Hundreds Expected For Ravens Cheerleading Tryouts

Ron Matz
WJZ.com
3/5/2010

You watch them perform at every Ravens home game. Now it’s your chance to become a Ravens cheerleader.

Ron Matz reports auditions will be held this weekend.

Ravens cheerleaders will tell you there’s nothing like hitting the field before 70,000 screaming fans at M&T Bank Stadium.

“I can’t even explain the feeling of running out of that tunnel on game day. It’s amazing. I live for that moment. We have the best seat in the house,” said Sammi Jo, cheerleader for two years.

That’s why 200 to 300 men and women will show up Saturday at the Merritt Downtown Athletic Club for cheerleader auditions.

“Saturday is the first day for tryouts at the Merritt Downtown Athletic Club. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. We have about 200 people who come in and tryout — males and females — because we are the only co-ed stunt squad in the NFL. So, we encourage males, as well, to come out and try out for our team,” said Meaghan, Baltimore Ravens cheerleader for four years.

Practices are no walk in the park.

“Guys do have to try out. Every year for the guys it’s like a stepping stone. You have to progress every year, keep your skills up and stay in shape. It’s more competitive every year,” said Henry, cheerleader for six years. “Practice includes about 30 minutes of cardio conditioning, run about three or four miles, do some calisthenics, then we practice for about two and a half more hours after that. You have to be in shape.”

All 60 spots are up for grabs, and even the veterans have to try out.

“The first day on Saturday we’ll make cuts, second day is Sunday and the finals. That’s when all the veterans come back and try out with the potential new rookies coming in. Then it’s a three week process after that, interviews, physicals and a practice round. We finally announce the team the beginning of April,” said Meaghan. “We have to come back every year and it’s not a guaranteed spot on the team. I think it’s harder because the rookies coming in are really fighting hard. We have to bring it every year.”

“We get one day on Saturday when we don’t have to try out with the rookies, but then we’re right in the mix on Sunday, ” said Sammi Jo.

Registration for the tryouts begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Merritt Downtown Athletic Club. For more information, just click here.