The University of Arizona WILBUR AND WILMA WILDCAT 2012 Mascot Tryouts Packet Information . Check List . Timeline . General Information (Mission, Skills, Expectations, Commitment, and Benefits) . History . Tryout Process . Evaluation Sheet . Application/Information Sheet . Application Questions . Recommendation Form . Assumption of Risk, Indemnity and Release from Liability Form . Medical Release Form-FOR FINALISTS ONLY . Finalists Instructions THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA 2012 MASCOT TRYOUTS CHECKLIST Please make sure to return all paperwork by Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by 5:00PM. 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 2012 Mascot Tryouts and enclose this form with your completed application. If you are an incoming freshmen, please send to (must be received by 3/21/12): The University of Arizona Attn: UA Cheerleaders & Mascots 1 National Championship Drive, #N302 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 (only for selected Finalists) _______ 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 $25.00 NON-REFUNDABLE Application Fee _______ (Checks made payable to The University of Arizona Cheerleaders & Mascots Program) (Please Print Legibly) Last Name: ________________________ First Name:________________________ The University of Arizona 2012 Mascot Tryouts Timeline Wednesday, March 21, 2012 APPLICATION DEADLINE All paperwork listed on the checklist must be submitted by 5:00 PM in The Jim Click Hall of Champions, McKale Office - Room N302 (McKale Memorial Center – 1 National Championship Drive) Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Preliminary Interviews Scheduling (You will be notified via email and/or phone) Monday, March 26 , 2012 Preliminary Interviews (Times to be Determined). Tuesday, March 27, 2012 Finalists selected and notified. Friday, March 30, 2012 Props must be approved and Medical Release Form Due (Finalists ONLY) Sunday, April 1, 2012 MASCOT FINALS - McKale Memorial Center Perform as Wilbur or Wilma T. Wildcat at the Arizona Men’s Baseball game vs. Stanford – Game Time: 12:00PM (Physical tryout) 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 Women’s Basketball games, select home Volleyball games, select home Baseball games, and travel on occasion (Football and Basketball) • Wilma – Perform at all home Women’s Volleyball and Women’s Basketball games, select home Men’s Basketball games, select home Football 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 April, 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’s and women’s Basketball, Football, and Women’s Volleyball games, and they are responsible for attending several community & University based appearances. COMPLETED APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by 5:00PM In the Jim Click Hall of Champions, #N302 NO EXCEPTIONS TRYOUT PROCESS: 1. Applications and all appropriate forms are due by Wednesday, March 21, 2012, no later than 5:00 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 $25.00 non-refundable application fee (checks can be made payable to The University of Arizona Cheerleaders & Mascots Program). Application packets received after the deadline, or incomplete, will not be considered! 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, March 26, 2012. (Interviews will last for roughly 20 minutes). 3. Finalists (a maximum of 6) will be selected (based on interviews) to audition at the Arizona Men’s Baseball Game vs. Stanford on April 1, 2012 starting at 12:00 PM. All finalists will meet at 10:00am in the Jim Click Hall of Champions. 4. All finalists 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, prior to April 1st 5. The selected Mascots will begin immediately upon their selection!! The University of Arizona 2012 Mascot Tryouts - Evaluation Sheet Application Questions: 20 points Reference: 20 points Interview: 100 points Final Performance: Enthusiasm- 10 points Creativity- 10 points Interaction with fans, peers, and children- 10 points Understanding of the sport- 10 points Judgment (reaction to surroundings and the game)- 10 points Interaction with cheerleaders and the band- 10 points Portrayal of emotion- 10 points Animation- 10 points Character Definition/Development- 10 points Overall Presence- 10 points Total - 100 points Musical Reaction/Freestyle: 20 points TRYOUTS TOTAL 260 points 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: __________________________________________________________