University of Iowa CHEERLEADING Tryout Packet 2015-2016 INCOMING FRESHMAN / TRANSFER TRYOUT QUALIFICATION VIDEO DUE: March 1, 2015 ON CAMPUS TRYOUT DATES: April 17-19, 2015 ON CAMPUS TRYOUT SCHEDULE: Friday 5:30 PM 6:00 PM Registration Location TBA 6:00 PM 10:00 PM Tryout Clinic/ First Cut Saturday 8:00 AM 12:00 PM Tryout Clinic/Second Cut Saturday 12:00 PM 3:00 PM Interviews Saturday 3:00 PM 6:00 PM Tryout Clinic Sunday 8:00 AM 12:00 PM MANDATORY Final Tryout Location TBA MANDATORY TEAM MEETING: Sunday 12:00PM 4:00PM Location TBA 1
TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS If you are an INCOMING FRESHMAN / TRANSFER The first step in trying out for the Iowa Cheerleaders is to send in a qualifying video NO LATER THAN March 1, 2015. NO EXCEPTIONS. Please see the video audition requirements on page 5. PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING, FILLED OUT, WITH YOU TO THE ON CAMPUS AUDITION: 1. University of Iowa Cheerleading Application (page 7-8) 2. Non-Returnable Photo 3. Proof of Admission to the University of Iowa (copy of acceptance letter) or Student ID. 4. Iowa Spirit Squads Permission, Medical and Liability Release Form (page 9) 5. Iowa Spirit Squads Minimum Academic Requirements and Consent to Release Information (page 10) 6. Copy of your insurance card front and back. 7. ALL MEDICAL PAPERWORK including a Physical dated NO EARLIER than December 1, 2014: Go to the following link and fill out the PDF files, bring all of these to the first day of Tryouts. The physical form can be brought to any doctor that can do a physical or call Iowa s Sports Medicine Center. DO NOT MAIL THESE IN. http://medforms.hawkeyesports.com/sports-team-tryouts It is important that you read and fully understand the enclosed information. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to E-Mail: iowaspirit@hawkeyesports.com Thank you for your interest and GOOD LUCK! 2
PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Iowa Cheerleaders are a co-ed team made up of the best overall male and female cheerleaders at the University of Iowa. This team performs at UI football, volleyball, men's basketball, women's basketball, wrestling and other athletics events. As an Iowa Cheerleader, you are a representative not only of the athletic teams you support at the University of Iowa, but also the entire state of Iowa. You are the most visible ambassadors we have and you are expected to conduct yourself accordingly, on and off the playing field. The proud tradition of the Iowa Spirit Squad is carried on by over 50 dedicated student-athletes who devote15-20 hours every week to practices, games, special appearances, camps and competitions. Like all student - athletes at the University of Iowa, Iowa Cheerleaders 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. Our team members come from all over the nation and have very diverse backgrounds. We perform throughout the year at games, events, University functions and sponsor functions. Imagine performing in front of 70,000 people inside Kinnick Stadium, or 15,000 at Carver Hawkeye Arena. Our goal is to get Hawkeye fans near and far excited about Iowa Athletics and while they are in our facilities. We want to lead the crowd and create the best home field advantage for our teams. Another goal each season for the Iowa Cheerleaders to compete against some of the top programs in the nation at UCA College Nationals, with the opportunity to be showcased on ESPN! Having Reached Finals in 2014, the team would like to go further and prove that the University of Iowa is a perennial contender. LEAD THE CROWD! 3
COMMITMENT Summer Practices: All schedule information will be given at the first meeting for the 2015-2016 Mandatory Practice Weekends will be held once a month in May, June and July Mandatory Pre Camp Practice will be held one week prior to UCA camp at the end of July UCA Camp usually end of July first few days of August School Year Practices: ** YOU MUST SCHEDULE CLASSES AROUND PRACTICES AND GAMES Practice begins one week prior to the start of classes Weekly Practices: Monday Friday 4:00-6:00pm There will be games over breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break) as well as practice for Nationals. You will be responsible for transportation back to campus to attend mandatory practices and games Special Events/Appearances: Iowa Cheerleaders will be required to attend events sponsored by the athletic department Iowa Cheerleaders work at all Iowa Spirit Squad fundraisers Expenses: All travel, hotel accommodations, per diem, practice apparel, shoes, uniforms, costumes and choreography expenses are provided by the University of Iowa Spirit Squad Optional apparel, i.e. team sweats, will be paid by the individual In the event you do not finish the season or are dismissed from the program, you will be required to reimburse the University of Iowa for payments made on your behalf Scholarships: Scholarships are available to 3 rd and 4 th year members through the Mary Lee D u d a Hawkeye Spirit Fund 4
PRELIMINARY VIDEO TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS If you are a CURRENT student at the University of Iowa, the video audition requirements DO NOT apply to you. For incoming Freshmen and Transfer Students the first step in tryouts for the Iowa Cheerleaders is to send in a qualifying video, Iowa Cheerleading application, application fee ($25) and photograph NO LATER THAN March 1, 2015. NO EXCEPTIONS. The video must be in DVD format. Please wear athletic wear (females sports bra/sports tank and shorts / males tee shirt and shorts) on your video. Videos will not be returned. Clearly label your DVD with: full name, address, home and cell phone numbers and email address. DO NOT use a separate piece of paper. You do not need to be 18 years old to audition; however you need to be accepted to the University of Iowa and attending the University of Iowa in the fall of 2015 as a full-time (12 semester hours) student once selected. A $25 registration fee is due with the submission of your tape. We accept cash, checks, or money orders made out to: University of Iowa Athletic Department. PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ON YOUR DVD: 1. A short introduction stating your name and a brief description of why you want to be an Iowa Cheerleader, and what makes you a valuable team member. 2. Performance of skills listed below Please put in this order on the video: MOTION TECHNIQUE (looking for motions not skills): CO-ED STUNTS: o Your School Fight Song OR o Females Heel Stretch or Arabesque with a full o A School Cheer OR down or double down, Toss Stunt, Walk Up o 2-3 Sidelines Stunt o Males Toss Stunt, Walk Up Stunt, TUMBLING: Transitional Stunts (2 or more stunts together) o Standing Tumbling: Back Tuck, Backhandspring Back Tuck, Toe Touch Back Tuck o We are looking for Females as tops, if you are normally a base or back spot, be sure to get some topping in to put on the video, ideally coed o Tumbling Passes: Layouts, Fulls, Specialty stunting Passes JUMPS: o These can be on any surface, at tryouts you o Toe Touch will be expected to tumble on regular cheer mats o Pike 30 SECONDS OF OPTIONAL SKILLS: o Any Other skills you believe would impress the coaches ALSO INCLUDE IN YOUR TRYOUT INFORMATION: 1. Iowa Cheerleading Tryout Application see pages 7-8 2. Current photo: non-returnable does not need to be professional 3. $25 Application Fee (non-refundable) Made out to the University of Iowa Athletic Department Once decisions are made, you will be contacted by March 15th. If your video is selected, you will be asked to come to Iowa City for on-campus tryouts on APRIL 17-19, 2015. Please submit your video to: Iowa Spirit Squads N411 Carver Hawkeye Arena Iowa City, IA 52242 GOOD LUCK with your videos, and we look forward to watching them in the near future. If you have any questions regarding the videos or the Iowa Cheerleaders please contact me via E-Mail. Gregg Niemiec University of Iowa Cheerleading Coach / Spirit Coordinator iowaspirit@hawkeyesports.com 5
ON CAMPUS TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS Tryouts are held over multiple sessions with cuts occurring at the end of every session. During each session, you will be observed by the coaches. If you qualify for the final tryout, you will be asked to i n t e r v i e w w i t h t h e C o a c h i n g S t a f f, a n d perform skills on the Final Day of Tryouts. Below is a brief sample of what will be included during the Tryout weekend. In addition to the skills listed, you will be observed throughout the clinics on your attitude, ability to learn, ability to listen, enthusiasm, projection and overall performance. We will be looking for your ability and potential to become a collegiate cheerleader. TRYOUT INFORMATION Friday April 17 5:30pm - Registration 6:00-7:00pm Test Material / Tumbling First Cut 7:00-10:00pm Stunting in Groups Work on Material Saturday April 18 8:00am-12:00pm Test Material/Tumbling/Stunting Second Cut 12:00-3:00pm Interviews 3:00-6:00pm Prep For Final Tryout Sunday April 19 8AM-12PM FINAL TRYOUT (Open to the Public) Material will be done in groups Skills will be shown separately Final Skills(performed individually: Co-Ed Stunts Tumbling Standing and Pass Fight Song or Cheer 12:00pm 2015-2016 Team will be announced 12:00-4:00pm 2015-2016 MANDATORY Team Meeting All ISS ATTIRE: Clinics First Two Days and Interviews Informal (practice) attire is acceptable. Final Tryout Females: Sports bra, and form fitting shorts. Males: Tee-Shirt and shorts. Your hair should be back and out of your face. Please look game/competition ready for the Final Tryout. Note: Tryouts for the University of Iowa Cheerleaders are ONLY held in the Spring 6
University of Iowa Cheerleading Application 2015-2016 You must have a physical dated AFTER Dec 1, 2014 and proof of admission to tryout Please attach a non-returnable photo (does not need to be professional) ON CAMPUS TRYOUTS - APRIL 17-19, 2015 Last Name: First Name: Middle Name: Current Address Cell Phone ( ) City: State: Zip: Permanent Address Home Phone ( ) City: State: Zip: E-Mail Address Birthday / / Year in school (2015-2016) FR SO JR SR Major: High School Graduated From: City: University Attended: Please list your extracurricular activities High School College Did your team attend Cheerleading Nationals? If so where? Do you have previous co-ed stunt training (list skills)? Do you have previous tumbling training (list skills)? Please Remember that you need a physical dated after December 1, 2014 in order to tryout! 7
Will you have any conflicts over the summer? Please list Do you have a job? Will you work during the school year? How many hours per week? Please list any scholastic, community or cheer/athletic related awards and honors: Why do you want to be a member of the Iowa Cheerleaders? If chosen, what are your goals? What special qualities or skills do you possess that would make you an asset to the team? Please list two references (name, phone number or E-Mail, and relationship) 1) 2) Please remember that you need a physical dated after December 1, 2014 in order to participate in the on campus tryout! 8
IOWA SPIRIT SQUADS CHEERLEADING DANCE TEAM - MASCOT Spring Tryout 2015 Permission, Medical and Liability Release Form Participant s Name: (Print Clearly) Participant s Address: City: State: Zip: CHEER Participant s Phone: ( ) I acknowledge the risks inherent in cheerleading, dance and mascoting and that all activities are athletic in nature. I understand that by taking part in these activities there is a possibility of minor injury, major injury, paralysis or even death. I do hereby grant permission to hospital staff members to administer treatment in the event of injury or illness. I also agree to hold harmless the State of Iowa, The University of Iowa, The University of Iowa Athletic Department, Iowa Spirit Squads and its officers and agents for any and all liability for negligence or any other claim against the above parties, for any injury or illness incurred as a result of my participation. Any court or attorney s fees will be taken care of by the injured or ill party. I acknowledge that I am physically in shape and capable of performing full out any requirements of the Iowa Spirit Squads. I agree to follow directions and guidance of the coaches and athletic department. I understand that the decision of the judges, coaches, and athletic department is final. This waiver will remain in effect will a new waiver is signed. Participant s Signature: Date: _/ / Parent s Signature: (if participant is under 18): Date: _/ / Allergies: 1/15 9
IOWA SPIRIT SQUADS CHEERLEADING DANCE TEAM - MASCOT Spring Tryout 2015 Minimum Academic Requirements and Consent to Release Information CHEER Participant s Name: (Print Clearly) Student ID #: Participant s Address: City: State: Zip: Participant s Phone: ( ) The University of Iowa Spirit Squads Rules and Regulations state the following: In order to participate squad members, including freshmen and transfer students, must satisfy the following minimum cumulative GPA and earned semester hour thresholds. All squad members must maintain the minimum academic eligibility requirements as follows: Beginning 2 nd year - at least 24 hours complete 2.00 cumulative GPA Beginning 3 rd year - at least 48 hours complete 2.00 cumulative GPA Beginning 4 th year - at least 72 hours complete 2.00 cumulative GPA Beginning 5 th year - at least 96 hours complete 2.00 cumulative GPA Additionally, squad members must be enrolled in and carry to completion a minimum of 12 hours per semester at the University of Iowa. Squad members in their final semester prior to graduation, need to be enrolled in the coursework necessary to complete their degree. Specifically, students with less than the minimum requirements, but who are in good academic standing in the colleges, will be eligible to try out in April, but will be held to the minimum requirements stated above by the opening day of classes, Fall semester 2015, to be eligible to participate during the Fall of 2015. PLEASE READ AND SIGN: I, the undersigned, grant permission to the Athletics Department to verify my academic progress and cumulative grade point average in accordance with the Iowa Spirit Squad Rules and Regulations. I understand that the only information to be reported is whether or not I meet minimum requirements. No other information will be reported unless additional permission is provided. Name: Date: /_ / Signature: 2/15 10
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA INFORMATION The University of Iowa was founded on February 25, 1847, just 59 days after Iowa was admitted to the Union. The legal name for this university is the State University of Iowa, but the Board of Regents approved using the "University of Iowa for everyday usage in October 1964. In 1855, Iowa became the first public university in the United States to admit men and women on an equal basis. In addition, Iowa was the world's first university to accept creative work in theater, writing, music, and art on an equal basis with academic research. The term Hawkeye" originally appeared in the book The Last of the Mohicans and was later used in its plural form to describe the people of Iowa. The University of Iowa adopted this as the nickname for its athletic teams. IOWA FIGHT SONG The word is "Fight! Fight! Fight! For IOWA, Let every lo ya l Iowan sing; The word is "Fight! Fight! Fight! For IOWA," Until the walls and rafters ring (Go Hawks!) Come on and cheer, cheer, cheer, for IOWA Come on and cheer until you hear the final gun. The word is "Fight! Fight! Fight! For IOWA," Until the game is won. ON IOWA On Iowa proudly at the fore On Iowa on for evermore Ev'ry loyal son will give A Rousing toast to you Ev'ry loyal daughter loves you true On Iowa with your wealth untold A heritage to us you did unfold Love of family, love of friend Love of country too Makes us proud for what you stand Our Dear Old Gold. Iowa! Iowa! Iowa! Iowa! I-O-W-A! Fight, Iowa, never, never yield Fight, Iowa, fight right down the field Get in the game and watch the ball Be a fighting Man Hit 'er hard, give Iowa all you can. Fight, Iowa, you'll be sure to hold We're with you with the pep And love of old. Fight for family, Fight for friend Fight for country too But fight hard today and win For Dear old Gold. ALMA MATER Come all alums of Iowa, and blend your voices true; Sing praises to our Alma Mater, As good Hawkeyes do. Let's keep within our hearts a fire To magnify her fame; Bring credit to these noble halls, where glory and honor reign. The day is near when comrades here Will bid farewell and part; But each Hawkeye carries on Thy spirit in his heart. Oh, Iowa, Iowa, we drink a toast to you; we pledge our everlasting love For dear old Iowa U.... Alma Mater, Iowa. 11