MARYLAND CHEERLEADING PRESENTS... Issue 1 Spring 2014

The Story Behind the Squad“Personally and professionally this is

undoubtedly the hardest time I have faced in my entire career,” states Athletic Director Kevin

Anderson. “I would not wish these same circumstances on anyone else.” It was as

if you could hear the hearts of the fifty athletes shatter throughout the Comcast

center. As the former acrobatics and tumbling team sat speechless in front of the athletic board, it was apparent their college careers would never be the same. Due to financial difficulties, the Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics decided to cut seven varsity teams from the department beginning July 1, 2012.

Rising From the Ashes While some athletes were forced to transfer schools, the acrobatics and tumbling team was given a second chance at life. The University of Maryland spirit squad, known mostly for its sideline cheerleading presence, offered to take the abandoned athletes under its wing. By the end of their first season as a combined program, the all-girl team took home the national championship title at the National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate Championship in Daytona, Fla. They are currently working for another shot at the title, recruiting candidates at the 2014-2015 season tryouts to be held May 3-4, 2014.

Tryout Twist: Selection Process to Assume New Format For the 2014-2015 season, the tryout process will follow a different structure. Although this is a trial for future years, coaches are confident in its projected success. Applicants

will have the option to try out to cheer for specific teams:

football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball or solely for

the competitive/nationals team. It will be divided

further, with options to be a part of

the travel

teams for football and basketball, respectively. Coaches expect this to be the best season yet, as members will be able to cheer for their preferred teams. Continue reading on the next page for specific requirements.

www.marylandcheerleading.com . 301-314- 2358 . JLLittle@umd.edu

The all-girl team poses with their first place trophy at the 2013 NCA Nationals in Daytona , Fla. Credit: Briana Murphy

Inside this Issue

Big Ten Big Changes.................Page 2Bring it on........................................Page 2

“Just call me ‘Rock’”............................Page 3Tips from the Terps..............................Page 3Meet the Team..................................Page 4

Tryout Schedule: Day One..........Page 4

Page 2Do You Have What it Takes?

Th e following are the specifi c skills required for each team’s tryout:

Football

• Be able to throw a standing

back tuck on any surface

• Attend mandatory summer

camp

Men’s basketball• Have a solid standing back tuck;

toe-touch back tuck preferred

• Be able to attend all home games

and postseason tournaments

• Be open to performing at

pregame or halftime performances

Women’s basketball• Back handspring on hard floor • Be open to cheer at Olympic

sporting events (Wrestling, Volleyball, etc.)

• Enthusiastic, confident and strong

Competition/Nationals• Team selection will be based on attitude, position and skills

(stunting and tumbling)• Participation in fundraisers

• Cheer some Olympic sporting events

Big Ten, Big Changes Th e athletic department will offi cially transfer from the Atlantic Coast conference to the Big Ten as of July 1, 2014. Although the move is projected to pull the university out of its $21 million debt, athletes department-wide will face big changes. While the lucrative television contracts provided to Big Ten teams create substantial profi ts, they also come with a lot of pressure for those involved. Pressure’s on More TV time

means more people watching your every move, and more scrutiny for even the smallest of mistakes. As with football coach Randy Edsall, who has already begun whipping his boys into tiptop shape, the Maryland spirit squad coaches plan on being very

selective during the tryout process to ensure they are placing their best athletes in the public eye.

With standards set at an all-time high, those chosen are expected to represent the university in the most respectable manner, on and off the fi eld.

Bring it on Like the rivalry between the Clovers and Toros in the fi lm, “Bring it On,” the spirit squad and acrobatics and tumbling team were not always cordial. To put it lightly, they despised each other. A battle between pom-poms and dumbbells, the pretty girls and the heavyweights, the 2014 tryout weekend left respective team members in ultimate defense mode. While the former “acro” girls wowed the judges with their skills and power, the spirit squad brought a sense of enthusiasm the others had never experienced before.The Calm After the Storm

Aft er the diffi cult mixing into one cohesive program, members realized they would eventually need to work together for the sake of the team. Like newborn deer walking for the fi rst time, the acro girls struggled to learn cheers that had evaded them since their high school days. Likewise, the spirit squad took a number of hits and falls trying to keep up with the skills of their counterparts.

Once the eye-rolling, sighs and groans had subsided, the girls were eventually able to learn from each other’s strengths and band together to form a team equal parts spirit and skill.

The team poses for their fi rst picture as a combined program.Credit: the Maryland Cheerleading Facebook page

Testudo proudly holds the logo for the Big Ten conference.

Credit: The Balti more Sports Report

Page 3Tips from the TerpsConsider these “pro” tips before the nerves set in on tryout day.

Chill out- Although it is intimidating to perform in front of veterans and coaches, keeping cool under pressure is vital. If you make an error, keep smiling. Mistakes are less noticable when you play

them off.

Fake it ‘til you make it- Even if you feel unsure about some of your skills, a good attitude and a refreshing personality will go a long way.

Speak up- The only stupid questions are the ones you don’t ask. Whether about choreography clarification or the program in general, do not hesitate to ask current cheerleaders or coaches.

It not only shows initiative, but proves you are genuinely interested in being on the team.

Show off- Everyone has their athletic strengths and it is important to highlight them throughout the tryout process. If you are a great jumper, a strong base or a powerful tumbler, make it known.

Keep your head up- Unfortunately, there is not a spot for everyone who attends tryouts. If the results do not return in your favor, do not be discouraged! Coaches find it impressive when

people return the following year for another shot at a spot.

“Just call me ‘Rock’” “Kill it ladies!” he screams as he pounds his left fi st against the front of the big blue mat. His right hand dangles limp by his side, encompassed by a black cast that hides the pins holding his radius and ulna in place.

Aft er his second surgery, captain William “Rock” Evans was forced to watch his team compete from the sidelines at this year’s national championship. On top of battling wrist injuries, Rock also must juggle the courseload that comes with

being a biology and Spanish double major.

While his athletic abilities are comparable to the likes of any other Division I athlete, he battles the stigma associated with being a male cheerleader on a daily basis.

“Before the videos and pictures showing what male cheerleaders can do, it was thought we were just on the sidelines as one of the girls,” he says. “It is easier to show people why being a male cheerleader is an athletic activity rather than just telling them about it.”

While he has done an excellent job of brushing off criticism, he understands this is not so easy for others. In response to male applicants who have reservations about attending tryouts, Rock says, “Cheerleading is fun and more athletic than people think. Th e guys also get to hang out with the 40 hottest girls on campus every single day.”

As a graduating senior, Rock is devastated about his cheerleading career coming to an end. However, he cannot wait to begin the next chapter in life, aspiring to one day work as a contracted researcher for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.

Mark Your Calendars!Tryouts for the 2014-2015 season will take place

May 3-4, 2014

Check the next page for a detailed schedule of events

Saturday location:University of Maryland School of Public Health

Health and Human Performance building12:45-5 p.m.

Sunday location:University of Maryland

Comcast CenterPavillion Gym8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Credit: Briana Murphy

Rock smiles for the camera at open practi ce on April 24th.Credit: Briana Murphy

Combating stereotypes

Page 4

Brittany BartkoHometown: Howard County, Md.Class/major: Junior/kinesiologyPosition: Base Coaches on Bartko: “She is a very aggressive power tumbler with a great range of specialty tumbling passes.”

Courtney GoodlowHometown: Freehold, Nj.Class/major: Junior/kinesiologyPosition: FlyerExperience: Th ree-time World Champion with World Cup All-Stars. Named a “Top 25” cheerleader from American Cheerleader Magazine in 2008.

Brea CurleyHometown: Elkridge, Md.Class/major: Junior/family sciencePosition: BaseFun Fact: With almost 2000 followers, Brea is nearly Instagram famous

Brittany BurkhardHometown: Leesburg, Va. Class/major: Junior/family sciencePosition: Backspot Experience: A 2010 World Champion with Maryland Twisters All-Stars. Named “All-American” by the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association in 2011.

Meet the Team

Photo credits (above):www.marylandcheerleading.com

Contact Us301-314-2358

JLLittle@umd.eduwww.marylandcheerleading.com

Connect With Us

Facebook: University of Maryland Cheerleading

Twitter: @MarylandCheer

The girls pump up the crowd at last season’s home football game versus Florida State.

Credit: the Maryland Cheerleading Facebook page

Tryout Checklist

Female participantsWear a sports bra and fitted spandex shortsHair should be styled and worn all down, or half-up, half-downPerformance-style makeup with red lipstickAll tattoos should be fully coveredAll jewelry must be removed

Male participantsShould be well-groomedWear a T-shirt and athletic shorts

The fi rst day of tryouts will begin promptly at 12:45 and end at 5 p.m. Source: www.marylandcheerleading.com, Credit: Briana Murphy