University of Minnesota Athletics

Goldy Tryout Information

2019-2020 Goldy Gopher Tryout Information

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and completely transform your college experience? Students that are selected to the Mascot Team are recognized as Student-Athletes and have the honor of representing the University of Minnesota at hundreds of events both locally and nationally each year. Continuing the incredible tradition of Goldy Gopher requires a large amount of dedication, commitment, and sacrifice that comes second only to your academics. While much is asked of Goldy, embodying the face of the University of Minnesota is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that only a select few have had the honor of experiencing. For more information, email go4it@umn.edu.



Commitment
This team consists of outgoing and friendly people who assist in every Gopher sporting event, including all football games, with an opportunity to travel to away football games and postseason tournaments. They also help with on and off campus appearances and events and participate in all Spirit Squad Fundraisers. This team is also committed to training for local and national competitions, or as an alternate member with the same responsibilities. This team has a year-round time commitment and team members must commit to at least 15 hours per week for team-related commitments. The upcoming spring and summer commitment is as follows:

Practice/Appearance Schedule
Spring and Summer (Exact dates and times TBA)

Mandatory Practices:  TBA

School Year Practice Schedule
**you must schedule classes around practices and games

Fall Semester: Tues and Thurs, 5:00pm-8:30pm
Spring Semester: Tues and Thurs, 5:00pm-8:30pm
Special Events/Appearances
  • Each Spirit Squad member is required to attend additional Athletic Department appearances.
  • Our activities do not stop during the Holiday seasons, Spring Break or Summer Break.

When we are preparing for UCA Nationals, there will be additional mandatory practices that will overlap with Holiday break.

Scholarships

  • All Spirit Squad members are given an allotment of money for school books each semester.
  • A limited number of scholarships may be available to veteran team members.

Informational Meetings (Must attend one.)
Informational Meeting #1: Wednesday, March 6, 5-6pm - Maturi Pavilion Club Room
Informational Meeting #2: Thursday, March 7, 6-7pm - Maturi Pavilion Club Room

Open Practices (optional)
We will be hosting a number of open practices to give mascot candidates the opportunity to experience what a typical Mascot Team practice is like prior to trying out. Candidates will participate in a number of mental and physical activities that are typical in a given practice.
Open Practice #1: Tuesday, March 12, 7-8pm - Maturi Pavilion Club Room
Open Practice #2: Tuesday, March 26, 6-7pm - Maturi Pavilion Club Room

Tryouts
Tryouts: Dates Sunday, April 7, 9am-8pm - Maturi Pavilion

*You must turn in the following items at the beginning of tryouts to be able to participate. All forms can be found within the Spirit Squad Tryout Packet which can be obtained by attending a MANDATORY informational session.

1. Tryout Application/ Picture
2. Try-out Fee
3. Waiver Form
4. Demographic/Insurance Form:
5. Pre-Participation Physical/Heath History Form
6. Sickle Cell Trait Testing Waiver
7. Proof of Admission

a. Copy of acceptance letter for incoming freshmen/transfer students
b. Unofficial copy of transcript for current University of Minnesota students

ELIGIBILITY:
Spring tryouts are open to individuals who have been accepted by the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities for Fall Semester 2018. All participants, including transfer students and current team members, must have a minimum 13 credits, 2.0 GPA and have graduated from high school. Incoming students must bring a copy of their letter of acceptance on the first day of tryouts. Current U of M students must bring an unofficial transcript.

TRYOUT PROCESS:
Throughout the week of tryouts you will be observed by the U of M Coaching Staff as well as a committee of assistants. There is potential for a mid-tryout cut depending on the number of candidates. On the final day of tryouts, you will be asked to individually perform a minute and half skit (which you have prepared ahead of time) and have an interview with Coaches and assistants. The final decisions are made by the Mascot Coach and Head Spirit Squad Coach.



PHYSICAL TESTS:
You will be asked to execute some physical tasks listed below for tryouts. If you aren't in amazing shape, do not be discouraged. We are not necessarily looking for perfection at this time, but we do want you to show us you can handle the rigors of a mascot's energy level and schedule. In addition to the physical tests listed, you will be observed throughout the clinics on your attitude, quick-wittedness, ability to learn and make changes, enthusiasm, and overall performance.

TRYOUT ITEMS COVERED:
Physical Tests

  • Running
  • Push Ups
  • Sit Ups

Improvisation
Mascoting
Individual Skits
Interview w/ Coaches & Assistants