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. Post-season play for basketball could extend the cheer season to March.
TRYOUT WEEK: MAY 19, 20, 21, 2025......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 in AUX GYM:
Monday, May 19 & Tuesday, May, 20
5:00-6:00p (incoming 9th grade students)
6:30-7:30p (current high school students)
TRYOUTS in AUX GYM:
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
6:00p (incoming 9th grade students)
7:00p (current HS students)
TRYOUT REGISTRATION FORM
Click HERE to register for the new season
Questions: cheerpenncrest@gmail.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why are there separate practices and tryouts for Penncrest Students vs. Incoming Students?
A: Per PIAA rule: incoming freshman are not able to participate in high school sports until they are officially “high school eligible” after their 8th grade graduation. Incoming freshman students must participate separately from current high school students until new team roster is completed.
Q: How can I keep updated on information or any changes?
A: Instagram @penncrestlionscheer
Website
Email: 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. 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 cannot play 2 sports in the same season and must commit to make Penncrest Cheer 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: Not at this time
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 mandatory time commitment during the summer?
A: UCA Credentialing Camp: August 8, 9, 10, 2025, 8a-4p daily
Pre-season: August 11-15 and August 18-21, 9a-1p daily for 2 weeks
Please do not make travel plans after August 7
Q: What is the time commitment during the school year?
A: 2-3 practices per wee (or as needed), 3 hours each, evening hours. One game at the end of each week during football and 2x per week during basketball. Tumbling may be additional for an out-of-pocket fee. Please do not schedule vacation during competition season November - February.
4 misses permitted for entire season.
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.
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.
Q: What is the financial commitment?
A: The following expenses are approximate (based on last season). Fees will be greatest for new members.
Booster dues $100-$150
Physicals your physician dated after 6/1 and submitted by 8/1
Accessories $300 essential gear
$250 letterman jacket
Camp: Credentialing Camp $230
Choreography Camp at PHS - approx $260-$375 (depending on team size)
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: Yes! Our boosters plan fundraising events to help offset the cost for many expenses. There will be a fee schedule with dates that payments are due. Our boosters do a great job of spreading out payments. Once initial fees are collected through the summer months, it is extremely rare for boosters to collect anything further from families. Everyone is encouraged to get involved to help with our many fundraising events.
Football & Basketball Games * Competition * Tumbling *
Community Service * Fundraising * Team Bonding * Fun!
