TRYOUT PACKET University of Minnesota CHEER (All-Girl, Co-Ed, Small Coed)

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1 TRYOUT PACKET University of Minnesota CHEER (All-Girl, Co-Ed, Small Coed) TRYOUT CLINICS: DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION Thursday, April 28 th 5pm Registration/Paperwork Sports Pavilion 6pm-9pm Fight Songs/Sideline Tryout Clinic Friday, April 29 th 5:30pm Registration Sports Pavilion 6pm-9pm Review Material, Stunt Sideline and Rouser Tryout Saturday, April 30 th 8:30am Registration 9am-12pm Tryouts Sports Pavilion (All material except Rouser and Sideline) 6pm Posting for Call Backs Sunday, May 1 st 9am-12pm Team Meetings/Paperwork 2pm Twins Training Sports Pavilion 1 (Sports Pavilion: 1925 University Ave SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455) 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 call the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad office at Thank you for your interest and GOOD LUCK! PROGRAM OVERVIEW As a member of the Spirit Squad program at the University of Minnesota you automatically 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 founder s spirit and pride continue today. Very few people have had the privilege to claim that they participated in America s ORIGINAL cheerleading program. It is truly an accomplishment to be proud of. Within the last decade, our teams have had a variety of notable accomplishments. Goldy Gopher finished 2 nd at Nationals in

2 2016, 3 rd at in 2015, 2 nd in 2014, and won the National Mascot Championship title in 2011 and 2013; he has also been twice named NCAA/ESPN Mascot of the year. The Hockey Cheer Team has been recognized on ESPN and in Sports Illustrated and is rated among the top Hockey Cheerleading teams in the country. The Co-ed Cheer Team has consistently placed among the top 10 teams in the country in one of the most competitive divisions at UCA College Cheer Nationals. In addition, the U of M s All-Girl Cheer Team took home 8 th place in 2015 and placed top 10 (2 nd in the Big 10) in 2014 at UCA College Cheer Nationals, 2 nd in 2013, 5 th in 2012, and 3 rd in Along with this great history comes a very serious sense of responsibility. As a Spirit Squad member you are a representative not only of the athletic teams you support at this University, but also the entire State of Minnesota. You are the most visible ambassadors we have, and you are expected to conduct yourself accordingly on and off the playing field. Today this proud tradition is continued by over 90 dedicated student-athletes who devote hours every week to practices, games, special appearances, cheerleading camps and competitions. Like studentathletes in other Gopher sports programs, members of the Spirit Squads, comprised of the All- Girl Cheer Team, Co-ed Cheer Team, Dance Team, Hockey Cheer Team, and Goldy Gopher mascot, must maintain high academic standards and carry a full credit load in order to participate. Because of these responsibilities we are looking for skilled and talented athletes, and wellrounded students who embrace the ability to be coached, as well as find a healthy balance between athletics, school, family, and friends. Our team members come from all over the nation and have very diverse cheerleading backgrounds. The common ground among them is their dedication and commitment to this program. They believe that as they improve as individuals, their team improves as well, 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, traveling to storied venues around the country, and competing against some of the top cheerleading programs in the nation with the opportunity to be showcased on The Big Ten Network and ESPN! 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! 2

3 3 ALL GIRL CHEER TEAM ALL-GIRL CHEER TEAM This team consists of all female cheerleaders who cheer for football and women s basketball games with an opportunity to travel to away football games and basketball tournaments. They also perform at a variety of off-campus appearances and they participate in all Spirit Squad fundraisers. These cheerleaders also commit to training for the UCA National Competition either as a competitor or to serve as an alternate. This team has a year-round time commitment beginning at tryouts. The spring and summer commitment is as follows: Practice Schedule Spring and Summer (Exact dates and times TBA) Mandatory Practices: May 1 st : Mandatory Practice & Team Meeting June 22 nd -26 th : Mandatory Practice July 27 th -August 2 nd : Mandatory Practice August 3 rd -August 7 th UCA College Camp Report Date: August 23 rd School Year Practice Schedule **YOU MUST SCHEDULE CLASSES AROUND PRACTICES, WEIGHTS, AND GAMES Fall Semester TBD Spring Semester TBD Special Events/Appearances Each Spirit Squad member is required to attend additional Athletic Department appearances. When we are preparing for a National Competition, there will be additional practices including two-a-days during University breaks. Our activities do not stop during the Holiday seasons or Spring Break. Scholarships: (the University of Minnesota does not award athletic scholarships in cheerleading) All cheer team members are given an allotment of money for school books each semester. A limited number of scholarships may be available to third and fourth year team members. Expenses for both teams: (team members are able to keep whatever items they are required to purchase) Bodysuits, briefs, poms, outdoor attire about $ This $300 check is due at the first practice, separate from the $40 tryout fee. In the event you choose not 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 the payments that have been made on your behalf. ALL-GIRL CHEER TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS ELIGIBILITY: Spring tryouts are open to individuals who have been accepted by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Fall Semester All participants, including transfer students and current team members, must have a minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average and have graduated from high school. Incoming students must bring a copy of their letter of acceptance on the first day of tryouts. Current U of M Students must bring an unofficial transcript.

4 TRYOUT PROCESS: Throughout the week of clinics and the final tryout you will be observed by the U of M Coaching Staff as well as a selection committee. There will be a pre-tryout cut at any time during the clinics. At the final tryout you will be asked to individually perform specific skills; however, there is not a point system. The final decisions are made by the Coaching Staff and a Tryout Selection Committee. SKILLS: You will be asked to execute the skills listed below for tryouts. If you haven t mastered all skills, do not be discouraged. We are not necessarily looking for perfection at this time, but we do want you to concentrate and perfect the skills that play to your strengths. In addition to the skills listed, you will be observed throughout the clinics on your attitude, ability to learn and make changes, enthusiasm, projection and overall performance. We will be looking for current and potential skills to become a collegiate cheerleader. (NOTE: requirements are subject to change; you will be informed of any changes at the first day of clinics.) TRYOUT MATERIAL AND REQUIREMENTS: Interview with coaches Fight Song - Minnesota Rouser Fight Song- Minnesota Fight A Sideline Cheer Tumbling: o Standing: Handspring, Tuck, BHS-Tuck, BHS/BHS-Full o Pass: Round-off followed by three consecutive skills All-Girl Partner Stunts: o Full up stunt o Single-base extension or Liberty o Elite partner stunt sequence including a flipping stunt or inversion with a full down or double full down CO-ED CHEER TEAM CO-ED CHEER TEAM This team consists of men and women who cheer for football and men s basketball games with an opportunity to travel to away football games and basketball tournaments. They also perform at a variety of off-campus appearances and they participate in all Spirit Squad fundraisers. These cheerleaders also commit to training for the UCA National Competition either as a competitor or to serve as an alternate. This team has a year-round time commitment beginning at tryouts. The spring and summer commitment is as follows: Spring and Summer (Exact dates and times TBA) Mandatory Practices: May 1 st : Mandatory Practice & Team Meeting June 22 nd -26 th : Mandatory Practice July 27 th -August 2 nd : Mandatory Practice August 3 rd -August 7 th UCA College Camp Report Date: August 23 rd CO-ED School Year Practice SCHEDULE **YOU MUST SCHEDULE CLASSES AROUND PRACTICES, WEIGHTS, AND GAMES Fall: TBD Spring: TBD Special Events/Appearances 4

5 5 Each Spirit Squad member is required to attend additional Athletic Department appearances. When we are preparing for a National Competition, there will be additional practices including two-a-days during University breaks. Our activities do not stop during the Holiday seasons or Spring Break. Scholarships: (the University of Minnesota does not award athletic scholarships in cheerleading) All cheer team members are given an allotment of money for school books each semester. A limited number of scholarships may be available to third and fourth year team members. Expenses for both teams: (team members are able to keep whatever items they are required to purchase) Bodysuits, briefs, poms, megaphones, outdoor attire about $ This $300 check is due at the first practice, separate from the $40 tryout fee. In the event you choose not 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 the payments that have been made on your behalf. CO-ED CHEER TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS ELIGIBILITY: Spring tryouts are open to individuals who have been accepted by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Fall Semester All participants, including transfer students and current team members, must have a minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average and have graduated from high school. Incoming students must bring a copy of their letter of acceptance on the first day of tryouts. Current U of M Students must bring an unofficial transcript. TRYOUT PROCESS: Throughout the week of clinics and the final tryout you will be observed by the U of M Coaching Staff as well as a selection committee. There will be a pre-tryout cut at any time during the clinics. At the final tryout you will be asked to individually perform specific skills; however, there is not a point system. The final decisions are made by the Coaching Staff and a Tryout Selection Committee. SKILLS: You will be asked to execute the skills listed below for tryouts. If you haven t mastered all skills, do not be discouraged. We are not necessarily looking for perfection at this time, but we do want you to concentrate and perfect the skills that play to your strengths. In addition to the skills listed, you will be observed throughout the clinics on your attitude, ability to learn and make changes, enthusiasm, projection and overall performance. We will be looking for current and potential skills to become a collegiate cheerleader. (NOTE: requirements are subject to change; you will be informed of any changes at the first day of clinics.) TRYOUT MATERIAL AND REQUIREMENTS: Interview with coaches Fight Song - Minnesota Rouser Fight Song- Minnesota Fight A Sideline Cheer Tumbling: o Standing: Handspring, Tuck, BHS-Tuck, BHS/BHS-Full o Pass: Round-off followed by three consecutive skills Co-ed Partner Stunts: o Walk-Up (i.e. walk up liberty) o Toss (i.e. toss chair, heel stretch) or Low to High o Elite partner stunt sequence (suggested: 1-Arm stunt or flipping stunt)

6 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA INFORMATION FIGHT SONG: THE MINNESOTA ROUSER : The University's main fight song was written in 1909 by Floyd M. Hutsell for a contest sponsored by the Minneapolis Tribune. The Minnesota cheer Ski-U-Mah, pronounced sky-you-ma, is more than 100 years old: the word "ski" (which, according to legend, was an American Indian victory cry), and "U-Mah" (represents "University of Minnesota") were created by two rugby players as an easy-to-remember team cheer. The phrase stuck and was incorporated into the "Minnesota Rouser.": Min-ne-so-ta, hats off to thee! To our colors true we shall ever be. Firm and strong united are we! Rah Rah Rah for Ski U Mah Rah Rah Rah Rah Rah for the U of M (repeat) M - I - N - N - E - S - O - T - A! Minnesota! Minnesota! Yeaaaaaaah Gophers! FIGHT SONG: MINNESOTA FIGHT Minnesota Fight is one of several school songs of the University of Minnesota. It was written by a University graduate, Truman E. Rickhard, in response to a contest to find an additional fight song for the school. The piece was originally entitled Minnesota! Let s Go! but is now known as Minnesota Fight. Minnesota Fight has stood the test of time and continues to be performed regularly by the Minnesota Band. Minnesota, come on, let s go! It s a loyal crowd that s here; With a Sis-Boom-Ah and a Ski-U-Mah, For the varsity we cheer! Rah! Rah! The old fight gang, on your marks, Slam! Bang! Hit em hard and hit em low, So fight, Minnesota, fight! Minnesota! Come on, let s go! ALMA MATER: HAIL MINNESOTA "Hail! Minnesota" was written in 1904 by Truman Rickard for a class play. The song was performed again at commencement that year and continued to gain in popularity. It eventually became the school song, and in 1945 it became the official song of the state of Minnesota: Minnesota, Hail to thee! Hail to thee our college dear! Thy light shall ever be a beacon bright and clear. Thy sons and daughters true will proclaim thee near and far. They will guard thy fame, and adore thy name; Thou shalt be their Northern Star! 6

7 Gopher Football Schedule Date Opponent Location Time (CST) Thurs, Sep 01 Oregon State TCF Bank Stadium TBA Sat, Sep 10 Indiana State TCF Bank Stadium TBA Sat, Sep 24 Colorado State TCF Bank Stadium TBA Sat, Oct 1 at Penn State University Park, Pa. TBA Sat, Oct 8 Iowa TCF Bank Stadium TBA Sat, Oct 15 at Maryland College Park, Md. TBA Sat, Oct 22 Rutgers TCF Bank Stadium TBA Sat, Oct 29 at Illinois Champaign, Ill. TBA Sat, Nov 5 Purdue TCF Bank Stadium TBA Sat, Nov 12 at Nebraska Lincoln, Neb. TBA Sat, Nov 19 Northwestern TCF Bank Stadium TBA Sat, Nov 26 at Wisconsin Madison, Wis. TBA 7

8 Spirit Squad Application Please place an X next to the team you wish to try out for, or rank the teams if you are interested in more than one: All Girl Cheer Team Co-Ed Cheer Team Small Coed Cheer Team Please attach current photo PERSONAL INFORMATION: Name: (First) (Last) (Middle) Cell Phone: address: Parents Name(s): Parent # 1Address: Parent #1 Phone: (First) (Last) / (First) (Last) (Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code) Parent # 2 Name: (If different from above) (First) (Last) Parent # 2 Address: (If different from above) (Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code) Parent #2 Phone: SCHOOL INFORMATION Year in College for the School year: Fr So Jr Sr 5 th Year Major: U of M School ID Number: Social Security Number: Date of Birth: In reviewing the spring and summer time commitment, will you have any conflicts over the summer? If so, please explain. Are you currently employed? If yes, where? Will you be working while you are in school? If yes, how many hours per week? 8

9 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. 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 page 8) a. All applicants must complete form on page 8 and corresponding questionnaire. b. Please attach a current photo. 2. Try-out Fee: $40 cash or check made out to University of Minnesota 3. 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 and fill out the Minor Release From (follow the below link) 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. 5. Pre-Participation Physical/Heath History 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. ***THIS PHYSICAL EXAMINTATION MUST BE SIGNED BY A PHYSICIAN (MD or DO)*** If it is done/signed by anyone other than a MD or DO you will not be able to participate in tryouts! 6. Sickle Cell Trait Testing Waiver: a. New candidates only. 7. Proof of Admission a. Copy of acceptance letter for incoming freshmen/transfer students b. Unofficial copy of transcript for current University of Minnesota students c. New candidates only. 9