participate in? 3. Please explain any volunteer/community service activities: 4. Please tell us about your cheerleading/dance experience: 5. Please tell us about your skating experience: 6. Describe yourself, your interests, and pastimes (attach additional page if necessary): 7. Why are you interested in becoming a member of the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad [Hockey Cheerleading] program? (attach additional page if necessary): 10

11 SPIRIT SQUAD QUESTIONNNAIRE FOR RETURNING TEAM MEMBERS 1. What qualities do you possess that bring value to the team? 2. What role do you hope to play this upcoming season on the team? 3. What qualities do you look for in a good team captain/leader? Give 2-3 specific examples. 4. As you know, there is a fair amount of independent skill-work and conditioning that you re accountable for during the season, how do you plan to set and achieve goals independently throughout the season? (Please list and explain 2-3 specific examples) 5. How has being a member of the Hockey Cheerleading Team enhanced your life? 6. What is your preferred learning style? (i.e. visual, aural, physical, verbal, logical, solitary, social) 7. Why are you interested in returning as a member of the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad [Hockey Cheerleading] program? (attach additional page if necessary) 11