WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Area high school seniors and Missouri State University-West Plains students interested in trying out for the 2013-2014 Grizzly Cheer Team are invited to attend the clinics from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 12 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Missouri State-West Plains Student Recreation Center, 323 W. Trish Knight St.

Cheer team hopefuls must attend at least one of these two clinics to try out for the squad, Cheer Team Coach Keena Simpson said.  Attendance at both clinics is preferred, she added.  In addition to preparing for tryouts, these sessions will give student athletes the opportunity to learn more about the demands of college cheerleading and begin learning the basics necessary to be successful collegiate cheerleaders, Simpson said.

Tryouts will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the recreation center.  Seven men, seven women and one mascot will be chosen at this time.  “We would like any and all area high school seniors, men and women, interested in becoming a Grizzly cheerleader to attend the clinics and tryout,” Simpson said.  “We also invite any current Missouri State-West Plains students who are interested in cheerleading.  Former Grizzly cheerleaders who would like to help with the clinics and tryout are welcome to attend, as well.”

Cheer team members receive a $500 scholarship each year for being part of the team, Cheer Team Coordinator Rachel Peterson said.  The cheer team attends home games and matches for both the Grizzly volleyball and Grizzly basketball teams, as well as some away games and community and university events.  No experience is necessary to try out.

For more information, including tryout requirements, contact Peterson at 417-255-7978 or visit the Grizzly Cheer Team website at http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/cheerteam/default.htm.