A coach, parent or high school counselor could bring the athlete to the CUAA ... Because it is free to apply online, mak
Concordia University Ann Arbor Cheer Team FAQ’s: How can I be recruited?
Athletes earn an opportunity to be recruited through a few different methods.
1. A CUAA cheer coach, current cheerleader or alumni, may see a prospective recruit at a game, event or competition and ask them to consider a campus visit, and being recruited. 2. An athlete can contact the CUAA cheerleading coach and express interest in the team and being recruited. 3. A coach, parent or high school counselor could bring the athlete to the CUAA cheerleading coach’s attention.
No matter how an athlete gets on our radar everyone who is interested in being recruited has the opportunity. Because it is free to apply online, make a campus visit, or a practice visit there is no cost to being recruited by Concordia.
When are tryouts?
With our recruiting method we do not have an open tryout. Instead we evaluate each athlete on a case-‐by-‐case basis. The best way to be evaluated is to schedule a campus visit where you get the chance to practice with our cheerleading team. However, athletes can also submit a highlight video or request an off campus recruit visit (where we attend a game, practice or competition of yours).
What are the cheer team requirements?
We are developing two cheer teams at Concordia. One is a sideline only team (Red Team) and the other is a sideline & competitive team (Black Team). The teams will do a majority of things together, and athletes on both teams receive some level of athletic scholarships. Sideline (Red Team) Requirements: • Experience in sideline (game) cheering • Strong cheer motions • Jumps: Toe-‐Touch, Pike, Double-‐Toe-‐Touch • Stunting Minimum: Skilled in Extensions, Twist Cradles, Libs • Tumbling: No requirement for sideline/game team Competitive & Sideline (Black Team) Requirements: • Member of a high school or all-‐star/club team preferably with experience in high school or all-‐star competitive cheer • Jump Minimum: Pike, Double-‐Toe-‐Touch, Toe-‐Touch Back Handspring • Stunting Minimum: Experience with elite extended stunts, transitions, basket tosses • Tumbling Minimum: Round-‐off Back Handspring, Back Tuck or a pass with a Tuck
Concordia University Ann Arbor -‐ Cheer Team FAQ’s Continued
What are the time commitments for each of the teams?
During summer both teams practice alongside one another and attend camp together. Both teams cheer together for all home football games, and perform at all university events, performances, etc. (We do not travel to away football games). Both teams have weekly workouts, study tables and the same special event requirements as all athletes on campus. Athletes may move between teams as warranted/needed, and that is decided on a case-‐by-‐case basis. On average athletes can expect a 15 – 20 hours a week of time commitment for all events. During basketball season the Red team will practice 2-‐3 times a week and cheer at all home basketball games, tournament play, and travel as requested by the University. Red team members will serve as alternates (as needed) for the Black team during competition season. During basketball/competitive season the Black team will practice 3 -‐ 4 times a week with a focus on competition. They will cheer a handful of home basketball games, and travel to tournament play and away games when needed. They will represent the university at all competitive cheer events.
How are scholarships awarded?
Athletic Cheer Scholarships are awarded on the basis of skill level, ability, team needs and requirements. Athletic scholarships, once awarded, will be renewed each year the athlete remains eligible to participate within the program. Academic scholarships are determined through the admissions process and are awarded on top of any athletic scholarship offered.
What “out of pocket” expenses can an athlete expect?
Because both teams are considered a sport within the university the university covers the majority of their expenses. Athletes do not pay for uniforms, travel, competition fees, gymnastics, etc. Athletes pay for gear that is needed, that they will not return to the university (i.e. shoes, practice gear, hair bows, bodysuits, etc.). Usually these costs range between $250 and $400 for the year (both seasons) and are offset with a summer fundraiser that can cover 100% of these expenses. Summer camp is a shared expense between athletes and the team’s agency account. In 2013 athletes paid $200 for camp, which covered: camp fees, travel, hotel, meals, and 2 camp outfits. We project the price for 2014 will stay the same or be reduced.
