Welcome to The Surge, the official cheerleaders for the Gulf Coast Herricanes.
We offer two cheerleading programs
- The Surge, ages 18 and up
- The Junior Surge, ages 5-17.
General Information
- Cheerleaders participate in home games, charity and community events throughout the year.
- Cheerleaders must be at home games three and a half hours prior to kick-off.
- You must be at least 18 at the time of the preliminary auditions.
- If you are selected, your contractual commitment is a term of one year.
- Cheerleaders must attend all scheduled rehearsals.
Uniform
- Basic uniform consists of black dance pants, maroon crop top, pom-poms, warm-ups, rainwear, jacket and show troupe costumes.
- Cheerleaders are responsible for maintaining the uniform.
- Uniform must be kept clean at all times. Any article lost or damaged must be reordered at the cheerleader's expense.
- For safety reasons, with exception to small stud earrings, and approved wedding rings, no jewelry is to be worn with the uniform.
- No piece of the performance uniform may be worn at any time other the official Herricanes functions.
Personal Standards
- There are no height, weight or age limits, but cheerleaders are expected to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Extreme weight gains or losses are first addressed by a warning, then cheerleader is put on a non-performing status and finally terminated from the squad.
- No smoking or drinking while in uniform is allowed during cheerleader functions.
Rehearsals
- There will be approximately 10-15 rehearsals prior to the start of the season. Attendance is mandatory.
- Once the season begins there will be a set schedule of rehearsals.
- All rehearsals are scheduled in the evenings; extra rehearsals will be scheduled for Show Troupe and special events.
- Any cheerleaders missing a rehearsal prior to a home game will not be allowed to perform at that game.
- Any cheerleader missing two performances is subject to dismissal from the squad.
- Rehearsal dress code will be strictly enforced.
- Candidates who do not feel they cannot attend all rehearsals should not contemplate becoming a Surge Cheerleader.
The Surge Audition Process
Step 1: Applicants must first complete the audition registration packet. This packet can be obtained via the web site.
Step 2: The Audition Workshop will be held mid-January. The purpose of the workshop is to better prepare the participants for the audition process. Attendance at this clinic is not required to audition and does not guarantee a position on the squad.
You must be 18 by the date of the workshop to attend. Please wear comfortable dance/cheerleading clothes with sneakers/dance shoes because you will also be learning a routine similar to that of the tryout routine. The cost of the workshop is $25; however, if you attend the workshop, the $20 audition fee will be waived.
Step 3: Preliminary dance auditions will take place mid-January in Mobile. This is a closed audition. Applicants must complete the registration process, which includes registration paperwork, photograph, introduction, and personal information. A brief dance routine, cheer, chant and jumps will be taught and performed in small groups before the judges. Performers must wear a black sport bra and black shorts or dance pants. There will be a $20 registration fee for all applicants. This fee will be waived if applicant attended the pre-audition workshop.
Step 4: Professional Interviews will be conducted with each participant following the preliminary auditions. Each participant will be interviewed by the Herricanes Cheerleading Coordinator and a panel of distinguished judges. Business attire will be required for the interview phase of the audition process. Participants who are selected to advance to the final round of the competition will be notified the morning after all interviews are conducted.
Step 5: Final Auditions will be held following the professional interviews. Final auditions will be a three-step process.
First, participants will introduce themselves to the judges and perform their solo routine (no longer than one minute).
Second, participants will have an on-the-spot question and answer session with the judges.
Finally, participants will form small groups to perform the dance routine, cheer, chant and jumps. At the conclusion of the final audition, the new Surge Cheerleaders will be announced.
More information will be posted in January for the time of the audition
The Surge Junior Cheerleading Program
The Surge Cheerleading Program proudly introduces the official Junior Surge cheerleading program. Give your child the experience of a lifetime by performing before fans of the Gulf Coast Herricanes and other community events along the Gulf Coast. The Junior Surge is a full season program that consists of girls from all over the greater Mobile area ages 5-17, led by The Surge. Becoming a member of this year's Junior Cheer Program can strengthen individual talents and abilities as an eventful experience in a non-competitive atmosphere. These young ladies will not only learn the basic performance fundamentals of cheerleading and dance, but also experience the community and public relations aspect of what it takes to be a college or professional cheerleader or dancer.
Our Junior Cheer program offers:
- A minimum of 8 clinics/rehearsals taught by The Surge Cheerleaders
- On the field appearances during pre-game and half-time ceremonies
- Photo opportunities with the GC Herricanes Football Players and community
- Official Cheer Squad photo with The Surge Cheerleaders
- 4 Pre-game/Half-time Performances with The Surge Cheerleaders
- Charity / Community appearance opportunities with The Surge Cheerleaders
- Official Participation Certificate
- End of the Year Farewell Pizza Party
- A chance for friends and family to purchase tickets at a reduced price and much, much more!
To be become a Junior Cheerleader, complete the four mandatory registration forms: Enrollment Form, Release of Liability / Medical and Media Release Forms, Rules and Regulations Form, and Release and Consent Form
Membership Fee is $55. The Junior Cheer Packet includes: Dance/Cheer Instruction with The Surge Cheerleaders, Official Junior Surge uniform with pom-poms and Participation certificate.
For further information, contact the Cheerleading Coordinator: Ivy R. Coleman at 904.472.0471 or e-mail cheerivy@yahoo.com
