By: Frank Maira, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information Director

MONT ALTO, Pa. - The Penn State Mont Alto cheerleading squad will hold tryouts for the 2018-19 season in early September. Potential team members will have an opportunity to meet the coach and returning team members in two, pre-tryout meetings.

"I'm really excited to get this season started," second year head coach Jennifer Deinlein remarked. "We have a good core returning to the team and I know there are some very talented athletes coming to campus."

Previous cheerleading experience is not required to try out for the team; former dancers, gymnasts and weightlifters, or anyone with school spirit and an interest in athletic participation, are all welcome to tryout.

"I'm looking for student-athletes with dedication and enthusiasm," said Deinlein. "Several of last year's team members had never cheered before, but they worked very hard and fell in love with the sport."

Mont Alto Athletics' Meet the Coaches Night will be Monday, August 20 from 7-8 p.m. in the MPR. All of the university's head coaches, including Coach Deinlein, will be in attendance. This is an informal session for potential student-athletes to meet coaches and ask any questions they may have about their teams.

The cheerleading interest meeting will be Monday, August 27 at 9 p.m. in the MPR. This is an opportunity for potential cheerleaders to learn more about the tryout schedule and structure and expectations for the coming season, as well as to ask questions and meet returning team members.

Tryouts will start with two open sessions Tuesday, September 4 and Thursday, September 6 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. in the MPR. Coach Deinlein will review cheerleading skills such as jumps and stunting and will also teach the required material (sidelines, cheer and dance) for final tryouts. These sessions are not required, and students may join in after their classes end, but they are highly encouraged.

Final tryouts will be held Friday, September 7 and Sunday, September 9 from 5-7 p.m. in the MPR. These are both required sessions. Candidates are asked to wear navy blue or black shorts with a white or light gray shirt and have their hair styled neatly in a style conducive to stunting.

Important note: Anyone trying out MUST have all necessary paperwork, including a physical evaluation, turned in before tryout sessions begin. The paperwork is available at psumontaltoathletics.com under "Forms."

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Coach Deinlein at jld576@psu.edu or 717-414-2162.