Anyone selected to our program is expected to be a leader among the U of I student body. Involvement in our program makes that individual a highly visible University of Illinois representative. He or she may be called upon to speak to thousands of alumni and friends during a pep rally or at a game. We are seeking talented people wanting to continue their cheer experience, who are healthy and fit and who are committed to obtaining a college education.

Cheerleading at the University of Illinois holds many responsibilities that are divided between members. Each squad consists of a maximum of eight couples.

The Cheerleaders main responsibilities lie in performing at football, men's, and women's basketball games. They also perform at many of the school functions, such as; Quad Day, Homecoming Parade, and various pep rallies. A select number of Cheerleaders have the opportunity to travel to all away Football and non-Big Ten Men's Basketball games along with any post-season play (bowl games, NCAA, NIT). The cheerleaders also travel to Women's basketball post-season NCAA events.

COMPETITION
As cheerleaders, our job is to inspire school spirit and support both the football and basketball teams. But, that is not our only job.

One of the biggest events of our season which happens in early January, is nationals competition. Held by Universal Cheerleading Association at MGM studios in Orlando, Florida nationals is our opportunity to show the rest of the country what Illinois cheerleading is made of. Prepartation for such a big event is not easy. In the three weeks before we hold practice every day. But the hard work is worth it when we spend five days at Disney World competing against the best cheerleaders in the country.

TRYOUTS
Our try-outs are conducted in April or early May for the following school year. We do this so our program is in place and ready for the new athletic year in August. The try-outs are open to: 1) University of Illinois students already on campus; 2) transfer students; 3) all incoming freshmen. Any freshman/transfer student selected for our program must meet all University of Illinois admission requirements.

The try-out will have two to four required clinics and a day of judging. Every female applicant is taught a cheer, sideline, a dance, and part of the U of I Fight Song. Female applicants also work on on partner stunting. All female applicants perform these requirements in groups of three. Men trying out are taught a cheer, sideline, part of the U of I Fight Song and partner stunting. All male applicants also perform these requirements in groups of three. Every applicant also must show a tumbling pass and either a standing back tuck or back handspring. All tumbling is spotted for safety. Any adjustments for try-out requirements will be announced at the first clinic.

We are looking for people who have a basic skill level. Our key thought is potential…how will that student look representing the University of Illinois.

REQUIREMENTS
First and foremost, each student must be making progress towards a degree meeting the same hours required of student-athletes (Remember your main purpose for attending the University of Illinois is to obtain an education). We require each student to carry and maintain atleast a 2.0 semester grade point average.

In addition to the academic requirements, being a member of the cheerleading squad will require approximately 20-25 hours per week. There are three practices a week, usually on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, each practice lasting a maximum of three hours. Members are required to lift weights as a tgeam, two days a week at 6:30 a.m., usually Monday and Wednesday. First-year members must also attend study tables totaling six hours a week. Finally, after all of the hard work, you get to cheer at all the home and away football games and all the home men's and women's basketball games. Depending on the success of the teams we cheer for, you may be cheering over Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and spring break. Cheering at the U of I is a big commitment, but it is also lots of fun!

SERVICES
The cheerleaders hold clinics periodically throughout the year for elementary through high-school aged students. In addition, members are available to assist with judging tryouts and choreographing competition routines or game material. If you would like help in any of these areas, please call 217-265-0818