Tryouts Begin for Vikettes, Cheerleaders

Although the Vikette and cheerleading seasons ended in March this year, it is already time to try out for next year.  Vikettes tryout clinics were held March 26-28 and the final tryout was on March 29.  Cheerleading tryouts will be held on April 16, 17, and 19 and the final tryout will take place on April 20.

Fewer people tried out for Vikettes this year than in recent years, but the captains and coaches were still pleased with the turnout this year.

“It was a better turnout than we were expecting.  We had about twenty girls try out,” said senior Vikette Captain Lizzie Schroeder.

Although there is one official tryout day, the dancers were evaluated throughout all of the clinics where they worked on skills and learned dances that they would have to execute in front of the judges during the official tryout.  Judges were looking for certain qualities in order to make the team.

“We are looking for people who have good technique and someone who is able to learn a dance fast so we know they can catch on to competition dances.  We are also looking for good attitudes, sportsmanship, and people who are able to work well with others,” said Schroeder.

The Vikette team for the 2012-2013 school year consists of fourteen girls.  Practices will begin in the summer to prepare the dancers for camp and the upcoming school year.

At the cheerleading clinics, the potential cheerleaders will be working on motions, jumps, tumbling, stunting, dances, and cheers.

“I made up a cheer that was challenging because I know that the group of girls who are trying out for next year are really talented,” said senior Sami Shyken.

During tryouts, the athletes are being evaluated the whole time, so it is critical that they give their best effort during the clinic as well as when they are being judged.

“Tryouts are very tiring mentally and physically.  When we learn brand new cheers and dances, we need to try to look our best even though we are still trying to learn it,” said freshmen cheerleader Miranda Smith.

The cheerleaders, similar to the Viketttes, are looking for girls with good attitudes who demonstrate potential for their squads next year.

“We will be looking for positive attitudes, determination, and willingness to help others who need it,” said Shyken.

Both Vikettes and cheerleading are back in action and will be working with their new members shortly to prepare for next school year.

Written by Amber Smith