Fran Spears, head cheerleading coach here at UTM, announced that UTM cheerleading tryouts will be held April 26 and 27.

Registration is set for 8:30 a.m., Saturday, April 26. Tryouts will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tryouts continue Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Spears also said an "open gym" will be available for anyone wishing to practice from 7- 8:30 p.m., Friday, April 25. "Cheerleaders from all across Tennessee have been inquiring and asking questions about our tryouts," Spears said. "We are striving to build a competition squad that will compete on the national level." All necessary information and on-line registration can be obtained at the web site or you may contact Spears at (731) 587-6030 or by e-mail at . Spears is beginning her third year as head coach of the UT Martin cheer squad and expresses her appreciation to last year's squad members and fans.

Spears also coaches the two-time national championship Martin Middle School cheerleaders. In addition to winning two national championships, the Martin Middle School cheerleaders have finished as national runners-up twice.

Spears said anyone interested in trying out for the squad has until June 1 to gain admittance to the university.