It’s that time again. UTM Cheerleading tryouts are right around the corner. The tryouts this year will be held April 24 and 25 in the Gymnastics room at the Skyhawk fieldhouse.

Fran Spears, the UTM Cheerleading coach and Martin Middle School 2004 NCA Champions Coach is very enthusiastic about tryouts. She said, “We have already set a great foundation, and I’m excited about building a successful team and going to nationals in the spring of 2005.”

Friday, April 23, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. is an optional early registration and open gym. Saturday, April 24, registration is from 8:30 to 9 a.m., and tryout sessions are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a break for lunch. Sunday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the final tryout session. Those candidates wanting prior practice can come to open gym on April 15 and 22 from 7 to 9 p.m..

The UTM Cheerleading program is a competitive and time-consuming activity. The coaching staff wants young adults who are responsible, put their education first, and also have a passion for cheering.

Coach Spears is looking for people to bring new talent to the squad, who are full of spirit, and love to cheer. She is especially looking for guys to cheer in this upcoming year. “We are definitely interested in guys, even if you have no experience. We will teach you the technique if you are willing to learn.”

Tuition assistance will be available for each varsity cheer squad member. This assistance will start at the $700 level per semester.

The eligibility rules for being a member of the UTM cheer squad are as follows:

• Maintaining a 2.0 cumulative grade point average • Being enrolled as a full-time UTM student during both semesters in the year of competition • Remaining in good disciplinary standing with the university.

Also, if you are a transfer student, you must have a gradepoint average of 2.5.

During the selection process, each candidate will have one tryout, which includes a skill tryout, and an evaluation by Coach Spears and her staff. The candidates will be evaluated on the following:

• Attitude, commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated during tryouts • Fight Song routine • Interview • Cheer with incorporated partner stunts, jumps or tumbling • Appearance • Athletic Ability - Physical Stature.

Jenny Chandler, a junior marketing major from Dickson, Tenn., is a current UTM cheerleader and is looking forward to working with new people and improving the squad. “It is fun and a great way to get involved. I encourage anyone who has cheerleading experience to tryout.”

Applications are available online at www.utmcheer.com. Log on and check out the 2003-2004 talent of the UTM cheerleaders. It might be just the involvement and excitement you are looking for. For more information contact Coach Fran Spears at (731) 587-6030 or email her at spears@utmcheer.com.