Razorback Cheerleader and Pom Squad
First Round Video Tryout Information
January 2008
Thank you for your interest in the University of Arkansas and our Cheer White and Pom White/RBI squads. Please thoroughly review all the information on our website www.razorbackspiritsquads.net to be fully informed about our spirit squad program. The first round of tryouts for high school seniors and transfer students will be by DVD or VHS tape. Participants who advance will be invited to Fayetteville (at their own expense) for tryouts with the current UA students. Tryout finals for Pom will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 28, 29, and 30, 2008. Cheer final tryouts will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 4, 5 and 6, 2008 **OR** April 11, 12 and 13, 2008. (Due to changes in our football coaching staff we will not be able finalize this date until later in the semester – we will notify everyone invited to finals as soon as possible)
1) The VHS tape or DVD, 2) tryout application form, 3) color picture (any size – it will not be returned) and 4) an application/handling fee of $15 (checks should be made out to University of Arkansas – please DO NOT send cash) are due in our office on Thursday, February 21, 2008 by 4:30 pm. Please demonstrate the following material on the DVD/tape:
Cheer White: A short introduction (close-up shot of your face) giving your name, school, and why you want to be a Razorback Cheerleader
Your school fight song (if it repeats just do it one time).
Cheer OR Sideline chant
Girls: a standing back handspring (shot from the front)
Girls: a standing back tuck (shot from the front)
Everyone: a backhandspring backtuck (shot from the front)
Guys: a standing back tuck (shot from the front)
Tumbling pass with at least three elements
Four partner stunts in the following order (please do not do additional stunts – they will not be judged and we will assume that you can’t follow direction)
1) Toss low torch with reverse cradle
2) Toss liberty with cradle dismount
3) Toss stretch with optional dismount*
4) Optional stunt - whatever you want to do (no scorpions) with optional
dismount * see score sheet for dismount values
Please keep in mind that when we are selecting our team we strongly consider students who are easy to work with and can stunt with several different partners.
Pom White/RBI:
A short introduction (close-up shot of your face) giving your name, school, and why you want to be a Razorback Pom squad member
Your school fight song (if it repeats just do it one time)
One high right and one high left kick (shot from the side)
A series of alternating high kicks – 5 right/5 left (shot from the front)
Straight leg fouettes - as many as you can do well
Bent leg fouettes – as many as you can do well
A split leap – shown in your creative routine
A switch leap - shown in your creative routine
A triple turn – shown in your creative routine
A creative dance** of your own – 1 to 1 ½ minutes in length (BE SURE YOU MAKE IT UP YOURSELF!) ** Dance must include a split leap, a switch leap, a double turn and a triple turn. Add anything else you like – this is your time to show off and convince us to bring you to Fayetteville for finals!
This should be a very simple tape/dvd – please don’t go to the trouble or expense of graphics, etc.
It’s not necessary to introduce each segment. Please tape the material in the order listed above.
Cheer girls please wear a white (cropped) sports bra and red shorts. Cheer guys wear a white t-
shirt and red shorts.
Pom girls please wear: 1) a white (cropped) sports bra and red shorts for everything except the dance.
2) a cropped sports bra and dance pants for the dance.
You may wear any shoes you like. Dance apparel can be any color and should be in good taste.
The names of those who advance will be posted on our website www.razorbackspiritsquads.net on
Friday, March 7, 2008 (possibly earlier depending on the number of tapes received). Those selected
for finals will receive a DVD of the tryout material one to two weeks before they come to Fayetteville
for tryouts. The CHEER tape will include the HOG CALL and demonstration of stunts from which the
three/four tryout stunts will be selected. The Pom/RBI tape will include squad dance.
For those selected to finals all cheerleaders will learn the tryout fight song, sideline cheer/chant and
practice the three/four tryout stunts (with the stunt partner that we select for them from others that are
trying out) on Friday afternoon and evening of the tryout clinic. All pom squad applicants will learn
the fight song or swing march and kick series on Friday afternoon and evening and the “surprise
routine” (an easy, 5 to 6 eight count dance) on Sunday morning before finals begin.
The selection of finalists will be made by a panel of three/four judges that include the squad advisor
and coach. Enclosed please find a sample of the scoring form for both squads.
You must have applied to the University of Arkansas to send in a tape. You must be accepted to the
University of Arkansas to participate in on-campus tryout finals and will be expected to bring a copy
of your acceptance letter to the final round of tryouts. You will also be expected to provide a copy of
personal insurance if invited to finals.
If there is sufficient interest from squad members the Razorback Cheerleaders and Pom Squads will
compete nationally next year. The competition squads will be selected from the Cheer Red,
Cheer White, Pom Red and Pom White/RBI squads next fall. Please remember that all competition
practices are in addition to the regular practices and all practices are after classes and class work so be
sure you have the time to make this commitment. Academics are our first priority followed by our
regular cheer/pom responsibilities – they both take precedent over all competition work.
Please return your DVD or VHS tape, picture, application form and application fee of $15 to the
following address. Be sure your address (with zip code), phone number, and e-mail address are correct
and readable on your tape/DVD and application form.
Regular mail: UPS, FED/EX:
Jean Nail Jean Nail
Spirit Coordinator Spirit Coordinator
Broyles Athletic Center Broyles Athletic Center
P.O. Box 7777 350 North Razorback Road
Fayetteville, AR 72702 Fayetteville, AR 72701
Again, we are glad you’re interested in the University of Arkansas. It is special to be a member of our
Razorback family. There are many exciting things ahead for our teams, fans, and spirit squads. Please
call 479-575-6534 or e-mail jnail@uark.edu if you have any questions. We’re glad to help.
Practice safely, good luck and GO HOGS!
Jean Nail Kraig Jimenez
Spirit Coordinator Cheer Coach