Cheerleading

Team
Camp
Competition
Requirements/FAQ
Tryouts
Forms

2012-2013 Rattler Cheerleaders

The Squad

Stephanie Cortes (Fr.)
Andrea Herrera (Jr.)
Sabrina Morales (Fr.)
Valerie Olivares (Fr.)
Kori Otero (Fr.)
Ariana Reyes (Sr.)
Christopher Sotelo (So.)
Lauren Ybarra (Fr.)
Gina Aguero (So.)
Angelina James (Fr.)

Coach and Advisor:

Mariana Galvan

St. Mary's Cheerleaders are not only leaders on the court or field but also role models in the classroom and community. Cheerleaders attend athletic events throughout the full academic year. They perform at all St. Mary's home basketball games and travel to some away games. Team members also participate in community service opportunities, pep rallies and other spirit raising events, as well as other extracurricular events in San Antonio. The team provides a great opportunity for students to meet new people and get involved on campus. One of the main goals of a St. Mary's University Cheerleader is to be able to reach out to the community and assist others in the best way possible. A St. Mary's Cheerleader is not just an athlete representing a team but a person representing a University!

Camp

Cheerleaders attend camp during the summer to bond, improve technique, and learn new skills for the upcoming year. Types of camps that St. Mary’s Cheer has attended in previous years include UCA, NCA, and private camps on the St. Mary’s campus. Members of the St. Mary’s cheer team are expected to pay for camp. Payment arrangements are available.

This year the St. Mary's University Cheerleaders attended UCA/UDA College Camp at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. They were evaluated each day on different performances and received superior ribbons on all categories judged on. They entered a final camp competition where they won 2nd place in sideline and 1st place in fight song, competing against other schools in their division, including St. Edwards University and University of Texas at Tyler.

Competition

Cheerleaders compete during the Spring semester. Previous competitions include NCA Collegiate Championships, JamFest, and Texas Collegiate Cheer Championships.

JamFest2010: First in Division, Most Entertaining

2011 Texas Collegiate Cheer Championships: 3rd Place in Skills Routine Division

Requirements/FAQ

Must be a full time enrolled or accepted student at the time of try-outs.
Must be a student for the full academic year. (Fall/Spring)
Must be in good academic standing (Required 2.0 Cumulative and Semester G.P.A.)
Must have health insurance.
Must pass a standard University physical.
Must have a positive attitude and good performance skills.

How often do you practice?
Practices are 2-3 times a week for two hours, with additional as needed.

Are there any fees?
Yes, there is a payment of $250 during the year that will go toward camp, shirts, and other supplies as needed. Payment plans are available at the beginning of every year.

Do you participate in fund-raisers?
Yes, various fundraisers are planned throughout the year to help offset costs. The University does provide uniforms, poms, and meals and travel for some away games, tournaments, and competitions.

Do cheerleaders receive scholarships?
Yes, all members receive scholarships. Amounts vary based on the number of team members and number of years on team. As you stay with the team scholarships increase.

Do I have to attend all practices and games?
Yes, since cheerleaders receive scholarship money attendance is required at all events.

Tryouts

Tryouts will be held Fri., Jan. 18, 2013 at 5 p.m. at the Auxiliary Courts located in the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center.

Attire for tryouts will be blue cheer shorts and white T-shirts. Cheer shoes are required and presentable hair and make-up. There will be a lunch break during the day and our cafeteria will be open.

Participants will be evaluated on:

Jumps: Toe touch, herkie (preferred), and an optional jump (whip, toe touch with standing back handspring, etc.)

Dance and cheer taught at tryouts/Ability to learn and retain material

Voice projection and spirit

Overall appearance/body symmetry

Stunts: Liberty is the required minimum stunt for flyers, bases, and back spots. In addition, flyers must be able to full down from any level stunt and bases/spots must be able to catch a full down. If male, partner stunting is required.

Tumbling: Highest tumbling skill is required, standing and running.

Attitude: Interviews will be conducted April 11-13 for current students and the day of tryouts for incoming students.

Video Tryouts: Participants must include ALL OF THE ABOVE on a video or dvd. Please perform dance and chant of your choice. Videos are due by Jan. 18, 2013.

Please send videos along with Spirit Team Application, Professor/Faculty Evaluation, and Spirit Team Tryout waiver (see Forms tab) to:

Mariana Galvan
One Camino Santa Maria
Attn: Athletics/Cheer
San Antonio, TX 78228