TRYOUTS
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Penncrest Cheer mainly supports football and basketball and competes in local, state, regional and national-level cheer competitions in Game Day and Performance Divisions. Penncrest will select one team for a 7-month committment starting at pre-season in mid-August and ending at the end of winter season in February.
TRYOUT WEEK: APRIL 24-26, 2024......REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
During the tryout process, it is a PIAA rule that incoming 9th grade students cannot participate with current high school students until they have completed their 8th grade graduation. Therefore, incoming 9th grade students will have separate times for practices and tryouts.
Tryout Practices:
April 24, 25 (Wed, Thurs)
7:00-8:00p (incoming 9th grade students)
8:00-9:00p (current HS students)
AUX Gym
Tryouts:
April 26 (Fri)
6:00p (incoming 9th grade students)
7:00p (current HS students)
AUX Gym
TRYOUT REGISTRATION FORM
Click HERE to register for the 2024-25 season
Questions: cheerpenncrest@gmail.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why are there separate practices and tryouts for Penncrest Students vs. Incoming Students?
A: It is a PIAA rule that incoming freshman are not able to participate in any high school varsity sport until they are officially “high school eligible”. They are not considered “high school eligible” until their 8th grade graduation. Incoming freshman students must have a separate tryout.
Q: How can I keep updated on information or any changes?
A: Follow us on Instagram: penncrestlionscheer or this site. Email us directly with any questions: cheerpenncrest@gmail.com
Q: What do I wear to tryouts?
A: Dark shorts, white t-shirt (no writing or graphics), hair in ponytail and bow and makeup so you are “Game Day Ready”. No jewelry.
Q: Who will be judging tryouts?
A: Outside judges and the coaches.
Q: What will I have to perform at tryouts?
A: 1 dance or fight song, 2 game day situational sidelines, toe touch jump, jump of your choice and any tumbling (standing and/or running), partner stunt. Everything will be taught to you during the tryout practice period.
Q: What if I do not have tumbling experience?
A: It is strongly encouraged to have tumbling both standing and running. If you do not, it is suggested that you shine in all other areas. However, whether a forward roll, cartwheel or roundoff, please attempt some type of skill during tryouts.
Q: What if I work, play other sports or compete as an all-star cheerleader, may I still tryout?
A: Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to balance outside conflicts when the Penncrest season runs parallel. You must commit to make Penncrest cheer season your priority from August-February.
Q: Can I just tryout for fall season or can I just tryout for competition team?
A: No. One continuous team dedicated to Penncrest High School for the fall and winter season AND competition season. Fall season is conditioning and prep for competition season. We do not have another tryout in the winter for a competition team.
Q: How many cheerleaders will be chosen?
A: Varies. Penncrest Cheer has positioned itself as a highly competitive and nationally ranked team. Team selections will be based on the need for certain positions. We are never set to compete in one certain division.
Q: Will there be a JV team?
A: A JV team will only be formed based on varsity tryout scores and whether there are enough participants to field a team. A JV team is operated separately from the Varstiy program under the JV coach's discretion.
Q: How will I find out if I make the team?
A: The new team roster will be emailed. Please make sure your email address is accurate on the registration form.
Q: If I make the team, what will be the time commitment during the summer?
A: Choreography camp is July 9 & 10. UCA Credentialing Camp begins is August 9-11. Preason begins August 12 for 2 weeks every day, approximately 4 hours per day. All MANDATORY!
Q: What is the time commitment during the school year?
A: 2-3 times per week, 3 hours each session during evening hours (or as needed). One game at the end of each week during football and 2x per week during basketball. Tumbling is an additional one hour per week for an out-of-pocket fee. Please do not schedule vacation during competition season November - February.
Q: What is the financial commitment?
A: The following expenses are approximate (based on last season). If you should make the team, there will be a fee schedule in your team packet and the dates payments will be due.
Booster dues $100-$150
Physicals your physician dated after 6/1 and submitted by 8/1
Accessories $300+
Camp: Credentialing Camp at Springfield HS - $199
Choreography Camp at PHS - $325
Tumbling: Approximately $20 per week
Additional: Fees associated with travel to nationals
Optional spirit wear items
Q: Will there be fundraising to offset these costs?
A: Absolutely! Our boosters plan fundraising events to help offset the cost for entry fees, nationals travel, senior night, and cheer banquet and any other expenses that arise.
Q: How many competitions does Penncrest attend?
A: Approximately 10-15 competitions per winter season. This includes Central Leagues, Regionals, Nationals, Districts and States.
Q: What other commitments outside of practice and games do I have to participate?
A: Community service which counts toward your community service record for graduation. We also organize many team bonding events that are always fun.
Q: What other things are important if I’m selected as a Penncrest Cheerleader?
A: Code of Conduct by Penncrest High School / Grades / Attendance / Attitude / Social Media Conduct / Team Play
Q: How soon will we get started after tryouts?
A: There will be a new team meeting AND parent meeting shortly after the new team is selected.
Football & Basketball Games * Competition * Tumbling *
Community Service * Fundraising * Team Bonding * Fun!
