Q: Who can tryout?
A: All students registered for the upcoming O’Connell academic year are eligible to tryout. All veteran members are also required to tryout for the new season.
Q: How many cheerleaders do you take?
A: We do not take a set number of members for the team. At the tryout, all scores are sorted from highest to lowest. The cut is made where the significant drop in score lands. There will be two squads (varsity and junior varsity).
Q: Do you take any freshmen?
A: Yes we do! Any prospect that scores within the qualifying scores makes the team.
Q: What is your tryout process?
A: All prospects must attend both clinics offered. Tryouts are conducted with small groups at a time in front of a panel of judges. Results will be announced on the same day. Parent permission is required.
Q: Is cheer experience required?
A: Cheer experienced is not required.
Q: What events are the cheerleaders present?
A: All home games for football, boys and girls basketball at the Varsity and JV level, other school sponsored events such as pep rallies, open house and registration night.
Q: Do you compete?
A: At this time, competition is still being considered.
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: During the fall season, practice is 2 times a week plus games on Saturday afternoon. During the winter season, practice is 2-3 times a week plus games based on the Girls/Boys Basketball schedules. Additional practices for competitions and special appearances are scheduled as needed.
Q: Can all-star cheerleaders with an intensive schedule participate?
A: As we encourage other activities, we are willing to work with conflicting schedules to an extent.
Q: Can you participate in another O’Connell sport?
A: Cheerleading is a 2-season (fall and winter) sport. Any sports under the fall and/or winter would be a conflict.
Q: What are the financial expectations?
A: Uniforms are provided for all cheerleaders. Each member is required to pay for their camp tuition, personal practice gear and shoes. Cost breakdowns are available upon request.
