A Word From The Coach
Welcome to The Indiana State University Sycamore Spirit Squad!
I am Tammy Shike, the Head Coach of this team and I LOVE my job! I am so EXCITED about the changes we have made, taking this team into the modern era with a new and improved Spirit Squad. We have a team of high energy, performers who are the faces of Indiana State University. We have ambassadors to market to our community, your peers and the next generation of Sycamores. As such, we want a diverse group of outstanding students who represent the fabulously diverse student population. Being on this team represents an outstanding opportunity to network, serve the community and show love for this university! YOU could be a part of the change we want to see in the world. JOIN US!
The Sycamore Spirit Squad members are ambassadors for the University as well as the community. This is a wonderful way to become an integral part of Indiana State University. The responsibility of representing the University is a source of great pride for all involved. Friendships formed will last a lifetime.
Working with this group is an honor. I hope to be working with you soon.
Sincerely,
Tammy Shike
tamara.shike@indstate.edu
Indiana State Sycamore Spirit Squad Application Process
To try-out for the Sycamore Spirit Squad all applicants must submit a completed application package containing all of the following items to be considered for the tryout process. This must be received by Coach Shike by 4:00 pm EST on March 15, 2024.
You will email the completed application packet to Tamara.Shike@indstate.edu. The packet would contain:
- A completed Spirit Squad Application
Spirit Squad Application PDF - A current photograph, taken within the last 6 months and has not been altered by software such as Photoshop or other similar programs. Please submit a head shot and full body photo.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation:
- One of the letters must be from your most recent high school coach (not your all-star coach). If you are not a current high school senior, you may submit a recommendation from a teacher or professor with whom you have worked closely.
- The second letter may be from an adult who has worked with you in a supervisory capacity: This person will need to explain in the letter how they have supervised the applicant
- A current video demonstrating the applicant’s proficiency in basic skills: YOU NEED TO ONLY SUBMIT ONE VIDEO PACKAGE. CHOOSE EITHER TO CONCENTRATE ON CHEER OR DANCE. YOU DO NOT NEED TO SUBMIT FROM BOTH CATAGORIES. HOWEVER, YOU MAY SUBMIT FROM BOTH CATAGORIES IF YOU HAVE SKILLS IN BOTH. However, you may submit from both categories if you have skills in both. Submitting from both categories requires applicants to demonstrate a minimum of three required skills listed in the following cheer and dance sections.”
- DANCE BACKGROUND; Submit a 45-60 second video of you PERFORMING a high energy, upbeat combination. You may include tricks, turns and skills you have at a high level of accomplishment. Second video-REQUIRED DANCE SKILLS; A CLEAN TRIPLE PIROUETTE (ON FULL RELEVE-CLEAN SPOTS-NO HOPS), THREE FOUETTES IN SECOND WITH A CLEAN DOUBLE PIROUETTE OUT (SEE ABOVE FOR PIROUETTE REQUIREMENTS), A CALYPSO AND/OR TURNING DISC FROM A RELEVE AND PLIE CHAINE TURN, ROLL OUT. Please submit another video to showcase your advanced skills in dance, along with any tumbling skills.
- CHEER BACKGROUND; Submit a 45-60 second video of you PERFORMING a high energy, upbeat Cheer Dance. You may include tumbling skills you have at a high level of accomplishment. Second video-REQUIRED CHEER SKILLS; A STANDING BACK TUCK, A ROUNDOFF BACK HANDSPRING BACK TUCK, A TUMBING SERIES, (STANDING OR RUNNING) INCORPORTING AT LEASE 3 SKILLS (FOR EXAMPLE-TWO BACK HANDSPRINGS TO A TUCK OR FRONT WALKOVER ROUNDOFF BACK HANDSPRING TO A TUCK) Please submit another video of your advanced tumbling skills, along with any dance skills.
- ALL APPLICANTS; Submit a video of Jumps – DEMONSTRATE A MINIMUM OF THREE DIFFERENT JUMPS: Toe Touch with proper execution; Right and Left side Hurdler, Ring Jump, C Jump.
Questions? Reach out to Coach Shike.
HARD DEADLINE FOR ALL OF THE APPLICATION PACKET: March 15, 2024 at 4:00 pm EST.
Submit your application packet by email to:
IF YOU ARE ASKED TO CONTINUE THE TRYOUT PROCESS, YOU WILL NEED TO BRING HARD COPIES OF YOUR APPLICATION AND PHOTO TO IN PERSON TRYOUTS.
Indiana State University
Department of Athletics
Attention: Tammy Shike, Spirit Squad Coach
401 North 4th Street, Arena 74B
Terre Haute, IN 47809
WE ARE IN THE UNIQUE POSITION OF HAVING A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF OPENINGS TO FILL FOR THIS TEAM. WE ARE SURE THE COMPETITION FOR SPOTS WILL BE TERRIFIC!
You will be notified by April 2, 2024 if you have been chosen to continue the tryout process with an ON CAMPUS tryout. Time and date TBA. YOU MUST ATTEND THE ON CAMPUS TRYOUT IN PERSON IN ORDER TO CONTINUE THE TRYOUT PROCESS. FAILURE TO ATTEND WILL NECESITATE WITHDRAWL OF THE APPLICATION. DO NOT ASK FOR A DIFFERENT IN PERSON TRYOUT DATE. On-campus tryouts will be held for those selected from the submitted applicants. All applicants will be notified if they are selected to attend the in-person, on-campus tryouts. Only those submitting complete and timely applications will be considered for on-campus tryouts.
If you are selected to continue the tryout process, you will be sent a video of a dance to learn. You will need to demonstrate that dance combination as well as all submitted skills at the in-person tryout. You will also learn an impromptu combination to demonstrate at the in person tryout. A cut will be made after those are evaluated. There will be an individual interview after the skills tryout for the students continuing in the process.
Sycamore Sam
Sycamore Sam is the official mascot of Indiana State University! Students will find Sam at numerous athletic events including all men's and women's home basketball games, all home football games, women's home volleyball matches, and much more.
In addition, Sycamore Sam also attends various other ISU functions including Sycamore Advantage, Freshman orientation, and the Special Olympics. Stay tuned for other appearance information!
Want to be Sycamore Sam?
Indiana State University is now taking applications for the 2024-25 school year to be the one and only Sycamore Sam! To apply, please fill out the application below and send it to:
Tammy Shike
Spirit Coordinator and Community Relations
Athletic Department Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN 47809
Spirit Squad Songs
Attention Squad Members!
The four following pieces of music can now be downloaded for you convenience to help review and practice for your upcoming year!
Fight Song
Wabash
Back Home Again
Blue & White
For more information or questions, please contact the
Coach, Tammy Shike at Tamara.Shike@indstate.edu
If you are interested in having the ISU Sycamore Spirit Squad appear at an event, please contact Tammy Shike at Tamara.Shike@indstate.edu. We look forward to meeting with you!
Please visit GoSycamores.com to view the roster!
