How to become a member of the SBU Spirit Squad
Step One: Selection Process Paperwork
Download the Selection Process Application
Download the Spirit Squad Constitution 2010
Download the Spirit Squad Agreement
*Applicants must be admitted to SBU as full-time students and have housing contract submitted prior to May 5, 2010.
*Each applicant must provide copy of Fall 2010 class schedule or proof of appointment to enroll at the personal interview.
*A signed physical examination completed within one year of try out is required of each applicant. A copy must be included in the application materials mailed to the director of the Sprit Squad.
Mail selection process application, copy of your health insurance card, copy of a current physical, signed Spirit Squad agreement and $10 application fee (checks payable to SBU Spirit Squad) to:
SBU Spirit Squad
Attention: Jennifer Carter
Southwest Baptist University
1600 University Avenue
Bolivar, MO 65613
Must be postmarked by April 16, 2010.
Step Two: Schedule personal interview
Personal interviews will be conducted in the Taylor Building on Thursday, May 6, for current SBU students, and on Friday, May 7, for incoming students. Contact Jennifer Carter (jmcarter@sbuniv.edu or 417-328-1694) to schedule your interview. All interviews must be scheduled no later than Friday, April 16. Bring copy of Fall 2010 class schedule or proof of appointment to enroll to this interview. Download interview questions.
Step Three: Step Four: Attend the Mandatory Meeting
Friday, May 7, at 5:00 p.m. in the Aerobics Room in the Meyer Center
Step Four: Attend Mandatory Skills Clinic
Date: Friday, May 7
Location: Meyer Center main gymnasium
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Spirit Squad members: learn fight song, hip hop routine, 2 chants
Mascot: Practice skit #1 in costume
Step Five: Attend Mandatory Skills Clinic
Date: Saturday, May 8
Location: Meyer Center main gymnasium
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Spirit Squad members: review material and skills
Mascot: Practice skit #2 in costume
**The SBU Spirit Squad does not stunt, so there will be no stunting involved in the tryout.
**Although tumbling ability is not a requirement for the squad, participants are encouraged to display their tumbling abilities during the tryout, as well as leaps, turns and other dance skills.
**Each member trying out for the spirit squad will need to make up one chant, as well as a one minute routine to perform at the tryout. Each participant must furnish their own music in the form of a CD or a file on an iPod (please bring your own iPod, speakers will be provided). Please limit the routine to one minute, and choose music that does not have any curse words or inappropriate lyrics. Use of unsuitable music will automatically disqualify a participant from being selected to the squad. You will use the words ‘Purple,’ ‘White,’ ‘Bearcats,’ ‘Cats,’ and/or ‘SBU’ in the chant.
Step Six: Skills Evaluation
Date: Saturday, May 8
Location: Meyer Center main gymnasium
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Spirit Squad members: perform SBU fight song, hip hop routine, 2 SBU chants, one minute routine and new chant
Mascot: Prepared one minute skit/routine to music (may use props, if desired, but must be approved by Jennifer Carter before the tryout), one minute improvised skit/routine with music and props selected by the tryout committee
Step Seven: Selection Process
The selection process will conclude after the skills evaluation with a panel of judges that may include the director of the spirit squad, the director of athletics, the senior woman’s administrator, and outside evaluator(s) that will use information from each step mentioned above to make the determination for what is the best fit for the squad. The overall attitude and ability to work with others as demonstrated through this process along with the potential to be an outstanding ambassador to Southwest Baptist University will also be contributing factors in the final decision making process. Results will be posted on the south doors of the Meyer Center approximately one hour after the conclusion of the skills evaluation.
In the event that you are unable to attend the selection process, you will need to contact Jennifer Carter, spirit squad director, no later than April 16, 2010.
There will be a mandatory meeting on Saturday, May 8, at 4:00 p.m. in the gymnasium for all members selected to the 2010-2011 Spirit Squad.
Other information to help you through the process:
What should you wear?
Interview process – dress for a professional interview
Mandatory clinics – tennis shoes, athletic shorts/pants and tank/t-shirt
Skills Evaluation – solid purple or black shorts and solid purple, black, or white t-shirt
Participants will need to keep in mind that appropriate dress and appearance will also be considered throughout the selection process and you should appear at all events with appropriate make-up, hair style and clothing.
All tattoos should remain covered at all times.
Absolutely NO jewelry should be worn at any event with the exception of the interview.
Please do NOT wear clothing with logos on them especially those from other schools. SBU or Southwest Baptist University on your clothing is fine for the clinics.
Please no gum.
Participants MAY try out for mascot and spirit squad, if desired.
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Carter, spirit squad director, at (417) 328-1694 or jmcarter@sbuniv.edu.