2021 GCU CHEERLEADERS TRYOUT INFORMATION PACKET AND REQUIRED PAPERWORK
For the health and well-being of our community, we will be holding our first cuts of tryouts via video submission. (2 steps)
2021 TRYOUT REGISTRATION-(Step 1)
1. Online Registration a. Must completed by April 30th - www.gcucheercamps.com b. Includes basic information and application questions 2021 TRYOUT VIDEO SUBMISSION AND EVALUATIONS-(Step 2)
• Video submission will be due by Friday, May 7th 9:00 PM AZ Time – see below for details, links and deadlines • Videos will be reviewed Saturday May 8th and Sunday May 9th. • Candidates will be notified by Monday, May 10th if they have made the team or moving on to the final practice/tryout, which will be an IN-PERSON, HELD IN JUNE. o In order to be eligible for final cuts, candidate must be available for the following June dates: June 11 June 12 June 13 June 14
o Only exception to missing June dates are graduations. Be sure to indicate conflicts in tryout paperwork. o All financial obligations of June tryouts/practices will be the responsibility of the student – including travel, hotel, food and any other associated costs.
GCU will continue to monitor the Coronavirus and if in-person tryouts/practices in June are not possible, we will adjust as needed.
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2021-2022 TRYOUT INFORMATION PACKET
UPDATED TO REFLECT NEW VIDEO TRYOUTS IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS (CHANGES FOUND IN RED)
In this packet, you will find important information. Please read it completely and thoroughly. Take note of important dates, mandatory expectations, and details of our program. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit www.gculopes.com/gcucheerleaders/aboutus. Follow @GCUCheerleaders on Instagram
PROGRAM OVERVIEW § Spirit Program Coaching Staff § Cheerleading Team Overview o Mission o Objectives o Description of Teams § Overall Requirements & Expectations § Summer Requirements, Time Commitments & Mandatory Dates § Season Requirements & Time Commitments § Team Fees, Financial Obligations & Fundraising § Benefits § Scholarships § Competition 2021 TRYOUT REGISTRATION PAPERWORK (ONLINE) VIDEO TRYOUTS OVERVIEW § General Information & Important Dates § Video Tryout Policy § Video Requirements § Game Day Material – with link § Tumbling/Stunting Skills § Tryout Evaluation Details
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
SPIRIT PROGRAM COACHING STAFF (GCU Cheerleaders) Keegan Hubbard –Head Cheer Coach Jesi Weeks – Spirit Programs Manager Brittany Garcia– Head Athletic Trainer Mitch Weissenhofer – Strength & Conditioning
The Sprit Programs include the Cheerleaders, Dance Team, Mascot (Thunder), Student Section (The Havocs) and the Thundering Heard Pep Band. All programs work closely together. Both cheer and dance teams have their own strength & conditioning coach who creates work-outs specific to our sport and skills and oversees our strength program and progress. We also have an Athletic Trainer who attends every practice, game, and event. Safety, injury prevention and treatment are of the utmost importance to our program and our athletic trainers are highly qualified and provide immediate and one-on-one treatment to our athletes.
CHEERLEADING TEAM OVERVIEW Mission The mission of the Grand Canyon University Cheerleaders is to support, promote and represent Grand Canyon University through proper promotion of school spirit, pride, tradition, and student involvement. Objectives § Support GCU Athletics by cheering at all home men’s and women’s volleyball matches, men’s and women’s basketball games and other select athletic contests and events. § Support University Relations & GCU Marketing by attending and performing at various promotional events on campus and within the community. § Demonstrate qualities of commitment, discipline and responsibility, as well as to serve as exceptional representatives and ambassadors of Grand Canyon University, the GCU Sprit Program and the cheerleading team. § Display appropriate Division I collegiate level cheerleading skills and technique and reinforce those concepts during games and performances. Description of Teams § The GCU Cheerleaders are comprised of a CO-ED team and an ALL-GIRL teams that both incorporate game day cheering, partner & group stunting, pyramids, basket tosses and tumbling. § Both Co-Ed and All-Girl work cohesively together. At times they will have combined practices/work-outs that allow both groups to work together when needed, but also develop distinct skills needed for each specialty. § Females must declare a team they plan to tryout for, but may be asked to show stunting skills with the other team at tryouts. § Both teams are considered GCU Athletic teams and under the supervision of GCU University Relations and Campus Events with a line to Athletics.
OVERALL REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS § Demonstrate exceptional academic leadership in the classroom by attending all classes, being an outstanding student, and being committed to academic excellence. § Each semester, must be enrolled as a full-time student at Grand Canyon University (12 credits per semester). Must have and maintain a 2.0 GPA to be eligible for scholarship, maintain a C (75%) or above grades in all classes in order to participate, and provide bi-weekly grade checks. § Abide by all rules and regulations set by NCAA Division I (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and the Western Athletic Conference (which GCU athletics falls under) as they pertain to collegiate cheerleading. § Maintain all athletic training paperwork and abide by ALL athletic compliance policies & guidelines, including: drug & tobacco policies, random drug testing, medical insurance coverage and behavioral conduct standards. § Follow all AACCA (American Association of Cheerleading Coaches & Administrators) safety rules and display proper understanding and demonstration of safety technique to help prevent injury. 3 | Page
§ All athletes must exhibit appropriate personal conduct. It is critical that the GCU Cheerleaders are a positive reflection of GCU and align with the 4 pillars in which GCU was founded upon: Academic Advancement, Christian Camaraderie, Extra Curricular Excellence and Wellness & Well-Being. § All athletes must possess a strong dedication to academic excellence and show dependability, honesty, and commitment to being/growing into a servant leader. § All athletes must have a positive attitude and be willing to learn, accept instruction/constructive criticism from coaches & captains, grow with the GCU team as a team player, respect all decisions of coaches & captains and respect the integrity of the mission of the GCU Cheer program. Ultimate acceptance of the GCU cheer team’s mission and responsibilities are required to remain on the team. § All athletes must act like a mature and responsible adult and treat cheerleading like a job where you are accountable, timely and disciplined. Must possess excellent time management and prioritizing skills. § All athletes must show an understanding of responsibility and commitment regarding maintaining health and wellness, nutrition, safety, and injury prevention.
SUMMER REQUIREMENTS, TIME COMMITMENTS & MANDATORY DATES – ALL SUMMER DATES ARE STILL PLANNED UNLESS OTHERWISE NEEDED TO ADJUST DUE TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS OF THE CORONAVIRUS § We strongly believe in the power of the “OFF SEASON” and expect athletes to take responsibility and initiative in improving their skills and physical well-being during the summer. Failure to do so will result in loss of participation at camp and performances or removal from the roster. § Other fundraising and university events that come up during the summer may be asked of returning members but will work around summer work schedules. § In addition to expected work-outs, attend MANDATORY June Tryout/Practice. o Dates listed on page one. o Late July/Early August mandatory dates: Late July – Members move onto campus (exact date announced April 20th) Dates announced on April 20th – Pre-Camp Meetings, Team Building, and Practices August 12-14 – Attend UCA Collegiate Cheer Camp in Santa Barbara, CA August 10-16 – Attend all scheduled Post-Camp Practices and Events August 28-Sept 3 – Welcome Week September 7 – GCU Fall Semester Begins
SEASON REQUIREMENTS & TIME COMMITMENTS § Attend all season practices, strength and conditioning, games and other university/community events beginning of fall semester & continuing through mid-April 2022. In general, a commitment of 20+ hours per week can be expected each week. § Practices/Strength and Conditioning: o Exact practice and strength and conditioning days/times will be announced on April 20th but will be 3 days per week. o Practices consist of progression and perfection of game day material (chants, band dances, rallying, etc.) as well as progression and perfection of tumbling and stunting. We will also spend quality time on leadership development, character growth and team cohesiveness. o All members will be required to work their stunting and tumbling skills, at least 3 times per week for 1 hour minimum, outside of practice. o Missed practices are NOT permitted unless there is an emergency situation. Family vacation, work conflicts, etc. are not reason for missing practice. Educate your family as a “my parents booked XYZ without me knowing” will not be accepted. § Games: o The GCU Cheerleaders cheer at all home men’s and women’s volleyball matches, men’s and women’s basketball games and other select athletic contests upon requests such as soccer. o A select number of athletes will be chosen from the co-ed and all-girl team to cheer for the men’s basketball games (Purple Squad) and will be chosen based on experience, rallying skills, tumbling & stunting skills, as well as attitude, grades and overall performance. Men’s basketball is our highest profile sport and is completely televised; therefore, this will be the most experienced team. Remaining athletes will cheer for the women’s basketball games 4 | Page
(White and Black Squad). Both teams will divide other games for other sports. Note: rookies will always cheer on the White Squad their first year, but will have a handful of opportunities to participate to some extent and train for Men’s Basketball games. o You must be available for all games that might be scheduled over Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break and other holidays. o Missed practices, events & games are NOT permitted unless there is an emergency situation. Family vacations, work conflicts, etc. are not reason for missing a game. § Other University & Community Events: o The GCU Cheerleaders are truly an athletic form of marketing and are used in many ways to promote GCU. We attend and perform at pep rallies, media events, community events such as cancer walks, festivals, etc. Being in the public and being the face of GCU is a role that is not taken lightly and requires the cheerleaders to be very approachable, personable, and mature. o We do everything we can to plan accordingly and give the athletes as much notice as possible. However, additional events do come up periodically and we ask team members to be flexible.
TEAM FEES, FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS & FUNDRAISING (subject to change) § Fees: o $35 non-refundable online tryout registration fee (online service charges apply). o $200.00 non-refundable team fee will be due upon making the team in June. o $200.00 team fee will be due upon moving back to campus in July/August. § Financial Obligations: o Approximately $200 worth of additional practice apparel will be required and will be paid by the athlete. Purchases will be expected at the end of July. o Athletes will be responsible for their own food/meals during pre-camp practices. o Periodic additional fees for team gatherings, holiday gifts, etc. § Fundraising: o Additional fundraising efforts will be necessary and vary each year. All members will be expected to participate in fundraising.
BENEFITS § Scholarship. § Nike gear, paid for by and property of GCU Cheer. § GCU Cheer uniforms and other GCU marketing apparel. § Fully funded trip to Santa Barbara for UCA Cheer Camp and UCA Nationals. § Opportunity to cheer & have a front row seat for all home Volleyball, Basketball, and other games/events in the GCU Arena and be affiliated with an NCAA Division I athletic program. § Use of GCU’s athletic weight room & a customized training program developed by one of GCU’s top-notch strength & conditioning coaches. § Access to GCU’s athletic training facilities and athletic trainers. § Opportunity to travel to basketball tournaments. § Opportunities for professional development and networking within University partnerships. § A solid support network that fosters personal purpose and growth from the challenge of a dynamic Christian dedicated team.
SCHOLARSHIPS Any team member may receive a scholarship upon making the team if all eligibility requirements are met, including but not limited to; overall scholarship budget, number of team members, athlete’s other institutional awards and years on the team. Other GCU scholarships offered must be considered as well. Upon making the team in May/June, we look at the athlete’s other institutional scholarships. We are restricted to the following combination CAP limits. These amounts are combined scholarship amounts. Not what the cheer scholarship will be. For students who started before the 2021 Fall semester, below are the scholarship cap limits: § Presidents Scholars on campus housing may receive up to $16,500/year § All other scholars on campus housing may receive up to $14,000/year
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§ All other scholars living off campus may receive up to $11,500/year For students who started 2021 Fall or later, below are the scholarship cap limits: § Presidents Scholars on campus housing may receive up to $15,000/year § All other scholars on campus housing may receive up to $12,500/year § All other scholars living off campus may receive up to $10,000/year
COMPETITION We are first and foremost game day cheerleaders as competition comes second to fulfilling our main role as ambassadors to the university. Important information and policies regarding competition: (Subject to change) § 16 athletes will be chosen from the co-ed and all-girl team to make-up the small co-ed competition team. § We compete in the Game Day division which adds additional athletes. Exact numbers will vary each season. § Coaches will make the final decision regarding athletes and competition, based upon the character, ability to compete, mental well-being, emotional stability, grades and elite skills. § Competition is full funded by the university.
VIDEO TRYOUTS OVERVIEW
GENERAL INFORMATION AND IMPORTANT DATES It is our goal to create a fair process for our candidates that will ensue we have a strong team for the 2021-2022 season. Those who make the team after the video tryout process, will be invited to attend our in-person practices in June. If you are taken on the team on a preliminary basis, the final deciding factor will take place at June practices.
2 STEPS TO TRYOUTS:
(1) Online Registration/Tryout Packet Questionnaire. § Completed by Friday, May 1st, 2021, 11:59 PM, AZ Time § Link can be found by going to www.gcucheercamps.com. § You will pay your $35.00 tryout fee.
(2) Video Submission (Early submissions are encouraged). § Email link by Friday, May 7th, 2021, 11:59 PM, AZ Time § See instructions below § Game Day material link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIZ9l3QMXdg § Email video link to [email protected] VIDEO TRYOUT POLICY § Video must meet all requirements in order to be considered. § Complete all elements listed below and do so in the order listed. o Be sure to pay close attention to the instructions. § Complete video dressed, and with hair as follows: o T-Shirt tucked in. o Athletic shorts (such as running shorts or soffe shorts – no spandex) o Ladies – hair pulled back in a clean pony-tail with presentable, natural make-up. o Gentlemen – hair neatly groomed with no excessive facial hair. o Wear shoes in all videos. § Interview portion should be shot waste up, so we can see and hear you clearly. Stay within 10 seconds of time limit (either under or over). § Tumbling and stunting should be shot or shown seeing full body in order to clearly see the skills being shown.
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VIDEO REQUIRMENTS INTRODUCTION – State your first and last name. INTERVIEW – Answer the following questions: 1. In 2:00 minutes, tell us WHY you want to attend GCU and why you want to be a GCU Cheerleader. 2. Rookie members are often surprised at the level of coaching, feedback, critique and high standards collegiate, Division I coaches ask of their athletes. It requires a tremendous amount of humility, maturity and a compelling desire to learn and improve. Explain in 1:00 minute how you plan to adjust to the difference in coaching and what being a Division I athlete means to you. 3. One of the most important aspects of this team is we are truly a family. Explain in 1:00 minute how will you look out for your family and truly be a fair and loving member.
GAME DAY MATERIAL – Demonstrate all Game Day material (use poms and a megaphone if available) § All tryout material can be found using the link found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIZ9l3QMXdg § Links to download all songs may be found in the description of the video § Music must audible during all videos – link in video or by clicking here https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hoyye9saa2x2d7c/AADFFzBxtyRJmUAAKnY8-Y3fa?dl=0 § Material must be shown in the order as it is listed below. Add a blank black screen before each section with the title listed. Order and titles are: 1. FIGHT SONG 2. RAISE THE GO LOPES 3. RALLYING (10 seconds using music provided) 4. GCU SPELLOUT (4 times through) § Details for each item: 1. FIGHT SONG – using the song provided, perform all parts of the GCU Fight Song, as well as sing along with the fight song words. 2. RAISE THE GO LOPES – using the song provided, perform all parts of audio, as well as sing along with the words. 3. RALLYING – using the song provided, perform 10 seconds of rallying, including audible fillers (no kicks, jumps or tumbling). 4. GCU SPELLOUT – perform the GCU spell out 4 times total to the rhythm shown in the video, using fillers and the audible que “last time” after the 3rd spell out.
*Video should be shot facing the camera with suitable lighting. No selfie views. Have someone film for you. *The camera used should have a microphone in order to record the live audio of all sections to assess Gameday presence. TUMBLING § Videos of tumbling skills should be current, if possible, old videos may be used to substitute (no audio in new videos) o Due to current health regulations, the use of a gym/mat may not be possible. When in doubt, use old videos. § Material must be shown in the order as it is listed below. Add a blank black screen before each section with the skill performed listed (Example: Standing Tumbling – Standing Tuck) § Skills should be performed on dead mat or hardwood floor. If mat or hardwood floor are not available, grass or carpet is fine. § No spots may be used § Required video clips: if you do not have a clip of the specific skills listed, use a different skill or sequence to 7 | Page
supplement. Email Coach Keegan at [email protected] for questions.
1. STANDING TUMBLING (show most elite skill) – 1 clip o Standing back-handspring o Standing tuck o OR more advanced skill 2. BASIC RUNNING TUMBLING (show both) – 2 clips o Round off back-handspring series (2 total BHS connected) o Round off BHS tuck 3. ADVANCED RUNNING TUMBLING – optional o Most elite running skill (clip from a routine is acceptable, be sure to make it clear where you are in the video)
STUNTING § Videos of stunting skills should be current, if possible, but old videos may be used to substitute (no audio in new version) o Due to the current health regulations, GCU does not require that you stunt in a group. When in doubt, use an old video. § Be sure to add a description of which position you are in the video. § Material must be shown in the order as it is listed below. Add a blank black screen before each section with the skill performed listed (Example: Coed Stunting: Flyer-Toss Hands) (All-Girl: Back Spot-Full up liberty) § You may make a skill more difficult (Example: All Girl: Full up pull through lib) (Coed: Toss lib or Full up) § If you are experienced in both CO-ED and ALL-GIRL flying, you may add a clip of your most elite skill at the end with the title “Extra Skill.” Be sure to indicate who you are in the video. § Video Clips: if you do not have a clip of the specific skills listed, use a different skill or sequence to supplement. Email Coach Keegan at [email protected] for questions.
ALL-GIRL: (One clip of each – 3 total) (Higher level skills acceptable in each) 1. Basing, backing or flying in a full-up to platform, cross legged full ups not accepted (extended). 2. Basing, backing or flying in a switch up to body position OR low to high liberty/stretch. 3. Basing, backing or flying in a low full around high platform OR high to high full around platform. *Flyers must show a full twisting cradle dismount from any body position from of one of the skills listed above. If not available, show a dismount other than a straight cradle.
CO-ED: (One clip of each – 4 total) (Higher level skills acceptable in each) (Must be unassisted) 1. Basing or flying in a toss extension. 2. Basing or flying in a bump and go lib OR toss lib OR toss platform stretch. 3. Toss low to high lib OR low to high stretch. 4. Cradle from a lib OR stretch OR Arabesque (Full down to cradle preferred)
TRYOUT EVALUATION DETAILS – HOW EACH ELEMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED Required Paperwork Paperwork will be read by coaching and judging staff. Scoring will be based off complete and concise content throughout. Proper grammar and sentence structure count.
Interview It is our goal to get to know you and your character (as best as we can via video). We want to know why you want to be a GCU cheerleader, how you plan to handle the pressure of being a collegiate athlete, and trust that you will represent GCU appropriately. Candidates will be scored on preparation, verbal and non-verbal communication, content/delivery of answers, overall demeanor, and charisma. 8 | Page
Game Day Material Points will be scored based on knowledge of material, sharpness/placement/control of motions according to counts, voice projection, rallying presence (normal facial expressions/smiling, relaxed nature while performing material) and overall collegiate appearance.
Standing & Running Tumbling Points will be scored based on skill level, potential, consistency, form, and technique.
All-Girl & Coed Stunting Points will be scored based on skill level, potential, consistency, power, posture and technique.
FAQ’S FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How many members will make the team? We do not set a standard team size. The number we take each season completely depends on the caliber of the applicants and what we see at tryouts.
If I make the team, am I guaranteed to make the stunting position I tried out for (i.e. as a co-ed top, or an all-girl top)? No. We do reserve the right to ask females trying out to switch stunting positions as needed for our roster. In the past, we have had females come to tryouts as a top girl and be asked to base, or switch between co-ed and all-girl. At the collegiate level, versatility is very important and the ability to make any necessary switches will only increase your overall capability to make the team.
Is it difficult to balance school and being on the cheer team? Being a collegiate athlete is a large time commitment with high mental and physical demands. As a college cheerleader, you learn to time manage, prioritize, and maintain responsible communication with your professors and coaches. Our cheerleaders have several support programs in place to be successful student-athletes. But most importantly, how successful you are depends on your level of maturity. Cheerleaders can expect to be challenged in this area as we know how important it is to be focused, responsible, self-motivated and much more to be prosperous on this team.
Do the cheerleaders have jobs? Yes, many of them do. Many work on campus jobs, some work off campus. We provide a monthly calendar so cheerleaders can plan accordingly. However, it is expected athletes remain flexible in their schedule as unforeseen events do come up. We recommend cheerleaders work and save as much as possible during the summer in order to be more finally secure during the school year.
Is it required to live on campus to be on the team? Do the cheerleaders live with each other? It is not required to live on campus and be on the cheer team, however, our schedule is very full and commuting can be difficult. It is possible and we have had athletes do it, but takes a great deal of time-management. Traffic, car troubles, etc. are never an excuse for being late or missing an event. Many of the returning cheerleaders will live together after their first year. Some cheerleaders will meet at tryout and then arrange to live together after that. GCU Cheerleaders do not have a specific housing area.
I’m from out of state. Will I get to go home over school breaks? We do our best to provide students with some time off over school breaks to travel home, though it is not guaranteed. Due to our appearance schedule, nationals practices, and athletic schedules that are not public yet for
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the 2021-22 season, we are not yet able to share what dates will be available for travel home. As GCU Athletics become more successful, we are provided more opportunities to support our school teams!
Any final advice? § Download the BAND App and ask to be added to the “2021 GCU Cheerleaders Tryout” BAND group. This is a great way to ask questions, get advice from veteran cheerleaders, etc. Send us an email at [email protected] if you have questions. § Follow us on Instagram @GCUCheerleaders for updates § Make a good first impression – do your paperwork right and follow all instructions. This is our first chance to see how detailed oriented & responsible you are. § Be sure your video is done correctly and professional.
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