Interviews for both Penn State Cheerleading and the Nittany Lion mascot tryouts are professional dress.

High school seniors may tryout. All tryout candidates must supply the following:

• Proof of acceptance to the University Park campus of PENN STATE
• Proof of a physical within the past year
• Current health insurance policy and group number along with a photocopy of your health insurance card.

In the video tryouts (for Cheerleading only, not mascot) you should include the following:

• 1 cheer with a standing tumbling skill incorp.
• 1 hip hop dance
• Tumbling skills (running and standing)
• Coed partner stunting skills
• Minimum 1 minute dialogue by tryout candidate describing him/her-self and why selecting Penn State.

The video must not be longer than 5 minutes. Do not show the same skill more than once. The video is due March 31st, 2009.

All candidates submitting a video will be on a probation period, during the months of August and September, if you are accepted to be a member of PENN STATE CHEERLEADING.

In your video packet include proof of acceptance to the University Park campus of PENN STATE, proof of a physical within the past year, contact information and proof of insurance. Videos should be mailed to:

PENN STATE
attn: cheerleading
105E White Building
University Park,PA 16802

Please read below for tryout requirements and information.

Penn State Cheerleading consists of a Coed Team and a small-coed Team.

Penn State cheerleading is one of the top programs in the country. Most tryout candidates are able to display outstanding cheerleading atheletic skills and the exceptional candidate must also have strong communication skills.

All women will need to wear a white hair-ribbon and men must be clean shaved with a conservative haircut.

Dress for the interview is professional.

REQUIREMENTS

Men Women Gymnastics Standing back-tuck, standing backhandspring back-tuck Standing back-tuck, standing backhandspring back-tuck, roundoff handspring back-tuck Stunting Ability Some experience recommended. Examples include toss stunts such as liberties, extensions, cupies, heel-stretches, etc. Coed and/or All-girl stunting recommended. Examples include liberties, heel-stretches, fulldowns, extensions, cupies, etc. Interview Strong communication skills Strong communication skills Other Proof of acceptance to the University Park campus of Penn State, health insurance information and proof of a physical within the past year Proof of acceptance to the University Park campus of Penn State, health insurance information and proof of a physical within the past year

***Candidates not able to perform the above skills may be considered if he/she shows exceptional ability in areas that will help improve our cheerleading program. These abilites include excellent stunting ability, strong interview skills, outstanding athletic ability, etc.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year, cheerleaders in their second year are eligible for the Dr. Allen Scholl Scholarhip ($1500.00). The scholarship is only awarded to current team members. The Dr. Allen Scholl scholarship has awarded over $600,000 in the past nine years. All Cheerleaders receive a textbook scholarship. Cheerleading apparel is covered by Penn State Intercollegiate athletics.

RESPONSIBILITIES

If chosen for the team, cheerleaders are required to fullfill their responsibilites as a representative for the Penn State University. Practice begins in early August. The season is complete by the first week of April. Cheerleaders must be willing to possibly give up their Fall, Spring, Winter and Holiday breaks to cover events scheduled by the coaching staff. Cheerleaders may also be asked to miss class to cover events. University excuses will be given for any missed class. Classes missed for cheerleading responsibilites rarely occur.

PENN STATE CHEERLEADING EVENTS

Football Men's and Women's Basketball Women's Volleyball Alumni Association Events and Pep Rallies Community Service Activities Charitable Organizations' Fund-raisers College Cheerleading National Competition University President Tailgates Athletic Department Events Nittany Lion Club Events Hospital and Retirement Villages Visits Nittany Lion Pride Events Miscellaneous Events class="middleLink">cheerleading@psu.edu