College of Charleston cheerleading tryouts will be held Saturday, Aug. 25th from 8:30 a.m. to noon, it was announced by head coach Brian Uhrich.
Results will be posted Saturday night.
Listed below are the requirements for the 2007-2008 CofC Cheerleading Squad. Please work hard to master all of the following skills in order to be a competitive applicant for the
2007-2008 tryouts.
CAMP SQUAD MEMBERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO RE-TRYOUT.
CONTENTS
SECTION 1: General Information
SECTION 2: Selection Process
SECTION 3: Video Tryout Information
SECTION 4: Fitness Test
SECTION 5: Tryout Packet Information
SECTION 6: Tryout Schedule
SECTION 7: Contact Information
SECTION 8: Frequently asked Questions
I.General Information
Cheerleading at CofC is an activity that requires a lot of work and dedication. As a cheerleader you will practice 2-3 times a week in addition to games/appearances. You are expected to put the team above everything except your academics. You are expected to manage your time well so that your academics do not suffer due to cheerleading.
Cheerleading Squad
The cheer squad members primarily cheer at men’s and women's home basketball games and are expected to attend home volleyball games. The squad also travels to basketball tournaments, and makes community appearances throughout the season.
Important Information to have taken care of prior to TRYOUTS:
1. TRYOUTS ARE ONLY OPEN TO THOSE STUDENTS ALREADY ENROLLED IN COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON (YOU MUST BE A CURRENT STUDENT.)
2. EACH NEW CHEERLEADER WANTING TO TRYOUT, MUST COMPLETE THE ENTIRE PHYSICAL TRYOUT PACKET POSTED ON THE COFC ATHLETICS WEBSITE
http://www.cofcsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14800&KEY=&ATCLID=725137
UNDER SPORTS MEDICINE-TRYOUT PAPERWORK. (THIS WILL GIVE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT PHYSICALS AND INSURANCE INFORMATION.)
RETURNERS NEED TO COMPLETE NEW PHYSICAL PAPERWORK UNLESS YOU ATTENDED CAMP.
3. A LL SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICAL INFORMATION MUST BE TURNED INTO THE HEAD TRAINER MICHELLE FUTRELL BY AUGUST 24TH!! (HER OFFICE IS LOCATED IN THE TRAINING ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE JOHN KRESSE ARENA). THE CHEERLEADING TRYOUT APPLICATION SHEET NEEDS TO BE TURNED INTO THE HEAD CHEER COACH THE MORNING OF AUGUST 24 TH ! IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THESE SHEETS TURNED IN, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TRYOUT!
II. Selection Process
The CofC Cheerleading tryouts last for 1 day consisting of one preliminary clinics and one final clinic. During tryouts the coaches will assess the abilities, leadership skills and the
potential of candidates for a position on the CofC Cheerleading squad.
Notification of Selection
The numbers of the persons selected for the CofC Cheerleaders will be posted following the final tryout. Those candidates that make one of the CofC Cheerleading squads will be asked to remain for a short meeting. Those who make the squad will be given a fitness goal sheet to work on. An initial fitness test will be given within one week after tryouts
Minimum Qualifications for tryouts
Candidates wishing to tryout for a position on the CofC Cheerleading squads must meet the following minimum qualifications:
1. Have proof of acceptance to or enrollment at CofC
2. Have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher
3. Not be on disciplinary probation
4. Have sufficient physical fitness, strength, and athletic skills to perform the cheerleading activities described below
5. Have health/hospitalization insurance
6. Have completed tryout packet as described below in the tryout packet section
Selection Criteria
Candidates will be chosen on the following criteria:
Characteristics:
• Strong Leadership qualities
• Confidence
• Independence
• Enthusiasm
• Charismatic presence
• Personality
• Voice
• Ability to involve the crowd
Skills:
STANDING TUMBLING
Back hand spring (required)
Back tuck (recommended)
RUNNING TUMBLING (recommended)
Roundoff Back hand spring +
Those who do not have these tumbling skills are still highly encouraged to try-out.
STUNTS (either all-girl or co-ed)
All-Girl
Participants must base or fly in the following skills, you cannot try out as a back spot.
1. Straight-up Extension
2. Ground-up Liberty
3. Either Heel Stretch or Arabesque, full-down
4. Transitional Stunt: reload, full-up, back handspring to stunt, etc. Final stunt must be a lib or higher. You cannot end in an elevator/prep/half.
NOTE: The CofC Cheerleading team begins and ends all basic stunts and pyramids in a sponge position. It is recommended that you are familiar with this transition.
It is recommended that recruits are flexible and strong enough to have a toe-touch that is at least parallel to the floor.
During the final tryout clinic, candidates will be evaluated on the characteristics and skills listed as well as have the athletic physique appropriate for the required activities. Interviews with all candidates will be done prior to the skills assessment and will be conducted by the CofC Cheerleading Coaches. An average of these scores along with your
recommendation score will be the candidates overall interview score.
III. Fitness Test
After tryouts, you will be required to run a mile for evaluation. You will be required to take the fitness test after you make the squad and return after the summer. The squad goals are:
Women:
1. 9 minute mile
2. Run 20 minutes without stopping
3. Flexed arm hang for 15 seconds
4. Lunge the length of a basketball court 3 times
5. 35 push ups in 1 min.
Men:
1. 8.5 minute mile
2. Run 20 minutes without stopping
3. Bench Press lesser of your body weight or 225 lbs, 6 times
4. Lunge the length of a basketball court 4 times
5. 5 pull-ups
6. 50 push ups in 1 min.
IV. Tryout Packet Information
Packet Information
All candidates must submit a completed tryout packet to the CofC Cheerleading program before trying out for one of the potential positions. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN TRYOUTS WITHOUT A COMPLETED PACKET.
Tryout packet content checklist:
1.Completed medical forms and application;
2.Copy of insurance card;
3.One coaches recommendation form (freshmen only)
4.Current CofC students: fall schedule
5.Signed Cheerleader Agreement
6.Rules and Regulations – keep for your reference, signing the cheerleader agreement says that you have read, understand, and agree to follow these rules and
regulations
7.Tryout Guidelines – keep for your reference, signing the cheerleader agreement says that you have read, understand, and agree to these guidelines
V. Tryout Schedule
Saturday
8:30-10: warm-up/practice
10-12 Tryouts
Parents and friends are encouraged to attend the tryout session.
VI. Contact Information
Head Coaches:
Bryan Uhrich Cell #: 843-532-4191
Stephanie Roof
Mail:
Bryan Uhrich
CofC Cheerleading Coach
College of Charleston
66 George St
Charleston, SC 29424
E-Mail:
UhrichG@cofc.edu
VII. Frequently Asked Questions
1. When & where are tryouts?
Dates August 25th. Tryouts will be held in the John Kresse Arena.
2. When is my tryout packet and/or video due?
Tryout packets are due at the first clinic.
3. Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, partial scholarships are offered to members of the CofC Cheer team. The amount and number offered is based on the budget for that year.
4. Do you need an invitation to tryout at CofC?
No, invitations are not required to tryout.
5. Can I tryout for another squad?
Yes, the CofC Cheer and Dance teams work together at games and practices, you may tryout for either team. However tryouts are the same weekend at the same time, so it is recommended that you choose the one that is most suitable to your skills.
6. What are practices like?
Cheer practices are conducted by the CofC Cheerleading Coaches and are held at CofC. Practice sessions concentrate on stunting, both pyramids and group stunts, and include tumbling and conditioning. Squad practices are held in the evenings and are typically twice a week. Practices are typically held in the evenings, so keep this in mind when scheduling for classes. Team workouts are 2-3 times a week. Anyone unable to make this schedule due to CLASS will be rescheduled.
7. What do I wear to tryout sessions?
Females:
* T-shirt
* Athletic Shorts
* Hair must be held away from face (you may wear a ribbon)
Males:
* T-shirt
* Athletic Shorts
All
* NO Jewelry
* NO logos from high schools or any cheerleading squad, including CofC.
8. What time should I show up for tryout sessions? We recommend that everyone arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled sessions to warm-up and be taped.
9. Is there a height & weight requirement? No, we do not have a requirement for height or weight; however, we do require that all potential members maintain the appropriate physique in order to participate in all required movements and skills.
10. Are tryouts open to the public?
The preliminary clinics are not open to the public, but the final tryout clinic is open to the public.
11. Do I need to have a physical completed by a physician?
All physical information may be found at:
http://www.cofcsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14800&KEY=&ATCLID=725137
If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact Bryan Uhrich.
Thank you so much for your interest in College of Charleston Cheerleading and we look forward to seeing you at tryouts this year.
