Auditioning for the Calgary Stampeders: Rookie Outrider Shares Her Experience

Petra: My audition experience
March 31, 2010
Stampeders

Preliminaries – I arrived at 9:30 a.m.. I filled out the audition form and received my number. My name for that day was #26. I started stretching with my four other girlfriends that had also come to try out for the 2010 Outrider team. A few minutes after 10 a.m. we began learning an intricate combination that would later be performed in groups. This combination was quite difficult, especially in the time frame we were given. After performing in small groups, the team of judges made their first set of cuts. I was waiting and listening for number 26. Sure enough, Kelli called my number. I was relieved.

We also practiced a cheer that Megan H., the assistant coach, had taught us. It was also to be performed in mini groups. Right after the first elimination, we got right back up and continued to run through the combo and the cheer in groups. We were to receive a call before 10 p.m. that night if we had a chance at making the 2010 team. The call came at around 7:30 p.m. and I was out-of-my-chair excited. I was then invited to the interview the following Saturday.

The interview – 11:15 a.m. was my interview slot. My palms were sweaty, of course. 10 minutes ended up feeling like 30 seconds. We were to perform at the final auditions at Flames Central the next day.

Final Audition – I arrived at Flames Central by noon. I found my number which had a sticky note on it that said “group B.” I was to perform during the first intermission of the hockey game. There was a lot of waiting and lots of nerves. It was eventually our time to perform in front of the crowd. Four hours went by like eight hours. I was just ready and eager to find out if I had made the team or not.

At about 3:30 p.m., I was called into the room where Kelli and Megan were waiting. Kelli asked me if I had enjoyed my time, I said absolutely. She asked if I would like doing this for the rest of the season. Of course, I said absolutely. She then told me that I had made the team and proceeded to give me an Outrider t-shirt. I came out and everyone congratulated me. Only two of my four friends also made it. Bitter sweet. The final team was then announced to the crowd and we had our first photo opp. I was finally a Stampeder Outrider!

Petra