Tryout Form (.pdf)
Participation Waiver (.pdf)
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - Shippensburg University cheerleading head coach
Lisa Ilaria has announced additional information regarding this year's tryouts along with the institution of two separate cheer teams - one for spirit and one for competition.
2010 Tryout Information
The April 24 session will run from noon to 6 p.m.
The April 25 session will start at 8 a.m. and last until approximately 4 p.m.
UPDATE: Open gym starts two weeks prior to tryouts and is not required to tryout. It is a way for new cheerleaders who want to tryout to get to know people on the team and work on their skills with a new group. Returning cheerleaders are encouraged to attend.
The dates of these sessions are:
Monday, April 12
Wednesday, April 14
Monday, April 19
Wednesday, April 21
All sessions last from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Announcements From Coach Ilaria:
· Starting this year, there will be two cheer teams. A spirit squad and a competitive squad.
Spirit Squad: Cheers for all University Athletic events. Football (home and away), Basketball (men's and women's home games only) and any special events like the Special Olympics, boxing match, etc. You are the face of the university and will be around the fans of our teams at all times.
Requirements for the spirit squad are: Excellent Jumps, Spirit/Projection, Motions. Very strong people skills.
Competition Squad: This team will only compete.
Requirements for the competition squad are: for flyers, a full twist cradle from at least two different one footed stunts showing front and back flexibility. For example, full from a scorp and a heel stretch, or full from a scale and a bow. Everyone must complete at least a standing back handspring, but more is preferred. To be in the competition squad you must have excellent jumps and excellent spirit/projection.
Itinerary for Tryouts:
Saturday, April 24
Dress: any athletic clothing, appropriate sneakers
Arrive to Henderson Gym before 12 noon.
Short introduction meeting with potential team member and parents if they wish to stay.
Instruction of two sidelines, one fight song, one fun dance
Open Tumbling (Note: DO NOT use this time to further your ability. Practice only what you will be performing on Sunday).
Open Stunting - we will be experimenting with a number of groups since most students will have never worked together before
Mock-Tryout
Sunday, April 25
Dress: PLAIN (no graphics) Red or Blue athletic shorts, PLAIN white t-shirt or tank top. Pep Rally/Game Day make-up, hair should be worn in a pony tail, appropriate sneakers. Absolutely no SHIP CHEER clothing allowed to be worn.
Arrive to Henderson Gym before 8am. Numbers and time slots will be distributed and a short open gym time will be allowed. Ask any questions you may have during this time.
-Interview-
Performers will try out with 2-3 other cheerleaders depending on the number we have in attendance.
Again, depending on the number trying out, tryouts will probably last all day. Expect to be there until at least 4 p.m.
Please print/fill out both forms above and bring with you on Saturday along with a current picture. Please no senior pictures or glamour shots. I want to recognize you with your cheer clothes on!
Also for Saturday,
please bring a letter of intent. This letter of intent will be part of your interview score and should include the following...
* Why you chose Shippensburg University to continue your education
* Why you want to be a Shippensburg University Cheerleader
* What you will contribute to the team
* List skills, personality traits, and anything else you see fit
Topics for your interview....
* Why you want to be an SU Cheerleader?
* Which team would you like to be on and why?
* Choose one quality that would make you indispensible as an SU Cheerleader
* Describe one way you would promote an SU Athletic Event
* How do you plan to manage your time so other commitments do not interfere with cheerleading?
* If a team member starts to talk about another team member or coach during practice, what would you do?
* If a fan yells from the stands 'the cheerleaders suck' what would you do?
Not all of these topics will be discussed during your interview but be prepared for them
For More Information
For more information on the upcoming tryouts or on the Shippensburg University cheerleading squad, please contact head coach Lisa Ilaria at
laIlaria@ship.edu.