The WILBUR AND WILMA WILDCAT 2017 Mascot Tryouts

Packet Includes:

• Check List • Timeline and Process • General Information (Mission, Skills, Expectations, Commitment, and Benefits) • History • Application/Information Sheet • Application Questions • Recommendation Form • Assumption of Risk, Indemnity and Release from Liability Form • Medical Release Form • Finalists Instructions • Sample Evaluation Sheet

2017 MASCOT TRYOUTS CHECKLIST

Please make sure to return all paperwork by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH, 2017 BY 12:00PM. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Please use this checklist to assist you with submitting the necessary paperwork for the 2017 Mascot Tryouts and enclose this form with your completed application. If you are an incoming Freshman, please send to (must be received by 2/17/17):

The University of Arizona Attn: UA Cheerleaders & Mascots 1 National Championship Drive, #N301 Tucson, AZ 85721

Application Form/Information Sheet ______

Application Questions ______

Letter of Recommendation and Signed Recommendation Form ______(In signed back flap sealed envelope) * This must be submitted on time or you will not be allowed to continue in the tryout process.

Assumption of Risk, Indemnity and Liability Release ______

Medical Release ______

Verification of Enrollment & Unofficial Transcript ______• Current UA Student- Go to the UA Registrar Office and Request a Verification of Enrollment & Unofficial Transcript or Print off UAccess • High School Student – Copy of current high school transcript and Verification of UA Acceptance

$30.00 NON-REFUNDABLE Application Fee ______(Checks made payable to The University of Arizona Cheerleaders & Mascots Program)

(Please Print Legibly)

Last Name: ______First Name: ______

2017 MASCOT TRYOUTS TIMELINE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017: COMPLETED APPLICATION DEADLINE All paperwork listed on the checklist must be submitted by 12:00 PM to The Jim Click Hall of Champions, McKale Memorial Center - Room N301 (1 National Championship Drive)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2017 Preliminary Interviews Scheduling You will be notified via email and/or phone to schedule your interview for the following week.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017 Preliminary Interviews (Times to be Determined).

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017 Finalists selected and notified.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017 BY 12PM Finalists ONLY Props must be approved and Medical Release Form is due.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 MASCOT FINALS – Arizona Women’s Basketball Game Game Time: 2:00PM Perform as Wilbur or Wilma T. Wildcat at the Wildcat Women’s Basketball game. (In-Suit Tryout)

TRYOUT PROCESS:

1. Applications and all appropriate forms are due by FRIDAY, February 17, 2017, no later than 12:00 PM in McKale Memorial Center - The Jim Click Hall of Champions, Room N301 (Community Relations Office). Make sure to submit application and forms along with the $30.00 non-refundable application fee (checks can be made payable to The University of Arizona Cheerleaders & Mascots Program). Applicants will need to obtain either a pre-participation physical from Campus Health (please call 520-621-9202) or have their own physician sign and date the Medical Release Form. Application packets received after the deadline, or incomplete, will not be considered – NO EXCEPTIONS!

2. After review of all applications, selected applicants will be notified and will be asked to sign-up for an interview time, to be held on Monday, February 20 – Friday, February 24, 2017. (Interviews will last for roughly 20 minutes).

3. Finalists (a maximum of 6) will be selected (based on interviews) to audition at the Arizona Women’s Basketball game Sunday, February 26, 2017 starting at 2:00 PM.

4. The selected Mascots will begin immediately upon their selection! THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA CHEERLEADERS & MASCOTS GENERAL INFORMATION

Mission:

A non-competitive co-ed cheerleading and mascots program who will promote crowd interaction and school spirit through cheering, tumbling, stunts, dance, and interactive crowd participation. Act as a representative of The University of Arizona student body and alumni at University functions and public appearances.

Skill Requirements:

• Must be spirited and enthusiastic • Must have excellent crowd interaction • Must interact well with kids • Must be able to execute one-arm push-ups in suit (Wilbur only) • Must be in excellent physical condition • Must be able to handle/deal with negativity from opposing teams’ fans; always stay positive • Must have strong leadership skills • Must be accountable, timely and responsible • Must be positive and respect your teammates, coach and advisor

Expectations:

• Wilbur - Perform at all home Football and Men’s Basketball games, select home Baseball games, select home Volleyball games, select home Women’s Basketball games, and travel on occasion (Football and Basketball). • Wilma - Perform at all home Women’s Volleyball and Women’s Basketball games, all home Football games, select home Men’s Basketball games, select home Gymnastics meets, select home Softball games, and travel on occasion (Women’s Basketball).

Commitment:

• Must commit to program as a mascot for two years • Must attend a minimum of 20-community service appearances per year • Must pay membership dues of $200 per school year, fundraise $300-$500 per year • Must attend an average of 3 practices per month (at Coach’s discretion) and conditioning practices • Must be available for bi-weekly Mascots meetings • Must be available for Training Camp practices and workouts beginning late-July/early August • Must maintain a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 2.00 • Must commit to approximately 25-30 hours per week (appearances, games, practices, and workouts) • Must participate in program fundraising

Benefits:

• Nike Attire (warm-ups, practice t-shirts, practice shorts, travel bag, shoes, etc.) • Affiliation with one of the Top-20 Athletics Departments in the country • Occasional and/or possible travel for Football games, Post-season Men’s and Women’s Basketball games, Volleyball and Final Four • Ability to see a nutritionist and have a custom nutritional plan developed • Use of Athletics Department Strength and Conditioning Center and a customized training program provided by a Strength Coach • Access to Athletics Department team physicians and athletic trainers in the Kasser Sports Medicine Center • Use of the Athletics Department Academic Center with 50-work station computer lab THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA MASCOT PROGRAM – WILBUR AND WILMA WILDCAT

History The University of got their name after a hard fought football game against the Tigers on November 7, 1914. A Times Columnist wrote that the Arizona team showed the fight of Wildcats. The University of Arizona’s original mascot was a live bobcat purchased by the freshman football team. The team presented the bobcat as a gift to the student body in October 1915. Shortly thereafter, the bobcat was named Rufus Arizona after the President of the University. Rufus Arizona died in the line of duty in February 1916. While live mascots were used on and off for the next several years, two students decided it was time to give Arizona a mascot with a more human look and personality.

Wilbur T. Wildcat was born in 1959 and was first introduced at the Arizona/Texas Tech football game. Although the first costume was very cartoony with big rounded eyes, a button-nose, and a curved black line for a mouth, Wilbur was an immediate hit with both the student body and the fans. Wilbur then saw several costume changes, but the basic concept of a mascot head and furry human-like body has remained.

Wilma T. Wildcat was born in the early 1980's. She made her first appearance in March 1986 on a blind date with Wilbur. In November 1986, Wilbur and Wilma exchanged vows and were married at the Arizona/Arizona State football game during half time. In November 2006, Wilbur and Wilma renewed their wedding vows to celebrate their 20th anniversary, at the Arizona/Arizona State football game.

Both Wilbur and Wilma are very committed and attend men and women’s Basketball, Football, and Women’s Volleyball games, and they are responsible for attending several community & University based appearances.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA CHEERLEADING AND MASCOT APPLICATION/INFORMATION SHEET Please print

Full Legal Name: ______Wilbur or Wilma Please circle one Parent(s) Name(s) :______

UA Student ID: ______

Date of Birth: ______UA Email Address: ______

PERMANENT CONTACT INFORMATION SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION STREET CITY STATE ZIP CODE PHONE ( ) ( )

Primary Insurance Company: ______

Insurance Policy Number: ______

Height: ______’______”

Shoe Size (exact): Women: ______Men: ______

Major in School: ______Expected Graduation Date: ______

Enrollment Status: (FR SO JR SR GRAD)

Cumulative Grade Point Average: ______Fall 2016 Semester GPA: ______

College (i.e., BPA, Arts, Sciences, etc.) :______

MY SIGNATURE BELOW CONFIRMS THAT I AM CURRENTLY ENROLLED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA (12 UNITS UNDERGRADUATE, 6 UNITS GRADUATE).

______SIGNATURE DATE WILBUR or WILMA the Wildcat – APPLICATION QUESTIONS

This position is for the mascots at The University of Arizona - Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat. The mascots serve as goodwill ambassadors for the University, the Athletics Department, and the local community. Certain expectations exist for the standards of behavior and time commitments. Please consider very carefully your commitment to the University and to this position before applying.

Please note: THERE MUST BE A TWO-YEAR COMMITMENT IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS POSITION. Should you be selected as Wilbur or Wilma Wildcat, your position will last for 2 academic years.

Please answer the following questions. Limit answers to the spaces provided.

1. Why do you want to be a mascot at The University of Arizona?

2. What are some ideas you have for promoting or portraying a mascot at the University of Arizona?

3. What expectations do you have about being a mascot?

4. How would your best friend describe you?

5. List other organizations you are currently a member of on campus and the organizations you will be in next year or in the community.

6. In your opinion, what is the role of Wilbur and Wilma T. Wildcat with the community and the University?

7. What tactics will you use to stay anonymous?

8. Do you have your own vehicle while here in Tucson? YES _____ NO _____ If you do not have a vehicle, how do you plan to get to and from required appearances?

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA MASCOT PROGRAM – WILBUR AND WILMA WILDCAT 2017 RECOMMENDATION

All Mascot applicants must submit one letter of recommendation. Applicants should complete this form and the reference should mail this form with their letter of recommendation to the address listed below. The recommendation cannot be from family members, current UA Cheerleader/Mascots, UA Cheerleading and Mascot Coach, or UA Cheerleading and Mascot Advisor.

The recommendation letter must be received by February 17, 2017 If not received by this date, the application will be denied. Recommenders must enclose this signed form along with their letter of recommendation. Please send letter of recommendation and form in a sealed envelope with recommender’s signature on the sealed back flap. Send to:

The University of Arizona Attn: Roberta Q. Stout UA Cheerleaders & Mascots 1 National Championship Drive, Room N301 Tucson, AZ 85721

Mascot Applicant’s Name: ______

Recommendation Name: ______

Student Amendment Waiver: Mascot Applicant must check one of the following boxes.

I waive my right of access provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to view this recommendation form, letter or attachments that have been written by ______(name of reference) for my application to The University of Arizona Cheerleaders & Mascots Program.

I do not waive my right of access to view this recommendation form, letter or attachments written by ______(name of reference) for my application to The University of Arizona Cheerleaders & Mascots Program.

Applicant’s Signature: ______Date: ______

Recommendation letter should cover the following areas:

• Maturity, Composure, and Communication: Please comment on the applicant’s maturity level, self-confidence, stress management, listening skills and ability to work with others including peers and supervisors. • Initiative, Responsibility, and Creativity: Please comment on the applicant’s motivation and resourcefulness in situations, commitment to fulfill expectations, and ability to act responsibly. • Social Sensitivity: Please comment on this person’s sensitivity to and understanding of reactions and feelings of individuals and groups. • Organization, Time Management: Please comment on the applicant’s ability to organize ideas and work, be responsible for delegation of tasks to a group, take control of situations, and to maintain balance between cheerleading/mascot duties, academic responsibilities, extra curricular activities, and job responsibilities. • Concerns: Please comment on any reservation you may have concerning this applicant’s ability to perform cheerleading/mascot duties. Please address any weaknesses or areas which need improvement.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA CHEERLEADERS & MASCOTS PROGRAM Risk, Indemnity, and Release Form ASSUMPTION OF RISK, INDEMNITY, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY:

In consideration for access to the services, cheerleading or mascot tryouts and facilities provided by The University of Arizona Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, its officers, directors, employees, agents and volunteers, on behalf of the Arizona Board of Regents, its officers, directors, employees, agents and volunteers (collectively referred to as the “University”):

1. I acknowledge the existence of risks in connection with my use of the equipment, facilities, clinics and services provided by the University. My participation in physical education, exercise activities, clinics and other University activities is purely voluntary, and I elect to participate with full knowledge of the risks of injury or illness. I accept full responsibility for any injuries or illness that I may sustain in the course of such activities. More specifically, I acknowledge and accept the following risks:

a. Possible accidents, injuries, medical disorders, pain and suffering, lost income and medical expenses resulting from my use of the University’s equipment, facilities, premises, clinics and other activities, including negligent instruction, supervision or failure to warn by the University.

b. Possible injuries and medical disorders arising out of such activities include, but are not limited to, heart attack, stroke, heat stroke or exhaustion, sprains, broken bones, torn muscles, torn ligaments, nerve damage, eye injury, tendonitis and brain or spinal cord injuries, which may result in paralysis, permanent loss of bodily functions, disability or death.

c. The risks listed herein may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in such activities, the conditions under which such activities take place, or the negligence of the University.

d. The following is a description and examples of additional significant non-obvious dangers and risks that may be associated with the cheerleading clinic: Physical activity that involves inversion and rotation of the body that could result in serious accidents, injuries or medical disorders.

2. I declare that I am in good health and physical condition, and that I am physically and mentally able to participate in the activities listed above. I acknowledge the existence of certain rules and procedures concerning my participation in clinics and the use of equipment, facilities and premises, and I agree to abide by those rules and procedures. I agree to inspect the equipment and facilities prior to participating, and to immediately report any unsafe conditions to the University. I agree that if at any time I believe the conditions of the equipment or facilities to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue use of such equipment or facilities and notify the University. If I am injured, I authorize the University to obtain or provide emergency medical treatment, if necessary, and I will be responsible for the costs of such treatment.

3. I hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to sue the University, from any claims, liability, demands, losses, or damages on my account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by: (a) defective or dangerous equipment, facilities or University premises; or (b) the negligence of the University related to instruction, supervision, failure to warn, or the maintenance of the equipment or facilities, including negligent rescue operations or emergency medical treatment. I further agree that if I or anyone on my behalf makes a claim against the University, I will indemnify, save, and hold harmless the University from any litigation expenses, attorneys’ fees, loss, liability, damages, or costs that are incurred as the result of such claims.

I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT AND HAVE SIGNED IT FREELY AND WITHOUT INDUCEMENT OR ASSURANCE OF ANY NATURE AND INTEND IT TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW AND AGREE THAT IF ANY PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT IS HELD TO BE INVALID THE BALANCE, NOTWITHSTANDING, SHALL CONTINUE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

______Witness: ______Printed Name of Participant:

______Date: ______Participant’s Signature (only if age 18 or over)

AND I, THE MINOR’S PARENT AND/OR LEGAL GUARDIAN, UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THE ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED ABOVE AND ACCEPT THE RISKS DESCRIBED ABOVE. I AM AWARE OF THE MINOR’S EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES AND BELIEVE THE MINOR TO BE QUALIFIED, IN GOOD HEALTH, AND IN PROPER PHYSICAL CONDITION TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH ACTIVITIES. I HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE THE UNIVERSITY, FROM ALL LIABILILTY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES ON THE MINOR’S ACCOUNT CAUSED OR ALLEGED TO BE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE UNIVERSITY, AND I FURTHER AGREE THAT IF, DESPITE THIS RELEASE, I, THE MINOR, OR ANYONE ON THE MINOR’S BEHALF MAKES A NEGLIGENCE CLAIM AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY, I WILL INDEMNITY, SAVE, AND HOLD HARMLESS THE UNIVERSITY FROM ANY LITIGATION EXPENSES, ATTORNEYS’ FEES, LOSS LIABILITY, DAMAGES, OR COSTS THAT ARE INCURRED AS THE RESULT OF SUCH CLAIMS.

______Witness: ______Printed Name of Parent/Guardian

______Address

______Date: ______Parent/Guardian’s Signature (only if participant is under the age of 18) THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA STUDENT TRYOUT MEDICAL RELEASE – FINALISTS ONLY

THIS FORM IS DUE BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 IN THE HALL OF CHAMPIONS, MCKALE RM. N301

In order to tryout for the Cheerleaders & Mascots Program at The University of Arizona, there must be no health reason prohibiting you from doing so. For permission to tryout you must have your own licensed physician (MD or DO) complete this form, or have a pre-participation physical completed by Campus Health. Failure to do so will prohibit you from trying out. Please bring this form or the pre-participation physical to the final physical tryout. Your physician must sign and date this form, indicating that you may tryout based on your health status (see below). If/once you are named to the team roster, you will need to report to the Kasser Athletic Treatment Center in McKale Room N108 to undergo the complete Intercollegiate Physical Examination.

In addition, participation in athletics as well as the tryout for any sport carries an inherent danger. The University of Arizona does not assume any responsibility for any injury you may suffer during tryouts.

If you have any questions, please contact the Kasser Athletic Treatment Center at (520) 621-4674.

I, ______have read and understand the above mentioned statement and accept responsibility for any injuries incurred during the tryout period.

______Signature Date

Please print your name in the space provided. Please have your physician sign and provide the appropriate information below.

I know of no reason that ______should not be Last Name, First Name allowed to tryout for The University of Arizona Cheerleaders & Mascots Program.

PHYSICIAN NAME: ______

PHONE: ______

SIGNATURE______MD/DO

DATE: ______

MASCOT FINALIST INSTRUCTIONS

FOR SELECTED FINALISTS ONLY

PHYSICAL TRYOUT – February 26, 2017: Arizona Women’s Basketball Game vs. USC • Report to McKale Center on Sunday, February 26, 2017 (be able to meet around 3 hours prior to game, time will be given to finalists when notified). ; • Attire: Please wear a t-shirt, athletic shorts, and white sneakers during your performance.

Females: Please wear a sports bra and make sure that your hair is up. You may want to bring a headband or a bandana.

• Props can be used; however, they must be approved by the Mascots Head Coach and Advisor no later than Friday, February 24, 2017 by 12pm.

PERFORMANCE INSTRUCTIONS Once you have arrived to McKale Center, you will be escorted to a locker room facility where you will change into the Wilbur/Wilma costume.

All mascot finalist candidates will be allowed 7 real-time minutes (as opposed to game-time minutes) to portray Wilbur or Wilma T. Wildcat, in suit. Each candidate will be randomly assigned a number. A representative from the UA Cheerleaders & Mascots Program/ ICA will lead each candidate out to a designated area in the arena (in numerical order). At that time, the representative will raise the candidate’s number in order to signal the judges that a mascot candidate has taken the floor. Judges will consist of UA alumni mascots, Arizona Athletics department personnel, alumni association personnel, and club presidents. Judges will be scattered randomly throughout the arena.

Each candidate has 7 real-time minutes.

Please be aware of the following rules:

1. Listen to all event management/security staff. 2. Do NOT perform near the visiting team. 3. You may NOT communicate with other mascot finalists trying out (if so, you will be disqualified). 4. Stay away from game officials. 5. Do not perform on or near the press tables. 6. Perform in the stands or in the immediate vicinity of the cheerleaders and band only. You may NOT perform on the court at any time. 7. All props must be approved before performing (by 2/24/17 by 12pm). Use of unauthorized props will result in immediate disqualification. 8. If at any time you are unsure of anything, please ask Head Cheerleaders & Mascots Coach and/or representative, or the ICA representative.

Timing begins the moment the representative holds up the candidate’s number. Time ends when the candidate leaves the arena floor. Each candidate is required to remain in the staging area until the tryouts conclude.

YOU MAY NOT LEAVE OR ENTER THE ARENA FLOOR UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO.

Once you have concluded your performance in suit, you will be escorted back to the locker room facility and will be asked to perform:

• Wilbur Finalists: One-arm push-ups in suit (as many as possible). • All Finalists: Dance to mix of music

Upon conclusion of the in-suit fitness evaluation (Wilbur), you will proceed to the Arizona Golf Room, and will be asked to react/freestyle to random music selections (up to 1 minute). This will conclude your 2017 Mascot Finalist Tryout.

For the in-game tryout, you are being judged on a scale of 1-10 in the following categories (sample score sheet is on next page):

• Enthusiasm • Interaction with cheerleaders & band • Creativity • Portrayal of emotion • Interaction with fans, peers, and children • Animation • Understanding of the sport • Character Definition/Development • Judgement (reaction to surroundings & • Overall presence. game)

After calculation of the scores from the performance, fitness evaluation (Wilbur), and musical freestyle section, candidates for Wilbur and Wilma will be selected to assist in fulfilling the duties and obligations of the 2017 season.

Thank you and Good Luck! and GO CATS!