The University of Arizona 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 Arizona Wildcats got their name after a hard fought football game against the Occidental College Tigers on November 7, 1914. A Los Angeles 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.) :_________________________________________________________________________