GOPHER HOCKEY CHEERLEADING TEAM Try-out Packet

GOPHER HOCKEY CHEERLEADING TEAM Try-out Packet 2018-2019 1

2018-2019 TRYOUT PACKET University of Minnesota HOCKEY CHEER TRYOUT DATES/TIMES [NOTE: All practices are REQUIRED]: Friday, April 20, 2018 5:30-6:00 PM Registration, Ridder Arena Lobby 6:00-7:45 PM Cheer/Dance Clinic 8:00-10:00 PM Ice Practice, Ridder Arena Saturday, April 21, 2018 9:30-11:30 AM Open Ice Practice, Ridder Arena 11:45-1:45 PM Individually Scheduled Interviews, Ridder Arena Club Room/Suites 2:00-3:30 PM Land Practice (dance/cheers/fight songs), RidderArena Lobby 2:30-3:30 PM Dance Evaluations, Ridder Club Room 4:30-7:30 PM Final Try-out, Ridder Arena (closed to the public) 8:00 PM Team roster will be posted (outside Ridder Lobby)*Note: roster may be posted earlier Sunday, April 22, 2018 9:30 AM-12:30 PM Official 2018-2019 Team Meeting 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 e-mail Coach Anderson at heft0020@umn.edu. Thank you for your interest and GOOD LUCK! 2

Letter from the Head Coach Dear Spirit Squad Prospect: Joining the Spirit Squad program at the University of Minnesota, means joining 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 of participating in America s ORIGINAL cheerleading program. Within the last decade, our teams have had a variety of notable accomplishments. Goldy Gopher has won 4 Mascot National Championships, finished top 5 for the last 14 years, and twice named NCAA/ESPN Mascot of the year. The Hockey Cheer Team is comprised of talented figure skaters and has been recognized on ESPN, Sports Illustrated, USFS Skating Magazine and is 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 and finished 2 nd place in Game Day in 2018. Additionally, the U of M s All-Girl Cheer Team, over the last 10 years, has finished top 5 four times in the most competitive division at UCA College Cheer Nationals. The Dance Team has won 18 National Championships and is by far the winningest athletic team on the U of M campus, winning 10 Jazz titles and 8 Pom titles. 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 and department you support at this University, but also the entire State of Minnesota. You are the most visible ambassadors we have, and it is expected that you conduct yourself accordingly on and off the playing field. The Spirit Squad is comprised of 6 teams and over 100 dedicated student-athletes who devote 15-20 hours weekly to practices, games, special appearances, camps/clinics, fundraising events, and competitions. Spirit Squad athletes are also expected to maintain high academic standards and carry a full credit load. Because of these responsibilities, we are looking for skilled and talented athletes, and well-rounded 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 across the country and many from diverse backgrounds in dance, cheerleading, gymnastics, and skating. The common-ground amongst all of our program athletes is their dedication and commitment to this program. Our athletes believe that improving as individuals, helps their team improve as well. We are excited for your interest and believe that the rewards from this experience cannot be measured. Imagine the excitement that comes with being 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 and dance programs in the nation. Every once in awhile you come across an opportunity and make a decision that will change your life, securing friends for a lifetime and your place in history forever. Sincerely, Coach Owens, Head Spirit Squad Coach 3

DESCRIPTION/COMMITMENT 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. 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. 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 12-15 hours per week. They cheer for the legendary Golden Gopher hockey team at sold out Mariucci Arena. The team consists of 10-12 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) TBA Mandatory Spirit Squad Retreat: July 28-29 Mandatory (Choreography) Practice: July 23-27 Report Date: August 13 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 evenings per week 4:00-6:00pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays Required Strength and Conditioning: 2 (1-hour) sessions per week Skating Open Ice Hockey Cheer Team Only, 1 evening/week based on team availability 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 Team 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) Team Fee $350 (May include items such as briefs, poms, body suits, dress) 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 4

TRYOUT REQUIRMENTS ELIGIBILITY: Spring tryouts are open to individuals who have been accepted by the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities for Fall Semester 2018. All participants, including transfer students and current team members, must have a minimum 2.0 GPA 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. SKILLS: Suggestions: All hockey cheerleaders are suggested to have passed or be at the level of United States Figure Skating: Novice/Junior Freestyle (test track) or Juv/Intermediate Free (IJS) and Novice/Junior Moves in the Field; ISI Freestyle 8 or above. Synchronized skating experience is helpful, but not required. 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 run: 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/Sit Combo Spin variations allowed within these basic positions 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. TRYOUT PROCESS: Throughout the couple of days of clinics and the final tryout you will be observed by the U of M Coaching Staff as well as a selection committee. There may be a tryout cut at any time during the clinics. The final decisions are made by the coaching staff. 5

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 the 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 us win a victory. 6

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) a. All applicants must complete form on p. 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: http://www.gophersports.com/sportsmed/spiritsquad.html a. All applicants must complete and sign the Waiver Form no substitutions. b. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a guardian s signature. 4. Demographic/Insurance Form: http://www.gophersports.com/sportsmed/spiritsquad.html a. All applicants must complete both pages of the Medical Insurance Form. 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: http://www.gophersports.com/sportsmed/spiritsquad.html 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. 6. Sickle Cell Trait Testing Waiver: http://www.gophersports.com/sportsmed/spiritsquad.html 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. 7

2018-2019 SPIRIT SQUAD APPLICATION Hockey Cheerleading Team Please attach current photo PERSONAL INFORMATION: Name: Current Address: (last) (first) (middle) (street) (city) (state) (zip) Current Phone: Your Email 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: High School Name: School year: Fr So Jr Sr 5 th Year Major: Will you have any conflicts over the summer? (please specify dates) Student Identification Number: University of Minnesota x500 (e-mail): 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? 8

2018-2019 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. If you have it, 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): 9

2018-2019 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) 10