Try-Out Information Applications: Spring 2015 Try-Out Clinic Dates ...

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TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS

Try-Out Information Try-outs for the TSU Cheer Team include a mandatory attendance to one of two tryout/cheer clinics in April, and a tryout date in May. Try-outs will be held in the Health and Physical Education (HPE) Building in Room 100 (Gym). After try-outs, all candidates will receive an email indicating if he/she has been selected for the team. Attire for women should include a black sports bra, black spandex, athletic shoes, no jewelry, no visible tattoos, nails must be conservative in length [for health, sanitation, and safety reasons] and neatly manicured, either clear, French, light pink, or nude colors, and your hair should be half up, half down, pulled back out of your face, with a cheer bow. Men should wear a black shirt, black athletic shorts, athletic shoes (no black-soled shoes), clean shaven, and no visible tattoos. These requirements are for safety reasons. Try-Outs are open to all candidates! Try-outs are closed (i.e. no visitors, parents, or spectators will be allowed inside the gym). The coach and/or advisor will have the authority to make the final decisions in the try-out process.

Applications: All candidates trying out must complete a recruiting questionnaire application (accessible on the TSU Cheer Webpage), have a completed physical (prior to try-out date); documentation is required, a waiver of liability (accessible on the TSU Cheer Webpage), and one head-to-toe color photo & one head shot of candidate. Do not have special pictures taken; a snap shot is fine (photos will not be returned). All photos, questionnaire, physical documentation, waiver of liability must be complete in full and turned in on the first day of tryouts: May 2, 2015. All candidates trying out must have a completed application file containing all of the aforementioned documents/photos.

Spring 2015 Try-Out Clinic Dates: Saturday, April 11th, 1pm-4pm Saturday, April 18th, 1pm-4pm

Spring 2015 Try-Out Dates: Saturday, May 2nd, 10am-1pm (subject to change) Revised 03/2015

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS

The Try-outs… The TSU Cheer Program will host a number of tryout clinics and open gyms in the Spring to assess the skills, character and potential of interested and qualified candidates for the cheer squad. Attendance to at least one tryout clinic is mandatory to all applicants (exceptions to outof-state applicants). Out-of-state applicants: Please scan your completed application and send to the Coach and Advisor, and we will follow-up with you via email or by phone to discuss further requirements. Tryout clinics are conducted in a practice-like environment during which the level of each candidate’s skills and talents, and their ability to work with current and prospective team members, will be evaluated. A short interview with the candidate may be conducted at any time during the sessions.

Recommended Skills: Tumbling as strength:

All-around:

• Jumps connected standing tumbling • Back handspring or back tuck • R.O. flip-flop full • R.O. back handspring back tuck • Unassisted partner stunts (males) • Run tumbling is preferred (males) • Standing tumbling is preferred (males)

• Hands or Toss: liberty, & stretch full-down • Standing back tuck • Back handspring back tuck • Jump Series • Flyers – Front & side body positions w/full downs • Jumps: Toe touch and pike (males)

Note: All tumbling/stunting will be performed on non-spring mats and/or wood flooring.

Selection Criteria Ladies: In general, we are looking for the “whole package.” An ideal candidate will be in great shape, present themselves well on the court, cheer with positive energy and enthusiasm, be easy to coed and all girl stunt with or show good potential, have a solid standing tuck, and pass fulls on non-spring mats and/or wood floors. You must be able to tumble. Guys: In general, we really like to see guys who have at least toss stunt abilities and can tumble (standing tuck and pass fulls), but we take guys who are stronger in one area and weaker in the other. We may also take guys who have little to no cheer experience if they show potential by being strong and athletic.

Revised 03/2015

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS

Summer Obligations Candidates will be informed on upcoming camps, practices, and other scheduled events.

Try-Out Advice Below are some tips on preparing for tryouts:  Tryouts are not a safe environment for learning new skills. We will only provide enough time for individuals to warm up their current skills.  Take advantage of private lessons or at a cheer open gym to perfect stunt/tumbling skills.  Upcoming Open Gyms: o Every Tuesday & Thursday, starting April 14th–April 30th from 7:00–9:00 p.m. in the HP&E Arena basketball gym. o Candidates should wear athletic practice attire to clinic and open gym.  Lift weights and eat well; this will make stunting easier and make you more valuable in pyramids and baskets.

 Be in the best shape of your life!

Contact Information Erlinda Gordon TSU Cheerleading Coach 3100 Cleburne Houston, TX 77004 E-mail: [email protected] Nikki Trigg, MHA TSU Cheerleading Advisor, Graduate Assistant 3100 Cleburne Houston, TX 77004 Office: (713) 313-6787 Direct: (469) 278-8987 E-mail: [email protected] OR [email protected]

Revised 03/2015

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How is the TSU Cheer Team selected? Cheerleaders are selected based on their ability to represent TSU as a student ambassador, as well as their ability to perform recommended skills for performances and competition throughout the entire season. How many Cheer Team members does TSU have? TSU does not have a set number for members allowed to make the team. Team members will be picked based on quality and skill level. Is there a weight or height limit? There is not a weight or height limit, but all potential members must maintain the appropriate physique to execute the require skills. What athletic and community events does the cheer team perform? The TSU cheer team performs at all home football games, select away football games, men’s and women’s basketball home games and select basketball tournaments. Also, events held at the University such as Tiger Day, Spring Fest, local schools for pep rallies, etc… How often does the cheer team practice? Practices and weight training/cardio conditioning sessions are held three to five days a week. Do TSU cheer team members receive scholarships? Yes. Cheer members will receive a scholarship based on academic performance (e.g. GPA). Is there are a minimum GPA requirement? Cheer members must maintain a minimum 2.4 gpa, and be in good standing with the University. Students cannot be on any form of academic and/or disciplinary probation. Does TSU Cheer require letter of recommendations for the try-outs? Letters of recommendation are appreciated, but not required. Do I have to be a current TSU student to try-out? No. However; you must have applied and been accepted prior to the beginning of summer obligations. Students cannot be admitted on any type of probation.

Revised 03/2015