The tryout period is an opportunity for students interested in cheerleading to attend open practices and become acquainted with the typical routine of our practices and performances as well as meet other members of the team and the coach. During the open practices new and old members are taught the following: a cheer, a series of jumps, a 32-count dance, stunting and tumbling skills (if applicable). Although skills are reviewed throughout the season, for inexperienced perspective members, the open practices are designated to cover the basic skills of cheerleading (motions, voices, jumps, dance, gymnastics, and stunting ability).

We welcome men and women from any level of experience who are eager to develop new skills and have fun. More importantly, we seek students with a positive attitude, with a willingness to work hard and generate energy for a crowd. Getting the audience excited and supporting our teammates is our ultimate goal, so enthusiasm is the essential quality we look for. If you are interested in trying something new and challenging, cheerleading may be an opportunity to explore.

Preferred skills include:

• Standing back handspring, round off back handspring, or any level of tumbling experience.
• Extension twist down, walk in or ground up liberty, heelstretch, arabesque, scales, and twistdowns.
• Single base stunting (such as: completion of a toss chair and toss hands).
• Series of three jumps (Toe-touch, double toe-touch, herky, side hurdler, pike, and double nines).
• Experience with dance and gymnastics.
• Sharp motions, loud voices, confidence in performing in front of crowds.
• Splits on both legs.
• Heel stretch on both legs.