The Seattle University cheer squad is holding tryouts for both current and incoming students from April 16 to April 18 at the Connolly Center.
Previous cheer and gymnastic experience is highly recommended and participants should be prepared to learn and demonstrate several sideline chants, a short dance routine, tumbling, jumps, and proper stunting techniques.
There will be three optional pre-tryout clinics at the Connolly Center: Saturday, March 27 (12 noon to 3 p.m.), Saturday, April 3 (12 noon to 3 p.m.), and Friday, April 9 (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.). These sessions give prospective cheerleaders a chance to come find out what SU Cheer is all about, how the squad operates, and what the expectations are of those who participate. It is also a chance for those with concerns about the process to ask questions and ease their anxious feelings before the tryout process begins. There will also be an informational meeting at a time to be determined.
Anyone interested is joining the cheer squad MUST attend mandatory clinics on Friday, April 16, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Connolly Center. During these sessions, the coaches will be introducing material to be performed during the final tryout. On Sunday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Connolly Center, potential cheerleaders will be expected to perform the tryout material in front of a panel of judges.
Video tryouts can be turned in only from out-of-town candidates, those traveling abroad during spring quarter, and those with special permission from the SU Cheer coaching staff. When sending a video tryout, please notify head coach Travis Millspaugh in advance to ensure you have included all required material needed be considered for the team.
The Seattle U cheer squad is a non-competitive coed cheer team that attends all home basketball games, joins the men's and women's basketball teams for at least one road game each, and also performs at other SU athletic and social events. SU Cheer can be seen at numerous citywide events including parades, non-profit fundraising events, and community festivals. The Redhawk cheer squad has been recognized as one of the top programs in the Northwest and has been asked to perform at matches involving the Seattle Sounders, formerly of the United Soccer League, for both the 2007 and 2008 seasons as the Sounder Rally Squad.
Tryout Requirements
Please complete and submit the following paperwork on or before Day 1 of tryouts. All forms can be obtained by contacting Coach Travis Millspaugh at mill2256@seattleu.edu or (206) 384-6159
* SU Cheer Application Form
* SU Cheer Participation Waiver
* Proof of Insurance (Copy of your Insurance Card)
Please send all completed forms to:
Travis Millspaugh - Cheer Coach
Seattle University Athletics
901 12th Ave.
PO Box222000
Seattle, WA 98122-1090
Required Elements – FEMALES:
- Fight Song (includes back handspring or toe touch)
- Tryout Dance
- 1-mile timed run
- 3 jumps (one must be toe touch)
- One of three chants
- Stunting (may choose one or both options):
ü Coed Stunting - Toss Chair, Walk/Toss Hands, Optional Stunt
ü All Stunting (As a flyer, base or back spot) - Extention with cradle, Liberty or other one-legged stunt, Optional Stunt
Required Elements – MALES:
- 1-mile timed run
- 3 jumps (one must be toe touch)
- One of three chants
- Stunting:
ü Partner Stunting - Toss Chair, Toss/Walk Hands, Optional Stunt
Recommended Tryout Attire:
Females: Black or Red Shorts/Pants & Plain White Tank, Running shoes, and Cheerleading shoes or shoes with less traction, NO JEWELRY
Males: Black or Red Shorts & Plain White T-shirt or polo-type shirt
Both men and women are welcome to attend the tryouts. For more information, contact cheerleading head coach Travis Millspaugh at (206) 384-6159 or mill2256@seattleu.edu.