I. SQUAD TRYOUT INFORMATION

Squad Definition
The "FireStarters" consist of two (2) squads to accommodate dancers of all levels.
The POM SQUAD is for those dancers who have beginning to intermediate technical training. Pom serves at Women's home basketball games, performing chants, "teasers" (sideline and timeout dances), and halftime pom and/or hip-hop routines.
The DANCE TEAM is for those dancers who have high intermediate to advanced technical training. The dance team serves at Men's home basketball games, performing "teasers" (sideline and time-out dances), and halftime jazz, lyrical, and character routines.

Audition Invitation Requirement
The "FireStarters" will host a number of recruiting sessions each spring to assess the skills, abilities, and potential of interested and qualified candidates for the various dance team positions.
PLEASE NOTE THAT TRYOUTS FOR THE DANCE TEAM ARE BY INVITATION ONLY.

Ways to attain an invitation

1. Send in a video-taped entry as instructed in the videotape entry section below
2. Receive an invitation from one of the Red Devil Spirit Program Coach.
3. Receive an invitation from a current member of the Red Devil Spirit Program.

II. MEMBER SELECTION PROCESS
The Red Devil Spirit Program will host a number of recruiting sessions each spring to assess the skills, abilities and potential of interested and qualified candidates for one of the number of available positions.
Recruiting sessions are intended to be a low stress event. For that reason they are conducted in a practice-like environment during which the level of each candidate's skills and talents, and their ability to work with current and prospective team members, will be evaluated. A short interview with the candidate may be conducted at anytime during the sessions.
Actual attendance by candidates at one of the recruiting sessions is highly recommended; however, persons who cannot attend any of the scheduled recruiting sessions may submit videotape for consideration. All videos must be submitted before the end of the last scheduled tryout session and follow the format described below.

Videotape Entries

• All videotape submissions must follow the format and be accompanied with a completed tryout packet.
• All videos received for consideration as their final tryout, must be received no later than the date of last scheduled open recruiting session (4/30/04).
• All videos received seeking an invitation to a recruiting session, must be received in our office a minimum two weeks prior to the open session date each candidate wishes to attend. Upon receipt of tryout package and video, candidate will be notified of invitation status by phone, email, or postal service.
• We recommend that all videos be sent in as soon as possible. Recruiting sessions will be filled to a predetermined capacity and will then be closed until the beginning of the fall semester.

Minimum Qualifications for Tryouts
Persons who wish to tryout for a Red Devil Spirit Program squad must meet the following minimum qualifications:
(Please note that incoming freshman and transfer students, do not have to be regularly admitted in order to attend a schedule tryout session, also all individuals selected to the spirit program will not be guaranteed admissions into Allen County Community College.)

1. If an incoming freshman or transfer student, has completed the regular admissions application process before the posted deadlines.
2. Have an overall GPA of 2.0 or above.
3. Not be on disciplinary probation.
4. Have sufficient physical fitness, strength, and athletic skills to perform the cheerleading activities described below.
5. Have health/hospitalization insurance in an amount comparable to the minimum coverage offered through the college's student insurance program.
6. Have completed the tryout packet as described below in the tryout packet section.

• Single and Double turns (pirouettes at center)
• Grand Jetes (split leaps) on right, bonus on left
• Leaps in second (aiming for right entrance)
• Dance foundations in pom and hip-hop
• Cheerleading skills such as toe touches and basic motions
• Athletic physique appropriate for required activities
  Ability to remember complex routines.

• Two (2) eight counts of high kicks performed straight and to the side
• Three (3) toe touches
• Leaps on both sides
• Single/Double Pirouettes on both sides
• Dance Choreography featuring pom and hip-hop choreography (Limit: 2 minutes)
• Interview question/topics to answer or discuss at the end of tape:
  Why do I want to become an ACCC "FireStarter"?
  What do I have to offer to the program and the college?
  Rank the following items, beginning with the most important, and explain.
  

  Academics
  Being a college ambassador
  Extracurricular activities
  Competition
  Supporting Athletics at Allen County Community College

Skill Criteria
The Head Coach of the Red Devil Spirit Program will select members for the "FireStarters" Dance Team. Members will be chosen based on the following criteria:
Mastery, or the potential to master the following skills.

• Double and Triple turns (traveling and pirouettes at center)
• Center Fouettes in both a continuing second and in turned out passe
• Grand Jetes (split leaps) on right, bonus on left
• Leaps in second (aiming for right and left entrance)
• Switch Leaps (aiming for right and left entrance)
• Dance foundations in ballet and/or jazz, as well as pom, hip-hop, and character
• Cheerleading skills such as toe touches and basic motions
• Athletic physique appropriate for required activities
• Ability to remember complex routines.

DANCE TEAM Video Criteria
Video submissions must contain everything on the list below.

• Two (2) eight counts of high kicks performed straight and to the side
• Three (3) toe touches
• Leaps on both sides
• A switch leap
• Double/Triple Pirouettes on both sides
• Dance Choreography featuring jazz and hip-hop choreography (Limit: 2 minutes)
• Interview question/topics to answer or discuss at the end of tape:
  • Why do I want to become a "FireStarter"?
  • What do I have to offer to the program and the college?
• Rank the following items, beginning with the most important, and explain.
  • Academics
  • Being a college ambassador
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Competition
  • Supporting Athletics at Allen County Community College

III. CONTACT INFORMATION

Telephone
Head Coach
Kinshasa Garrett
Phone: (620) 365-5116 x. 243
Fax: (620) 365-3284

Mail
All Mail Requiring a Physical Address:
Kinshasa Garrett
ACCC Red Devil Spirit Program
1801 N. Cottonwood
Iola, KS 66749

Internet
Online
Red Devil Spirit Program
Web Address: http://www.allencc.edu
Email: garrett@allencc.edu

IV. TRYOUT PACKET INFORMATION

Packet Information
All candidates must submit a completed tryout packet to the Cheer Program Office. No one will be allowed to participate in a tryout session unless ACCC Cheer has received a completed tryout packet prior to the session an individual wishes to attend.
Packet Content Checklist:

• Completed medical forms and Information sheet.
• One head to toe color photo of recruit, and one color head shot. (**Will not be returned)
• One letter of recommendation sent from current cheer / dance advisor, or coach directly to Head Coach. (**Do not send in packet, have advisor/coach send letter directly to Head Coach's office. Address letter to Kinshasa Garrett.)
• For incoming freshman only: one letter of recommendation from school official. (**Do not include the letter in the packet; have the school official send letter directly to Kinshasa Garrett at ACCC "FireStarters" at the address listed above.)
• Completed Admissions application.

Do you offer scholarships?

Fall and spring semester scholarships may be awarded to Red Devil Cheerleading athletes based upon need, academic performance, cheerleading activity, and conduct.

What are practices like?

A member of the coaching staff supervises all practices. Practice is normally scheduled for three (3) to four (4) times per week.A required cardio and weight program is scheduled.

Does the program compete at nationals?

Historically, the cheer squad has competed at numerous state and regional competitions. Competing at nationals will be contingent upon college approval and funds.

What do I wear to the open/recruiting session?

Sports bra, tank top, or leotard, jazz pants or shorts, and any type of jazz/athletic shoe. Attire pertains to all Videotape entries!

What time do I show up to the open/recruiting session?

We recommend that everyone attending a session show up 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time.

Where can I get open recruiting session date information and the tryout packet?

Tryout information will be posted on our website:http://www.allencc.edu, or call the Head Coach in order to arrange a method to receive literature Fax, E-mail, or pick up in person.Office phone number: (620) 365-5116 x. 243Program E-mail: garrett@allencc.edu