DENVER - The University of Denver cheerleading team will host clinics on September 19 and 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. MT at Gates Fieldhouse Court No. 2 in the Coors Fitness Center.

DU students trying out for the cheer squad are required to attend one of the two clinics, after which a select number will be invited to interviews on Sept. 22.

For a complete list of requirements, please visit the Denver Pioneers Cheerleading web page.

Members of the cheer team are ambassadors of DU and its athletic department. As such, selection of team members is not only dependant on athleticism, skill, and talent, but also on academic integrity and personal character.

The season runs mid-September through March, with approximately 4 activities per week. Team conditioning, gymnastics, and practice typically take place on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings and Saturday mornings. As the basketball season begins, practice sessions are reduced to accommodate game participation. Team members are required to commit to a heavy, but fulfilling, schedule.

DU cheerleading head coach Wendy Kraus is in her first season after being promoted from assistant coach, taking over for Julie Warren who held the position from 1998-2011.