Cheerleading Tryout Information

Application
**At this time the application must be printed and brought to tryouts.

(This application is in PDF format and may take a minute to load.  Click here to download the reader if needed.)

Attention

2009-2010 Tryouts

Photos from Tryouts Here

Tryouts will be held April 17th-19th
We would like to encourage everyone to participate. 
We are looking forward to seeing you at tryouts.

Dates and Times for Open Gym
Wednesday, March 18, 2009  7:00-8:30 UTM Blue Room
Sunday April 5, 2009 2:00-3:30 UTM Blue Room

 

Dates and Times for Tryouts
Friday, April 17th
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Early Registration and Open Gym
(Materials for tryouts will be taught on this night)

Saturday, April 18th
8:30 - 9:00 Registration
9:00 - 12:00 Tryout Session
12:00 - 1:30 Lunch (on your own)
1:30 - 4:00 Tryout Session

Sunday, April 19th
11:00 - 3:00 Final Tryout Session

Tryouts will be held in the Gymnastics Room at the Skyhawk Fieldhouse.

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Spears at  (731) 431-4858 or email her at franspears1@gmail.com for further details.

We are always looking for new talent and people who are spirited and love to cheer.  Don't miss out on being on the Skyhawk Cheer Squad!

 

Guidelines for Skills Tryout
During the selection process, each candidate shall have one tryout, which includes a skill tryout and an evaluation by the Cheer Coach.  The candidates will be evaluated on the following:
  1. Attitude, commitment, and enthusiasm demonstrated during tryouts
  2. Fight Song Routine
  3. Interview
  4. Cheer with incorporated partner stunts, jumps or tumbling
  5. Tumbling
  6. Partner Stunts
  7. Jumps
  8. Appearance
  9. Athletic Abilities--Physical Stature

Suggested Skills

Stunts

  
(All-Girl)  
  Extension with Full Down (Base & Flyer)  
  Ground-up Liberty with Full Down (Base & Flyer)  
  Ground-up Heel Stretch with Full Down (Base & Flyer)  
  Optional Stunt  

Tumbling
Standing Backhand Spring
Standing Tuck
Round off BHS
Round off Tuck
The coaching staff will choose cheerleaders during this time.  Consideration will be given to academic grade point standing, general composition of the squad, and physical size.
Actual tryout scores will not be made public.  Names of persons selected for the squad will be posted approximately 1 hour after tryouts.
If the Cheer Coach sees that a reduction in candidates should be made during tryout session, a cut may be made at any time.
If it is needed a special tryout could be conducted later in the year.

Females Trying Out for Cheer
  1. Cotton-blend gym shorts
  2. T-Shirt with sports bra underneath
  3. White socks
  4. All-Leather cheer shoes
  5. No Jewelry

How Important Is Appearance?
Appearance will be considered at all times during the tryouts.  You should wear what makes you the most comfortable.
It is very important you remember you're trying out for an extremely high profile position representing the University of Tennessee at Martin.
We are looking for the All-American type females.
Ladies:  You will need to look like you are ready to cheer for a game at the tryout session.  This includes natural make-up and hair curled or pulled up.

Eligibility Rules

Cheerleaders shall:
  1. Maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average
  2. Be enrolled as a full-time UTM student during both semesters in the year of competition
  3. Remain in good disciplinary standing with the University
  4. Transfer students must have a 2.5 GPA
  5. Incoming students who are selected but have NOT been accepted to UTM will have until June 1, 2006, to be accepted.  If you are experiencing difficulties, please let the Cheer Coach know.

Scholarships
Tuition assistance will be available for each varsity cheer squad member.  They will start at the $800.00 level per semester.

Practices
Practices are mandatory.  Practice times will be set later but they will be after 3:00 p.m.  We will practice at least 3-4 times per week and more if needed.

Mission
The UTM Cheerleading program is a competitive and time-consuming activity.  Persons who have other serious commitment, outside of academics, are strongly encourage to discuss their commitment with the Cheer Coach.  The coaching staff wants responsible young adults whose primary objective is to get an education, then have a passion for cheering.
Remember that participation as a UTM Cheerleader is voluntary and is done so with the understanding that there are certain requirements and expectations that are necessary in order to maintain a high-quality cheerleading squad.  Failure to comply with any guidelines that are established can result in the Cheer Coach making a decision to either temporarily suspend an individual or to permanently dismiss the individual from the squad.  If you fail to satisfy any obligations or must be replaced due to injury, you must relinquish your scholarship.  After making the squad a more detailed list of guidelines will be given you.
If you have any questions please contact:
Coach Fran Spears
franspears1@gmail.com
731-431-4858
 

University of Tennessee At Martin

Cheerleading

Elam Center

Martin, TN  38238