College Cheer Tryouts

[all_american10]

I have cheered for 6 years and I cannot imagine going through another football season without being on the sidelines.  I know that next year as a college freshman, I will think no differently.  The problem is, I do not have even a back handspring.  After breaking my arm in ninth grade tumbling, I have never seemed to master it again. 

I'm sure that showing up to a college tryout session without a tumbling pass would be pointless, but I still would like to try.  The rush of leading a huge crowd and the passion I have for cheerleading doesn't seem to overrun my lack in the tumbling area.  I also believe I have the potential and will to improve and learn, which seems to be part of any squad.  So the question is, should I try out for college cheerleading anyways?

[cheerforever1]

Do your homework about the squad you are trying out for. Does it say they require tumbling? Do they compete? Are there multiple squads?
The answers to these questions might help you in your decision. While tumbling will always factor in as a plus in tryouts, if your college doesn't require it or compete, then it may be a smaller factor than other universities tryout scores. You can always contact the coach as well to see what he/she would recommend.  Good Luck!

[candcrew]

Ditto what cheerforever1 said . . . research the program(s) that you are interested in.  Many do not complete and, therefore, may not require tumbling.  You'd be surprised at some of the requirements for some programs that are good but don't compete!

[RPCmme]

There are many colleges that don't require tumbling.  Also, some schools have multiple squads that cheer for sports beyond football and basketball; sometimes these squads don't have the same requirements as the competitive teams.  Contact cheer coaches via your top college choices' cheer websites.