The Smoky Hill Cheerleading program is opening for tryouts on April 25-29. It consists of varsity and junior varsity. They represent our community at school events like football, volleyball, and basketball games. The cheerleading program also includes competing in local, regional, state, and national level competitions.

Athletes thinking of trying out, need to be able to work in a team environment. Representing themselves, the program, and the school in a positive manner. The coaching staff is looking for candidates who are coachable. 

Before trying out, contenders need to pass the tryout checklist. The checklist consists of online registration, which opens on March 10, a current physical, an emergency card, a printout of academic grades, and a signed waiver and policy agreement.

During the tryout process, the staff will make observations during the tryout session. Each athlete will complete a formal tryout in front of a panel of judges for estimation of skills and material. Athletes require skill level and potential for their athleticism. Varsity level athletes should be working on a running tuck or higher.

“At tryouts, the coaches were all very understanding of everyone’s different skill levels. I learned a lot of things about stunting and tumbling I didn’t know before,” Junior varsity athlete Sophia Almon said.

 Athletes also require passing academics. Grades and attendance will be revised. The program also endorses teacher recommendations. Lastly, team selection criteria look at attitude, effort, commitment, & showmanship.

For the upcoming 22-23 season there are some financial obligations. These involve uniforms, accessories, warmups, camp, competition fees, choreography, nationals, and tumbling/stunting. 

“Doing cheer this year has made the transition into high school so much easier. You start off the year with a bunch of new friends who eventually turn into a second family. I believe that doing cheerleading has laid a strong foundation for the rest of my high school years,” Almon said.