WEST PLAINS, Mo. –  Area high school seniors and Missouri State University-West Plains students interested in trying out for the 2017-2018 Grizzly Cheer Team are invited to attend the clinics from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 21, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22, 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 Nick Pruitt said. Attendance at both clinics is preferred, he 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, Pruitt said.

Tryouts will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 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,” Pruitt 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 tryouts are welcome to attend, as well.”

Cheer team members will receive a $1,000 scholarship each year for being part of the team, Cheer Team Coordinator Rachel Peterson said. The cheer team attends home games 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 or the group’s Facebook fan page.