During the 2022-2023 season, Angelo State University will hold tryouts for two cheer teams to better serve our campus. The groups will be known as the Gold Team and the Blue Team.
Gold Team
The gold team will attend all home football games, men’s basketball games, skill-related program events, and away and post-season games as requested. The team will be comprised of 20 members and will compete at NCA College Nationals in April 2023.
The team will be required to practice eight hours a week. This will include six skilled-focused team practices and two workout sessions. Team members will also be required to attend two hours of study hall.
This team will have a more skills-focused setting. Team members will be expected to have at a minimum a running or standing back handspring. Stunting skill level will depend on the skills displayed at tryouts in the stunting section.
Blue Team
The blue team will attend all home volleyball games, football games, and women’s basketball games. The team will also attend select Admissions, Office of Development, and San Angelo and campus community events.
The team will be comprised of twelve members and be campus spirit based. Team members will not be required to have tumbling experience. Members will be required to attend practice four hours a week and attend two hours of study hall every week.
If a student is selected for the Blue team and would like to transition to the Gold team they can be considered for a spot based on availability and the coach’s discretion. Interested students can be placed on a waiting list that will be based on tryout scores. If a spot on the Gold team becomes available the head cheer coach will evaluate the skill level of interested members.
Required Forms
Students interested in trying out for either team are required to submit the following documents to be eligible:
Females: Plain black T-shirt (no words or graphics will be allowed), black spandex or athletic shorts, white socks, cheer shoes, white bow, low ponytail parted to the side of choice, and game-face ready
Males: Black T-shirt (no words or graphics will be allowed), black shorts, white socks, and cheer shoes.
Open Gym Format
Candidates will take part in an open gym style format where they will review the: Sideline Cheer, ASU Fight Song, and Band Chant. Videos are posted in the Tryout Cheers and Fight Song section.
Day 1 - July 15, 2022, 6-9 p.m.
5:30 p.m.: Doors open
6:00 p.m.: Welcome & Introductions
6:15 p.m.: Dynamic Warmup & Light Stretching
6:30 p.m.: Review Fight Song in open gym format
6:45 p.m.: Review Sideline Cheer in open gym format
7:00 p.m.: Review Band Chant in open gym format
7:15 p.m.: Begin Stunt Open Gym
Candidates will have time to select and work with their groups for both group and partner stunt judging the following day.
8:30 p.m.: Open skill work
Candidates will receive a chance to work on any skills they would like to perfect before being judged on them the following day. This includes but is not limited to; jumps, tumbling, stunting, and fight song.
9:00 p.m.: Closing conversation and discussion of tryout process for the following day
*Please note that the above listed times are tentative and are subject to change as needed to ensure all points are covered during the three-hour time block.
Along with the above categories, candidates can anticipate being evaluated on their Intra/Interpersonal skills including but not limited to adaptability, self-management, verbal communication, non-verbal communication, listening skills, and program fit.
Skill Judging
Day 2 - July 16, 2022, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
8:45 a.m.: Doors Open
9:00 a.m.: Welcome and What to Expect
9:05 a.m.: Panel Interview - Candidates will interview in front of a panel of judges with open-ended-type questions. Candidates should prepare to answer any of the potential interview questions listed below:
Cultural fit
What does the ideal team culture look like to you?
What attributes of a team culture do you value the most?
How do you think you can contribute to our current team culture?
What does it mean to be a representative of Angelo State University?
If you saw the culture of the team shifting in a negative way, how would you go about helping it to become more positive?
Social Skills
Which personality traits do you value on your team?
What type of attitudes or behavior do you think are beneficial to a team?
How about non-beneficial?
Describe the relationship you had with a previous coach and the way in which you communicated with them.
When it comes to social media how should an ASU cheerleader represent themselves?
Please describe a conflict you had with a previous teammate and the ways in which you worked to resolve it.
Teamwork
Describe the word teamwork and what it means to you.
How can a cheerleader showcase to their team that they are a team player?
How do you build a positive rapport with your teammate? How about your coaches?
Describe what being a part of a team means to you.
Describe what qualities make up a leader.
Self-awareness
Describe your biggest strengths and how you think they will be beneficial to the program.
Describe your biggest weakness and how you plan to improve upon them.
How would your former teammates describe you?
How would your former coaches describe you?
Please prioritize the following from most important to less important and explain why, work, school, family, cheer, and friends.
Interpersonal Skills
Describe a past situation where you had to interact with “difficult people” and how you handled it.
Tell us about a time when you had a problem or disagreement with a coach and how you handled it. Please go into detail.
Please describe your communication style between you and your teammates.
Please describe your communication style between you and your coach
Tell us about a time you were out in a position in a routine that you weren’t happy about and how you handled it. Please use details.
Dependability/Accountability
Discuss your understanding of the word dependable and how it pertains to cheerleading.
Tell us about a time you were late or missed practice and how you handled it. Please use details.
How can a team member showcase that they are dependable to their team?
How can a team member showcase that they are dependable to their coach?
When you make a mistake how do you go about taking accountability for your actions?
Overall
What are your overall goals for the team for the season?
What are your personal goals for the season?
Why should we choose you to be a member of our program?
If chosen, please describe how you will handle the potential stress that the season may bring.
Please describe how you handle adversity.
If the panel interviews are not completed by 12:00p.m. a lunch break will be taken by the judges. The panel interviews will reconvene at 1:15pm.
12:00 p.m.: Break for lunch
1:00 p.m.: Return from lunch and what to expect
1:05 p.m.: Warm-up Fight song, Sideline Cheer, Band Chant
1:15 p.m.: Fight Song evaluation: Candidates will perform the fight song multiple times including in one large group and various smaller groups for evaluation
1:35 p.m.: Sideline Cheer evaluation: Candidates will perform the sideline cheer multiple times including in one large group and various smaller groups for evaluation
1:55 p.m.: Band Chant evaluation: Candidates will perform the band chant multiple times including in one large group and various small groups for evaluation
2:15 p.m.: Traditions Quiz: Candidates will be asked to complete a written, short answer, traditions quiz to count toward their overall score.
2:45 p.m.: Open gym time for stunt groups and tumbling
4:00 p.m.: Closing remarks and discussion of what to expect for the final day
Day 3 - July 17, 2022, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
8:45 a.m.: Doors Open
9:00 a.m.: Welcome and what to expect
9:05 a.m.: Dynamic Warm up, stretching, and warm-up as a group
9:20 a.m.: Stunt Warm-Up
Candidates will be asked to warm-up both their group and partner stunts for evaluation
10:00 a.m.: Stunt group and partner stunt judging
Candidates will be asked to showcase all the group and partner stunts that they are successfully able to perform from the lists below:
Group Stunts
Set One:
1 point: Extension Pop Off
2 Points: Extension Full Down
3 Points: Walk-In Extension Pop Off
4 Points: Extension Double Down
5 Points: Full Up to Extension Full Down
Set Two: One leg Stunts
1 Point: Liberty
2 Points: Heel Stretch
3 Points: Arabesque
4 Points: Arabesque Full down
5 Points: Full Up Liberty Double Down
Set Three: Baskets
1 Point: Straight Ride
2 Points: Toe Touch
3 Points: Twist
4 Points: Kick Twist
5 Points: Tuck
Partner Stunts
1 Point: Walk in Hands w/Pop Off
2 Points: Assisted Hands Pop Off
3 Points: Assisted Hands Press Extension Pop Off
4 Points: Toss Hands Pop Off
5 Points: Toss Hands Press Extension
*Please note that the execution of each of the skills performed will also be judged on a scale of 1-5 along with the specific skill point value.
11:30 a.m.: Stunt rotations: All candidates will take the mat in their group stunts and will be led through group stunt rotations so that the judges can see candidates’ stunt with multiple other candidates.
12:00 a.m.: Break for lunch
1:05 p.m.: Return from lunch and warm-up stunts
1:15 p.m.: Tumbling Warm-Up
Candidates will participate in both large group and small group tumbling for evaluation purposes.
1:30 p.m.: Standing Tumbling:
Candidates will participate in both large group and small group tumbling for evaluation purposes. Candidates will be asked to showcase all skills that they are able to successfully perform on their own from the list below:
1 Point: Back handspring
2 Points: Back handspring series (Two or more connected)
3 Points: Back Tuck (With or without Back handspring)
4 Points: layout (With or without Back handspring)
5 Points: Standing full (With or without Back handspring)
2:00 p.m.: Jumps and Jumps to Skill
Candidates will be judged on their execution of a toe touch, right hurdler, left hurdler, pike and double toe touch.
Candidates will also be asked to perform a double toe touch to a skill of choice from the list below:
1 Point: Double Toe Touch to Back Handspring
2 Points: Double Toe Touch to multiple + Back Handsprings
3 Points: Double Toe Touch to Back Tuck
4 Points: Double Toe Touch Full
5 Points: Double Toe Touch Back Handspring Layout
2:30 p.m.: Run Tumbling
Candidates will be asked to showcase all skills that they are able to successfully perform on their own from the list below:
1 Point: Round Off Back Handspring
2 Points: Round Off Three + Back Handsprings
3 Points: Round Off Back Handspring Back Tuck
4 Points: Round Off Back Handspring Layout
5 Points: Round Off Back Handspring Full
*Please note that the execution of each of the skills performed will also be judged on a scale of 1-5 along with the specific skill point value.
6:30 p.m.: Estimated team announcements
Day 4 - July 18, 2022, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Team Meeting
8:15 a.m.: Doors Open
8:30 a.m.: Welcome and what to expect
9:30 a.m.: Go over the Team Handbook
10:30 a.m.: Uniform Fitting
12:00 p.m. Candidate Signings
Candidates that make the team are encouraged to bring their family and friends with them to celebrate making the team and take part in an official signing complete with pictures.
Video Tryouts
A Request for Video Tryout Form must be submitted and approved prior to submitting a video tryout.
Video tryout applicants must fill out a tryout application and submit tryout video by 11:59 p.m. on July 15, 2022 to be considered. Please submit all video tryouts at: ASU Cheer Video Tryout Submission Form.
All video applicants must fill out and submit all required paperwork to be considered.
Video Format
Females: Plain black T-shirt (no words or graphics will be allowed), black spandex or athletic shorts, white socks, cheer shoes, white bow, low ponytail parted to the side of choice, and game-face ready.
Males: Black T-shirt (no words or graphics will be allowed), black shorts, white socks, and cheer shoes.
Name
Age
Current high school, college or gym
Game Day Spirit and Motion Technique
Please perform the sideline cheer listed under the video tab.
Please perform the ASU Fight Song as shown in the video under the video tab
Please perform the ASU band chant as shown in the video under the video tab
Jumps and Jumps to Skill — Please perform the following skills
Right Hurdler
Toe Touch
Left Hurdler
Pike
Double Toe Touch to Skill
1 Point: Double Toe Touch to Back Handspring
2 Points: Double Toe Touch to multiple + Back Handsprings
3 Points: Double Toe Touch to Back Tuck
4 Points: Double Toe Touch Full
5 Points: Double Toe Touch Back Handspring Layout
Running Tumbling — Please perform as many of the skills listed below as you can.
1 point: Round Off Back Handspring
2 points: Round Off Three + Back Handsprings
3 points: Round Off Back Handspring Back Tuck
4 points: Round Off Back Handspring Layout
5 points: Round Off Back Handspring Full
Standing Tumbling — Please perform as many of the skills listed below as you can
1 point: Back handspring
2 points: Back handspring series (Two or more connected)
3 points: Back Tuck (With or without Back handspring)
4 points: layout (With or without Back handspring)
5 points: Standing full (With or without Back handspring)
Males: Required to perform two group stunts and one partner stunt. The two group stunts must be performed in two different positions.
Female Flyers: Required to perform two group stunts and one partner stunt. The two group stunts must be two different stunts.
Female Non-Flyers: Required to perform three different group stunts in a minimum of two different positions.
Female Multiple Positions: Required to perform two group stunts and one partner stunt.
Group Stunts (Bold)
Set One
1 Point: Extension Pop Off
2 Points: Extension Full Down
3 Points: Walk-In Extension Pop Off
4 Points: Extension Double Down
5 Points: Full Up to Extension Full Down
Set Two — One leg Stunts
1 Points: Liberty
2 Points: Heel Stretch
3 Points: Arabesque
4 Points: Arabesque Full down
5 Points: Full Up Liberty Double Down
Set Three — Baskets
1Point: Straight Ride
2Points: Toe Touch
3Points: Twist
4Points: Kick Twist
5Points: Tuck
Partner Stunts
1 Point: Walk In Hands w/Pop Off
2 Points: Assisted Hands Pop Off
3 Points: Assisted Hands Press Extension Pop Off
4 Points: Toss Hands Pop Off
5 Points: Toss Hands Press Extension
Running Tumbling - Please perform two different skills on the hardwood floor.
1 point: Round Off Back Handspring
2 points: Round Off Three + Back Handsprings
3 points: Round Off Back Handspring Back Tuck
4 points: Round Off Back Handspring Layout
5 points: Round Off Back Handspring Full
Standing Tumbling - Please perform two different skills on the hardwood floor.
1 point: Back handspring
2 points: Back handspring series (Two or more connected)
3 points: Back Tuck (With or without Back handspring)
4 points: layout (With or without Back handspring)
5 points: Standing full (With or without Back handspring)
Please read and answer the following questions:
Cultural fit
What does the ideal team culture look like to you?
What attributes of a team culture do you value the most?
How do you think you can contribute to our current team culture?
What does it mean to be a representative of Angelo State University?
If you saw the culture of the team shifting in a negative way, how would you go about helping it to become more positive?
Social skills
Which personality traits do you value on your team?
What type of attitudes or behavior do you think are beneficial to a team?
How about non-beneficial?
Describe the relationship you had with a previous coach and the way in which you communicated with them.
When it comes to social media how should an ASU cheerleader represent themselves?
Please describe a conflict you had with a previous teammate and the ways in which you worked to resolve it.
Teamwork
Describe the word teamwork and what it means to you.
How can a cheerleader showcase to their team that they are a team player?
How do you build a positive rapport with your teammate? How about your coaches?
Describe what being a part of a team means to you.
Describe what qualities make up a leader.
Self-awareness
Describe your biggest strengths and how you think they will be beneficial to the program.
Describe your biggest weakness and how you plan to improve upon them.
How would your former teammates describe you?
How would your former coaches describe you?
Please prioritize the following from most important to less important and explain why; work, school, family, cheer, and friends.
Interpersonal skills
Describe a past situation where you had to interact with “difficult people” and how you handled it.
Tell us about a time when you had a problem or disagreement with a coach and how you handled it. Please go into detail.
Please describe your communication style between you and your teammates.
Please describe your communication style between you and your coach
Tell us about a time you were out in a position in a routine that you weren’t happy about and how you handled it. Please use details.
Dependability/Accountability
Discuss your understanding of the word dependable and how it pertains to cheerleading.
Tell us about a time you were late or missed practice and how you handled it. Please use details.
How can a team member showcase that they are dependable to their team?
How can a team member showcase that they are dependable to their coach?
When you make a mistake how do you go about taking accountability for your actions?
Overall
What are your overall goals for the team for the season?
What are your personal goals for the season?
Why should we choose you to be a member of our program?
If chosen, please describe how you will handle the potential stress that the season may bring.
Please describe how you handle adversity.
Traditions Potential Quiz Questions
Below are sample interview questions. Any combination of these questions could be used during the interview process.
What is the name of the purebred ram that is present at the ASU Ring Ceremony, and what do graduate students do with him at the ceremony? (Dominic - Rub their rings for good luck.)
What is the name of the ASU Alma Mater? (In Time to Come)
What motto is displayed on the university seal? (Fiat Lux)
What is the name of the university president? (President Ronnie Hawkins Jr.)
What is the name of the tailgate that takes place prior to all home football games, and where is it located? (Ram Jam - LeGrand Alumni Center)
What are the official colors of the university? (Blue and Gold)
What tradition is held the night before the homecoming game each year? (Bonfire)
What are the names of our two costumed mascots? (Roscoe and Bella)
What is the sticky tradition that students believe will bring them good luck on campus? (Gum Tree)
What statues are featured in front of the Junell Center/Stephens Arena? (Ram and Ewe Statues)
What is the hand symbol for Angelo State? (Ram’s Head)
At the start of the second half of all home football games, the crowd is invited to join in forming what? (The Victory Line)
What is the purpose of the ASU Co-Ed Cheer Team? (Support ASU athletics, be an ambassador of the university and represent ASU at college nationals.)
Which sporting events do the ASU cheerleaders attend? (Football, volleyball and basketball)
During the summer, what events are the ASU cheerleaders required to attend? (Orientation, cheer camp and work week)
What is the name of the stadium where all home football games take place? (LeGrand Stadium)
Where are all of the home volleyball and basketball games held? (Junell Center/Stephens Arena)
What do we call our female sports teams at Angelo State? (Rambelles or Belles)
Who is the Angelo State University athletic director? (James Reid)
What campus department does the ASU cheer program fall under? (Student Life)
What are the core covenants of the ASU cheer program? (Dedication, Family and Integrity)
What are the ASU five core values? (Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, Significance, Community, and Commitment)
What are the rules of the field for cheer to follow? (Use True or False)
No jewelry on at any time, hair must be pulled out of the face (True)
No gum or candy in their mouth during the game (True)
While holding poms cannot do a standing back handspring but can do a standing tuck (True)
During the toss the top person cannot hold spirit props (True)
Technical skills cannot be performed on concrete, asphalt, wet, or uneven surface (True)
Additional Information
Fully-funded program with no out of pocket cost to join
Scholarships of up to $1,000/year (waives out of state tuition)*
Paid uniforms and accessories
National competition opportunities
Paid travel expenses for out-of-town games and competitions
Meal per diems when traveling
Travel to all away football, post-season volleyball, and post-season basketball games
Access to an athletic trainer and athletic training facilities
Cheer for NCAA DII Athletics
Priority scheduling each semester
*The ASU Cheer Team has up to 40 scholarship positions, and potentially 5-10 non-scholarship positions. The Head Cheer Coach has the final call on the team size.
Current ASU Students
To qualify, current ASU students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher at the time of tryouts, be of academic full-time status in good standing with the university.
Incoming Transfer Students
Students transferring from another college or university must have been admitted to ASU at the time of tryouts and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
Incoming Freshmen
Incoming freshmen must have been admitted to ASU at the time of tryouts.
Credit and GPA Requirement For Team Members
All members who make the ASU Cheer Team must be enrolled in and complete at least 12 credit hours each semester. Each member is also expected to maintain a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 and be in good standing with the university while on the team. Only the ASU cheerleading head coach may grant exceptions to the course load requirement. Any member who fails to maintain these requirements is subject to dismissal from the team.
We are currently experiencing technical issues with the video links that show the tryout cheers, fight song, and band chant.
Applicants who will be trying out via video submission please contact Coach Feist at cheer@angelo.edu with any questions.
Questions? Contact Us!
Office of Student Life
325-942-2062 cheer@angelo.edu
Houston Harte University Center, Garden Level
