Interview with Dawn Burkentine, RRHS Cheerleading Coach, about Tryouts

I did an interview with Family and Consumer Science teacher Dawn Burkentine, who is also the cheerleading coach at our school. The following questions pertain to cheer tryouts.

Question 1: How did you become interested in being the cheer coach?

Mrs. Burkentine:  When I was interviewed for the Family & Consumer Science position for RRHS, I was asked if I would be interested in the position.

Question 2: What factors affect the scoring of possible upcoming cheerleaders?

Mrs. Burkentine: Some factors include: motions, spirit, smile, eye contact, and confidence in material that is presented to the judges.

Question 3: How do you pick captains for your squad?

Mrs. Burkentine:  Captain selection is based on teacher evaluations, a personal interest sheet, tryout score, squad votes and coach/principal input.

Question 4: How do you determine how many girls you want on one team?

Mrs. Burkentine: 12 is a common number so you can have at least 3 stunt groups.

Question 5:  How do you pick the dates for cheer camp with it being in the summer and working with everyone's vacation times?

Mrs. Burkentine:  We have tried to always make it the final week in July for consistency and since VHSL practices can begin on Aug. 1st.

Question 6:  How do you choose what you want to do at each pep rally?

Mrs. Burkentine:  The varsity captains create the agenda for the pep rally. Then it must be approved by the coaches and principal.

Question 7:  How do you keep every cheerleader in line and out of trouble?

Mrs. Burkentine:  A cheerleading constitution is given out at the beginning of the season outlining appropriate behaviour for an RRHS cheerleader. An agreement is signed by the cheerleader and parent stating they understand and agree to follow the guidelines.