GOPHER CHEERLEADING Try-out Packet 2019-2020 1 2019-2020 TRYOUT PACKET University of Minnesota CHEER (All-Girl, Co-ed, Small Co-ed) FRESHMEN TRYOUT CLINICS: DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION Sunday, March 10th 9:00-4:00pm Freshmen Tryout Clinic Armory 15 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN SPRING TRYOUT CLINICS: DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION Thursday, April 11th 5pm Registration/Paperwork Maturi Pavilion 6pm-9pm Fight Songs/Sideline 1925 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN Tryout Clinic Friday, April 12th 5:30pm Registration TBD 6pm-9pm Review Material, Stunt Sideline and Rouser Tryout Saturday, April 13th 8:30am Registration TBD 9am-12pm Tryouts (All material except Rouser and Sideline) 6pm Posting for Call Backs Sunday, April 14st 9:00-11:00am Twins (LEAD) Training Maturi Pavilion 11:00-1:30pm Twins Training 2:30-5:00 Team Meetings/Paperwork 3:30-4:30 Parent Meeting It is important that you read and fully understand the enclosed information. Give serious thought to the level of commitment you must make if you are chosen to be part of this program. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad Office at 612-624-7367. 2 Thank you for your interest and GOOD LUCK. Letter from the Head Coach Dear Spirit Squad Prospect: Becoming an athlete in the Spirit Squad program, at the University of Minnesota, means becoming part of a rich tradition and a legacy that started over 100 years ago. Cheerleading was invented in 1898 on the University of Minnesota campus, and our founder’s spirit and pride continue today. Very few people have had the privilege of participating in America’s ORIGINAL cheerleading program. Within the last decade, our teams have had a variety of notable accomplishments. Goldy Gopher has won 4 Mascot National Championships, finished top 5 for the last 15 years, and twice named NCAA/ESPN Mascot of the year. The Hockey Cheer Team is comprised of talented figure skaters and has been recognized on ESPN, BTN, Sports Illustrated, USFS Skating Magazine and is among the top Hockey Cheerleading teams in the country. The Co-ed Cheer Team has consistently placed among the top 10 teams in the country in one of the most competitive divisions at UCA College Cheer Nationals and finished 2nd place in Game Day in 2018. Additionally, the U of M’s All-Girl Cheer Team, over the last 10 years, has finished top 5 four times in the most competitive division at UCA College Cheer Nationals and finished 2nd place in Game Day in 2019. The Dance Team has won 19 National Championships and is by far the winningest athletic team on the U of M campus, winning 11 Jazz titles and 8 Pom titles. Along with this great history comes a very serious sense of responsibility. As a Spirit Squad athlete you are a representative not only of the athletic teams and department you support at this University, but also the entire State of Minnesota. You are the most visible ambassadors we have, and it is expected that you conduct yourself accordingly on and off the playing field. The Spirit Squad is comprised of 6 teams and over 100 dedicated student-athletes who devote 15-20 hours weekly to practices, games, special appearances, camps/clinics, fundraising events, and competitions. Spirit Squad athletes are also expected to maintain high academic standards and carry a full credit load. Because of these responsibilities, we are looking for skilled and talented athletes, and well-rounded students, who embrace the ability to be coached, as well as find a healthy balance between athletics, school, family, and friends. Our athletes come from across the country and many from diverse backgrounds in dance, cheerleading, gymnastics, and skating. The common-ground amongst all of our program athletes is their dedication and commitment to this program. Our athletes believe that improving as individuals, helps their team improve as well. We are excited for your interest and believe that the rewards from this experience cannot be measured. Imagine the excitement that comes with being part of a Big Ten athletic department, performing at some of the biggest, nationally televised games, traveling to storied venues around the country, and competing against some of the top cheerleading and dance programs in the nation. Every once in a while you come across an opportunity and make a decision that will change your life, securing friends for a lifetime and your place in history forever. Sincerely, Coach Owens, Head Spirit Squad Coach 3 DESCRIPTION/COMMITMENT ALL-GIRL CHEER TEAM The All Girl Cheer Team consists of all female cheerleaders who cheer for football and women’s basketball games with an opportunity to travel to away football games and basketball tournaments. Athletes also perform at a variety of off-campus appearances and they participate in all Spirit Squad fundraisers. The team has a year- long time-commitment beginning each season at tryouts. All Girl Cheer Team annually commits to training for the UCA National Competition (in January). All-Girl and Co-ed Cheer Team members are awarded an allotment for books each semester. CO-ED CHEER TEAM The Co-ed Cheer Team consists of men and women who cheer for football and men’s basketball games with an opportunity to travel to away football and basketball tournaments. Athletes also perform at a variety of off- campus appearances and they participate in all Spirit Squad fundraisers. The team has a year-long time- commitment beginning each season at tryouts. Co-ed Cheer Team annually commits to training for the UCA National Competition (in January). All-Girl and Co-ed Cheer Team members are awarded an allotment for books each semester. SMALL CO-ED CHEER TEAM The Small Co-ed Cheer Team consists of men and women who cheer for football and women’s basketball games. The Small Co-ed Cheer Team is a team designed for skill development. Athletes also perform at a variety of off-campus appearances and they participate in all Spirit Squad fundraisers. AG Practice Schedule Summer (Exact dates and times TBA) Twins Games (VETS): March 30, 31, April 28, June 14, 15, 16, Sept. 22 Twins Games (ROOKIES): Aug. 23, 24, 25, Sept. 6, 7, 8, 21 Mandatory Practices: May 16-19, June 25-30, July 25-31, and Aug. 14-29 Mandatory Spirit Squad Retreat: July 12-14, 2019 UCA College Camp: July 31st-Aug. 4th All Girl Report Date: Aug. 14 Pride & Spirit: August 28 Co-ed Practice Schedule Summer (Exact dates and times TBA) Twins Games: Aug. 23, 24, 25, Sept. 6, 7, 8, 21 Mandatory Practices: May 16-19, June 25-30, July 25-31, and Aug. 14-29 Mandatory Spirit Squad Retreat: July 12-14, 2019 UCA College Camp: July 31st-Aug. 4th Co-ed Report Date: Aug. 14 Pride & Spirit: August 28 Smoed Practice Schedule Summer (Exact dates and times TBA) Twins Games: Aug. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, Sept. 20 Mandatory Practices: July 10-11, Aug. 5-8, 18-29 Mandatory Spirit Squad Retreat: July 12-14, 2019 Smoed Report Date: Aug. 18 Pride & Spirit: August 28 School Year Practice Schedule – All Girl, Coed, Smoed (Exact dates and times TBA) **YOU MUST SCHEDULE CLASSES AROUND PRACTICES, CONDITIONING, AND GAMES Fall Semester Tues/Thurs evenings, additional Friday/Weekend practices TBD Spring Semester Tues/Thurs evening Open Gym 4 Special Events/Appearances . Each Spirit Squad athlete is required to attend additional Athletic Department appearances. When preparing for Nationals, there will be additional practices including some 2/day practices during University breaks. Team activities do not stop during Holiday Breaks/Spring Break. Expenses for both teams: (team members are able to keep whatever items they are required to purchase) . Women: Team fee $350 (may include bodysuits, briefs, poms, outdoor attire that cannot be returned) . Men: Team fee $350 (may include outdoor attire, and other items that cannot be returned) . Check is due at the first practice, separate from the $50 tryout fee. In the event you choose not to honor your commitment and finish the season or you are dismissed from the program, you will be required to reimburse the U of M for the payments that have been made on your behalf. CHEER TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS ELIGIBILITY: Spring tryouts are open to individuals who have been accepted by the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities for Fall Semester 2019. All participants, including transfer students and current team members, must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and have graduated from high school. Incoming students must bring a copy of their letter of acceptance on the first day of tryouts. Current U of M students must bring an unofficial transcript. TRYOUT PROCESS: Throughout the week of clinics and the final tryout you will be observed by the U of M Coaching Staff as well as a selection committee. There may be a tryout cut at any time during the clinics. At the final tryout, you will be asked to individually perform specific skills; however, there is not a point system. The final decisions are made by the coaching staff and/or a tryout selection committee. SKILLS: You will be asked to execute the skills listed below for tryouts. If you haven’t mastered all skills, do not be discouraged. We are not necessarily looking for perfection at this time, but we do want you to concentrate and perfect the skills that play to your strengths. In addition to the skills listed, you will be observed throughout the tryout clinics on your attitude, ability to learn and make changes, enthusiasm, projection and overall performance. We will be looking for current and potential skills to become a collegiate cheerleader.