Hello! I am so excited to start our 2020 virtual tryout! After talking to several coaches, I have decided to make a few changes to our virtual tryout process. We will be having participants pre-record and submit videos of various skills along with the live virtual tryout. This decision was based on struggles that other schools have had with the virtual process. Judges can re-watch skills more than once, internet connection won't skip and freeze during important skills, and participants will be able to complete tumbling on safe surfaces (grass) and not be interrupted by bad weather.

Please follow social distancing guidelines throughout the tryout. Here is the YouTube link to all the tryout material, tips, and explanation videos about the process. < https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi-qjBx_m7XXrbY2QZOD_YwLKZmWv8rW2 >

Please read this entire post and watch the explanation videos before sending questions to Mrs. Stobbe.

1. Fill out the Google Tryout Form.
   Please do this application ASAP so I can set the live tryout times and share your Google folder. < https://forms.gle/MwvzcUYdaDfw8dYh6 >
   Note: It is possible to use a personal email, but it's simpler to use your school email because it requires you to login to access the form.
2. Access the tryout material and explanation videos via the YouTube link above.
3. Look for an email or text from me setting up the virtual tryout time. Be sure to have a helper (parent or sibling) during our tryout to hold the phone.
4. Upload four videos of required skills by Friday, May 8th. We will be using a shared folder on the Google Drive. I will create these folders for each girl. I will know you are participating by completing the tryout application. Skills to be videoed: band chant, dance, jumps including a toe touch and one other jump of your choice (pike or hurdle), and tumbling (forward roll and any higher-level tumbling). Please make sure to have appropriate shoes and use safe surfaces like carpet or grass to perform tumbling skills. *Refer to the YouTube link for more explanation.
5. Virtual Tryouts will be Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th. During the virtual tryout, you will be asked to complete the splits and various exercises to help determine your strength and stunting score. Strength is a core skill in successful stunting, which is a huge part of cheerleading. Those exercises will include a wall sit, plank, up-downs, and a static squat. Perspective flyers will also be asked to show their one-leg body positions (heal stretch, arabesque, and scale). *Refer to the YouTube link for more explanation.

I will email the final team roster to the individuals who participated in the tryout. I will do it by Sunday, May 10th, and will start practices shortly (as early as May 18th, if all cheerleaders are free and available to do so.) We will be required to follow social distancing guidelines through May. Good luck!