The Schmucker Middle School cheerleaders are ambassadors of our school and lead our fans on game day in football and basketball. Each team member can expect to participate in the following:
- Penn cheer camp (June 12-16 from 3:30-7pm) and SMS cheer camp (July 24-27th but each squad will only attend 2 days)
- All home games and most away games and tournaments
To be eligible for the SMS Cheerleading Team and to participate in tryouts, the following items must be submitted by Friday, May 12, 2017.
- Completed Tryout Application (available in the school office and at this link - includes Student information, Teacher recommendation, Code of Conduct, and completed sports physical.
- Photo (headshot) of yourself emailed to atiebout@phm.k12.in.us
Tryouts will be held on Friday, May 19th in the SMS gym, starting at 4:15pm and will go until tryouts are completed. Guys will go first, then 8th grade girls, then 7th grade girls.
Tryouts for girls will consist of a spirit run, cheer, chant and fight song. Guys will tryout with a tumbling run (if able), chant the fight song and show skills in stunting with an experienced girl flyer on a mat.
Up to 3 guys and 9 girls (per grade, per season) will be selected during our tryout process to represent SMS as the official cheerleaders for the 2017-2018 season. We may elect to leave positions unfilled based on the results of the tryout process. Students may elect to cheer for football, basketball, or BOTH sports.
Selection Criteria
Candidates are selected based on a variety of factors. We consider more than just current skill level; we consider potential, team partnering, physical fitness, work ethic, and attitude. Because we partner everyone at games and we do lots of all-squad stunts, stunting ability or potential for it is very important. Also note that all returning team members must try out every year.
Ladies: In general, we’re looking for the “whole package.” The ideal candidate is in great shape, presents themselves well in front of a crowd, cheers with energy and enthusiasm, is easy to stunt with.
Guys: In general, guys should have experience stunting and can tumble, but guys who are stronger in one area and weaker in the other may qualify. SMS may also take guys who have little to no cheer experience if they show potential by being strong and athletic. Guys will be responsible for stunting and chanting, but will not cheer.
