Participation Info

Thank you for displaying interest in the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Spirit Program. This information is based off the 2008-2009 season and should help to answer many of your questions’. As the program evolves so will the skill preferences, benefits, and other program procedures. Additionally, I would be happy to answer further questions by either phone or email correspondence.

A very important factor in considering our program is that you make your decision about where you would like to attend school first, and then consider the Spirit Program. It is my hope that your choices will lead you in a direction that is fulfilling to you. If UCCS is the place for you, be very attentive to the admission process.

The Cheerleading Program consists of one squad that falls under UCCS Cheerleading. The composition of the squad will depend on the strength and talent at the try-out and will consist of up to twenty co-ed members. The Spirit Squad supports the UCCS Mountain Lion RMAC Division II Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, and Men’s Basketball teams. The UCCS Cheer Program offers squad members a fantastic opportunity for active participation in game day activities by performing courtside and half times. The UCCS Cheer Program will be doing an exhibition at the 2009 State Spirit Championship in December.

The Cheerleading Team practices begin mid August and will continue through February. This requires a full commitment from its participants. Generally there is about 25 hours a week devoted to practice/games/appearances/workouts and tumbling. It is possible to maintain a part time job as well as complete academic requirements along with being a member of the cheerleading team. Maintaining our status on campus and in the community is a primary goal of the program; therefore, the potential applicants are expected to not only be great athletes but also exceptional individuals. The individuals selected to the program are expected to uphold the standards and values of the program and to be willing to work towards a common goal. The team itself becomes a very close-knit group and can be a catalyst towards making attendance at an institution very valuable and life changing.

To try-out for the Cheerleading Squad in the spring of 2009 one must:

• Be currently enrolled or admitted to UCCS
• Maintain a minimum GPA requirement set forth by the Spirit Program Policies
• Commit to a full year with the program. (August-February)

Maintaining the physical and emotional safety of each member of the UCCS Cheerleading Squad is the primary goal of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Spirit Program; therefore, to produce and support a cheerleading program, candidates will be selected based on the following criteria which will include but is not limited to: athletic talent, physical skill levels, poise, height, weight, physical strength, endurance, and potential.

A primary activity of the UCCS cheerleaders is stunting. Pyramids are group stunts as well as partner stunts that are combined vertically (in levels, not to exceed two-and-a-half human heights) and horizontally (side-by-side partner stunts). The nature of these activities demands certain general physical requirements of the UCCS cheerleader. Traditionally the collegiate level “base” must have sufficient strength to base pyramids and to lift, hold, throw and catch “top girls” safely. Traditionally the collegiate level “top girl” generally should be under five foot seven inches and under a weight of one hundred twenty five pounds. Body composition varies form individual to individual, but these measurements are thought to be advantageous in relation to safety. It is thought that the risk of injury rises substantially with the top girl that is over five foot seven and/or over one hundred twenty five pounds. In addition, persons less than average size, particularly “top girls”, are more likely to demonstrate the flexibility (quick change of direction, flight in basket-tosses, etc.), which is necessary in the athletic aspects of cheerleading.

The skill level of the individual applicants will dictate the level of competition at the try-out each year. This is an open try-out and all persons are invited to participate. A balanced set of skills is necessary; whereas, a strong set of skills in one area must balance other areas of less proficiency. This is a collegiate try-out and all participants should be at their best upon arrival. It is important to be confident with your own personal skill level and to have a great try-out. The following list of skills will help you to gauge the level of skills you will be seeing at the try-out.

Preferred skills to be considered for the UCCS Cheerleading Squad
Females

• Cheer with motions (to be taught at try-outs)
• Co-ed partner stunts (toss hands extension minimum)
• Ground up liberty with a pop cradle
• Ground up heel stretch with a pop cradle
• Jumps (a toe touch and pike jump minimum)
• A standing back handspring minimum but back tuck preferred
• Running tumbling (round off back handspring series)
• Physical fitness levels will be evaluated

Males

• Cheer with motions (to be taught at try-outs)
• Co-ed partner stunts (toss hands extension minimum)
• Jumps (a toe touch and a pike jump minimum)
• Potential to learn a back handspring
• Potential to learn a back tuck
• Potential to learn running tumbling
• Physical fitness levels will be evaluated