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    TRYOUTS

    Spring 2012 Tryout Flyer | Download 2012 Tryout Application | 2012-13 Rules & Policies

    Once again, the Illini cheerleaders will be selecting 2-3 all-girl stunt groups for the team. We are excited to continue this new addition to the program!

    Tryouts for the 2012-2013 Cheerleading Team will be held on April 14-15, 2012. ATTENDANCE AT ALL CLINICS IS MANDATORY. Video entries are not permitted.

    If there are any changes in the tryout process (dates, times, location), we will let you know by email and we will post the changes on the website. Please include a current email address on your application!

    Details about the formal tryout process are outlined below.

    What to wear:

    Guys: Navy blue shorts and an orange top. Avoid wearing baggy clothes. Please be clean shaven and have a conservative haircut. ABSOLUTELY NO JEWELRY!

    Girls: Navy blue shorts and an orange top. Keep hair pulled back away from your face and wear a white bow. ABSOLUTELY NO JEWELRY! Do not use lotion prior to practice, as it makes stunting more difficult.

    All tryouts events will be held at the Richard T. Ubben Basketball Complex, 1750 S. Fourth Street, Champaign, IL 61820

    CLINIC AND FIRST CUT - Saturday, April 14th, 9 am - 12 p.m.
    Girls: Tumbling skills, sidelines and fight song taught during the clinic will be evaluated. Tumbling skills are not taught at the clinics.

    Guys: Basic stunt clinic and instructional clinic on sidelines and fight song.

    CLINIC AND SECOND CUT - Saturday, April 14th, 1-4 p.m.

    Basic stunts such as a walk-in torch, chair, extension, liberty, stretch, & arabesque are taught during clinics.

    CLINIC AND THIRD CUT - Saturday, April 14th, 6-9 p.m.

    Stunt clinic for all trying out, interviews for new candidates will be conducted.

     

    FINAL CLINIC - Sunday, April 15th, 9-11 a.m.

    Mandatory review for all remaining tryout candidates.

    TRYOUTS - Sunday, April 15th, Warm ups 12:30 p.m.; Tryouts 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

    All candidates must supply the following by March 30, 2012:

    1. Proof of acceptance to or enrollment in the University of Illinois
    2. A physical within the past six months (NOT NEGOTIABLE). Please download or use a similar form. | Download Medical FormGet Acrobat Reader
    3. Photocopy of current insurance card
    4. Application
    5. Signed Code of Conduct and Expectations Agreement from the 2012-2013 University of Illinois Cheerleading Rules & Policies
    6. New applicants must also provide two letters of recommendation from current or former coaches and/or teachers. The letters should outline the applicant's most outstanding athletic and academic achievements (i.e. leadership, sportsmanship, commitment, work ethic, and responsibility). Letters should be submitted with the application in separate envelopes with the recommender's signature across the seal.

    Tryouts for Illinois Cheerleading consist of performing the following:

    1. Sidelines 
    2. Fight song
    3. 3 stunts:
      • Hands extension, liberty, stretch, or arabesque
      • Stretch with a full cradle
      • Walk-in extension or liberty
        • If you are unable to perform these stunts safely you can perform the most difficult stunt within your ability. These stunts will be judged and potential to improve will be considered.
    4. Tumbling
      • Standing back handspring
      • Standing back tuck
      • Standing back handspring back tuck
      • One tumbling pass
        • If you are unable to perform all of these skills safely you can perform the skills within your ability. These skills will be judged and potential to improve will be considered.
    5. Oral interview with the coaches

        We will teach you almost everything you need to know to try out. You do not need to know how to stunt before you come to tryouts, but everyone must be able and willing to learn. During the sidelines and fight song we are looking for crowd appeal, projection, enthusiasm, and the ability to get others involved. During the final tryouts all candidates will need to know the words to the fight song. The words to Illinois Loyalty can be found at HERE.

        Tumbling is not taught at tryouts. When performing tumbling for the actual tryout, you cannot have a spot.

        If you are interested in trying out for the 2012-2013 U of I Cheerleading team, please submit the required information to:

          
      Stephanie Record, Head Cheerleading Coach
      University of Illinois
      1700 S. Fourth St.
      Champaign, IL 61820
      OR
      via email to record1@illinois.edu

      *Application forms for current, incoming or transfer students must be received by March 30, 2012.

       

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      University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics

      Bielfeldt Athletic Administration Building
      1700 S. Fourth Street, Champaign, IL 61820
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