Students who think they have what it takes to be the next mascot for the U of M can show their stuff on Sunday.
The University of Memphis will be holding Pouncer tryouts Sunday, Sept. 21 at 12 p.m. at Memphis Elite All Stars building located at 1375 Big Orange Road in Cordova.
For more than 30 years, Pouncer has been the face of the University of Memphis, usually seen on the sidelines of the sports games and other campus-related events performing skits and stunts to cheer the Tigers on.
It’s a long road to become Pouncer. Candidates are chosen based on their ability to perform various skits, according to gotigersgo.com, including improvised and choreographed material. The mascot must be able to attend all home football, basketball and a selection of volleyball and baseball games. Pouncer also travels to tournament games and a few away football games.
Tryouts consist of three events, with the final percentage score being ultimately dependent on how well the applicant does. Applicants take on three group training sessions worth a total of 35 percent, an interview worth 15 percent and a self- prepared skit worth 50 percent.
Each applicant’s skit will be scored based on a number of factors, including crowd appeal, creativity, animation, enthusiasm, prop usage and comprehension.
The reasons why a student chooses to become a mascot are wide and varied. For sophomore Jacob Elliot, free admittance to basketball games was the draw.
“Hell yeah, I’d love to be the mascot,” Elliot said. “I get to get in the basketball games for free and dance on the court.”
Tryouts are open to everyone. Those interested can contact Carol Lloyd for more information at Carrollloyd71@bellsouth.net or 901-292-6215.
