Cheerleading Squad

WWU Cheer Program Philosophy

The purpose of the WWU Cheer Squad is to promote and uphold team spirit for those we encounter, to develop good sportsmanship by example, to support good relations in the community and between teams / squads during events. The goal is to work in harmony within the squad, athletic teams, and community. Members of the WWU Cheer Squad enjoy a truly unique college experience; the WWU Cheer Squad is highly visible always supporting successful WWU Men's & Women's Athletic Programs in front of raving fans. As any athletic team at WWU, cheerleaders must be dedicated to improving their skills, have a positive attitude, be willing to try new things, work hard, be knowledgeable of cheerleading safety regulations, and most importantly represent the ideals set forth by the WWU Mission Statement.

Objectives

The WWU cheerleading program is a student activity. As a student activity, it's first and foremost responsibility to the student is to support and not to compromise the student's academic career. Secondly, the program should aid in developing the student participant into a responsible, mature and independent adult. The primary purpose of the cheerleader is to be a member of a team, which has as its goal the support of intercollegiate athletics and Western Washington University. That support is directed into the following fundamental purposes: to lead in positive vocal support for the team; to solicit that support from the athletic activity for keeping the crowd's attention/direction focused on the field/court where the intercollegiate activity is taking place; for entertainment purposes and competitive purposes, to lead cheers, and to create an atmosphere of enthusiasm and excitement at sporting events, thereby increasing attendance and raising the level of fan support; to serve as public relations ambassadors of intercollegiate athletics and Western Washington University; to uphold, reflect and project the goals and ideals of the University; to appear at University activities, functions and programs, and at charitable and public causes; and to promote intercollegiate athletics and Western Washington University.

Organizational Structure

The Western Washington University cheer program has one squad. The squad members cheer for women's and men's basketball and will be required to come to WWU volleyball matches plus select games as a team to attend and support other WWU sports, i.e. Soccer, Softball, Rowing. Cheerleading at Western Washington University is a student activity and a sport.

Involvement

In addition to basketball games, practices and additional performances, cheerleaders may attend a number of public relations and/or charitable events each year. The coach must approve in advance all appearances by the cheerleaders. Appearances shall be places and events, which are considered in good taste. The cheerleaders shall appear only at events/activities, which will reflect positively on them as individuals, and as representatives of the college.

For more information on the WWU Cheer Squad please contact,

Katie Rothenberg
Assistant Marketing Director of Athletics & Cheer Advisor
Western Washington University
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-9066
(360) 650-4314
(360) 650-3495 fax
Katie.Rothenberg@wwu.edu

CHEER TRYOUT INFORMATION

If you are interested in trying out for the 2012-13 cheer team, please come to the CHEER INFORMATIONAL MEETING on Friday, April 13 in Carver Gym.

We will distribute a packet of information including insurance forms, waivers and the tryout schedule at the meeting (that can also be done by printing them off of the website)(we also need a copy of your insurance card)

If you cannot attend the meeting, please e-mail: Katie Rothenberg @ katie.rothenberg@wwu.edu, to confirm you will be trying out and get all the forms on-line mailed, faxed or e-mailed prior to try-outs please visit http://wwuvikings.cstv.com/ot/athletictrainingservices.html for all the forms.

However, please attend the meeting if at all possible.

There is a $25 fee for trying out and that check is to: WWU Athletics (this must be paid on try-out date)

The Pre-tryout dates are: Saturday April 14th - Sunday April 15th , 2012

The official tryout dates are: Friday May 4 - Sunday May 6, 2012

Tryouts will include the following elements: Motions, Dance, Stunting, Jumps and Tumbling. You will learn some or all of the following material - Chants, Cheer, Dance, Band Jig. For more information, phone Katie Rothenberg at 360-650-4314.

2012-13 Cheer Tryout Informational Meeting

2012-13 Pre-Cheer Tryout Clinic - Apr. 14-15

2012-13 Pre-Cheer Tryout Clinic Insurance Form

2012-13 Official Cheer Tryouts - May 4-6

Cheer Application

Tryout Screening Evaluation

Heatlh Insurance Form

Hold Harmless Agreement

Video of halftime performance at 2011 Central Washington men's basketball game