by Ashley Clark
Contributing writer
This semesters cheer tryouts are quickly approaching and are set for April 21 at 9 a.m.
According to the SE website, the SE cheer squad performs at football games, most basketball games and campus events and makes special appearances in the community.
Cheerleaders are expected to practice three days a week for a total of 10–12 hours per week, attend summer camp and represent the university at special events.
Cheerleaders are also required to maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Amber Cole, junior recreation major and current co-captain of the cheer squad, said, “Each spring semester there are open tryouts available to male and female cheerleaders wanting to pursue cheerleading for the upcoming year.”
Chelsea Sproles, senior communication major and cheer co-captain said, “The tryout will be judged on skill level in dance, cheer, jumps, tumbling and spirit.”
Material learned in practices prior to the tryouts will be performed and scored on these skill levels.
Cole said attendance of least one practice is required to tryout.
Tryout practices began March 27, with four additional practices remaining. These remaining practices will be 6-9 p.m. in the Student Union Gym on the following dates: April 3, April 11, April 17 and April 20, according to the SE website.
Cole said, “A standing backhand spring and running round-off backhand spring is required to make the squad. A spotter will be there for safety reasons but points will be deducted for using the spotter.”
“For a backspot and main and secondary bases, the stunting requirements are to base a one-legged extended stunt. The flyer must pull at least a heel stretch or scale,” Cole said.
The tryout will be closed, not open for public to watch, and each individual participant will tryout, even existing cheerleaders, Sproles said.
Cole said next season’s practices will be 8-10 a.m.
“The new squad will be expected to schedule class schedules around that time. Friday practice will remain at 2 p.m. on the field with the band to rehearse for Saturday’s game.”
Madison Perkins, current cheerleader and senior music major, said, “We would like for a minimum of at least five to six male cheerleaders to join so we can do more advanced stunts, tumbling and provide a better squad which would lead to better recruitment.”
Jayci Hoskins, junior communication major and current cheerleader, said she is anxious to see how this springs tryouts will turnout. “People should tryout because it’s a good experience. The squad is working hard to recruit a lot of new talented cheerleaders,” said Hoskins.
For more information, contact Mishael Metheny at 713-855-4701 or [email protected].