Tryouts

I know exactly what April means: cheerleading tryouts. This year's tryouts are next weekend. On our team, we have to try out every year (regardless of the fact that I'll be a senior next year and I've cheered for the past three years). I don't get too nervous anymore, but try outs are still nerve racking. I still, of course, have to work hard and impress the judges. My spot is not 100% secured and I know that I am not entitled to a position on the team. I still get nervous doing the actual try out. The hardest part about it all is wondering which of your friends may not make it this year, or which of the new people will walk away crying because they don't see their numbers on the call-back list. 

Tryouts are two days long and there are three cuts. The first cut is the most general cut-- like the people who absolutely do not need to be there and don't have the most basic skill requirements. That cut is made after the lunch break on the first day. The second cut is for those who could have what it takes, but we do not see fit for them to be on the team right now, or they may still need to improve on their skills. That cut is made at the conclusion of the first day. If you make it past the second cut, then you are invited back for the second day of tryouts, which involves stunting, an interview, and the formal tryout-- the most nerve racking part.  

Clearly it's an intensive process that makes for a long, tiring, stressful weekend. I hope everything goes smoothly and that we will get a well-rounded, talented, and dedicated team for next year!