By Craig Harveybr /a href=”http://www.observertoday.com/page/content.detail/id/516635.html?nav=5010″ target=”_blank”ObserverToday.com/abr /blockquotea href=”http://www.buffalojills.net/bios/jenica.html” target=”_blank”Jenica/a has had men fall madly in love with her in a matter of two seconds.br /br /a href=”http://www.buffalojills.net/bios/lonna.html” target=”_blank”Lonna/a has been seen on national television.br /br /a href=”http://www.buffalojills.net/bios/ashley.html” target=”_blank”Ashley/a has posed for swimsuit calendars.br /br /All three of these girls - whose last names will not be revealed for safety’s sake - have two things in common.br /br /One, they are all members of the 2008 Buffalo Jills.br /br /Two, they were born and raised in Northern Chautauqua County.br /br /Jenica, a 2004 graduate of Dunkirk High School, has been a Buffalo Jill for three years. During that time, she has taken part in events and seen places some will never be able to do.br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/jennicajills.jpg” alt=”Jills”br /Jenica/centerbr /br /The St. Bonaventure graduate took part in a trip to Afghanistan to see the U.S. troops.br /br /”It was an experience of a lifetime,” Jenica said. “It’s hard to sum up. When you go to some place like that, you appreciate what you have and what they are doing for you. When you’re there and experiencing what they’re experiencing, it just makes you appreciate what they’re doing for you. I met some Buffalo Bills fans. Everyone has a story. For them, it brings a part of home to them.”br /br /Jenica said she went to Iraq and Afghanistan. Each time she lived out of a suitcase because they traveled to so many different bases.br /br /In high school, Jenica was a cheerleader for four years and a captain for three of those years.br /br /The tryouts can be described as a long process.br /br /It starts with a workshop where nearly a hundred hopefuls learn a dance routine. Two weeks later, each girl comes back and performs the routine with a partner in front of approximately six judges. Following that, the candidates have another workshop and dance routine. After that, the ladies learn the rules and regulations of being a Buffalo Jill.br /br /It does not end there.br /br /The prospects dance with three girls in front of judges once again. Cuts are then posted. The remaining candidates then interview with the higher ups followed by five days of tryouts before the final Jills are selected.br /br /Lonna, a 2007 graduate of Silver Creek, is one of the youngest Buffalo Jills.br /br /It was a dream come true for Lonna who was a Junior Jill when she was younger.br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/lonnajills.jpg” alt=”Jills”br /Lonna/centerbr /br /Though she has only done it a year, she has memories that will last a lifetime and she hopes she will have more years as a Jill ahead of her.br /br /”It’s sad. I am not sure if I will be able to come back,” she said. “(Sunday) might have been my last game. I am really hoping I can do it again. We have so much fun.”br /br /The Hilbert College student enjoyed the game in Toronto.br /br /”It was different,” she said. “We had to learn how to come out of different formations. It was warm - that was nice.”br /br /Ashley, a 2006 Forestville graduate, also joined the squad this year and will never forget the friendships she has made.br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ashleyjills.jpg” alt=”Jills”br /Ashley/centerbr /br /”The best part was probably the swimsuit calendar and meeting 40-plus wonderful people,” she said. “They are all really sweet and caring. Anyone will go out of their way to help. It was surprising how helpful people were and the amount of dedication it takes. It’s a lot of fun but a lot more work than I thought. All the work is worth it for the amount of fun you have.”br /br /Ashley played softball and basketball for her high school and only cheered for the Hornets for one year.br /br /”I danced my whole life,” the University at Buffalo student said. “I have always been doing that. It’s what I was good at. I was just doing it for fun.”br /br /Though Ashley had considered being a Buffalo Jill, the reality of it didn’t come about until her friend mentioned it.br /br /”I wanted to but wasn’t sure if I was good enough,” Ashley continued. “My one friend who is on the team mentioned it to me so we did it together. We decided to go to the first tryout and from there on we made it. We both made it so it was fun. We just heard the ad on the radio and went from there.”br /br /Being a Buffalo Jill is demanding. The Jills practice every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. On gameday, the cheerleaders are required to be at Ralph Wilson Stadium at 10 a.m. for their 10:30 walkthrough. They also take part in appearances in the parking lot. Each Jill is required to take part in 25 guest appearances along with mandatory appearances with a chance for a Super Bowl appearance as well.br /br /”We need those 3 1/2 hours,” Ashley said of the practice times. “They are very productive. I can’t imagine not having that amount of time.”br /br /Maybe the most intimidating part for a new Jill will be cheering in front of 70,000-plus fans comprised of several intoxicated and outspoken men.br /br /”It’s funny,” Jenica said. “You get used to it. It has nothing to do with being a Jill. I think that as a woman, if you’re around drunk guys, that’s how they act. You know how to handle it. To be honest, they don’t say anything that’s inappropriate. Some have fallen madly in love with me in two seconds.”br /br /”There are always a few rowdy fans,” Lonna continued. “It’s more overwhelming good stuff than bad stuff. I had heard good and bad things happen, but it’s more good.”br /br /Ashley added, “Everyone is kind of yelling in general. It makes it more exciting. Everyone is a lot more excited and riled up for the game. It wasn’t intimidating. The noise level is completely different than when you’re down on the field. It’s a lot more louder on the field than in the stands.”br /br /One thing all three agree on is they all hope to be back with the team next year./blockquotebr /a href=”http://www.buffalojills.net/” target=”_blank”[Buffalo Jills]/a

Impossible? No. Improbable? Yes. That’s what I would call the Chargers rise from the ashes to capture their third straight AFC West Division Title. Just three weeks ago, the Denver Broncos had a seemingly insurmountable three game lead over the sputtering Chargers, but a funny thing happened on the way to the division title. The Chargers won three straight and the Donkeys lost three straight. Make that four straight losses as the Chargers crushed the hapless Broncos, 52 – 21 before a national television audience. The Bronco’s December collapse has to rate as one of the biggest choke jobs in sports history along with Bill Buckner’s 1986 Boston Red Sox and Jean Van de Velde in the 1999 British Open. Well Bronco fans look on the bright side, at least your team is not the Detroit Lions…the NFL worst, 0 – 16 Detroit Lions.br /br / br /This week’s game against the Denver Broncos marked the last of several regular season prime time telecasts on NBC for the Chargers. Not only do these night games make it harder to get properly exposed shots of the Charger Girls, but a nationally televised game also mean many more sideline obstructions like the numerous NBC Sunday Night Football bib wearing cable pullers and parabolic microphone grips. Not that having an extra ten or so people on the sidelines is so bad, but why do their bibs have to have white reflective tape? Are they afraid that some errant car or truck might not see them on the sidelines of a football game? I do use a flash for these night games and having all these white reflective tape bibs along the sidelines makes it that much more difficult to get a decent shot of the Charger Girls.br /br / br /And another thing while I am on my soapbox, every year there is this one dufus photographer that comes out to a Charger game and stands right in front of my section, blocking my view of the Charger Girls. She just stands there, not even taking a shot. Now, I used to shoot for a newspaper…a weekly newspaper, but a newspaper nonetheless. And I learned the unwritten sports photographer’s code of conduct. One of the first rules is never block another photographer’s shot. This lady is just standing there looking into the crowd; I assume she’s trying to get a reaction shot. Every sports photographer knows that if you want a “jube” or jubilation shot, you want to get, let’s say Philip Rivers jumping for joy as the clock strikes zero or the Norv Turner getting the Gatorade shower or the tears of sadness flowing from Jay Cutler’s eyes as the realization of another loss sets in. Nope. This hack was just standing there trying to look officious, blocking everyone’s view of the Charger Girls. Lady, the game is in the other direction…I mean how many crowd reaction shots do you see in the sports section? br /br / br /Okay I am off my soapbox. But I do have to give thanks to Line Captain Katrina and Coordinator Megan C. for trying to get this lady to move out of the way. I mean, if you want a crowd shot, any section will do, right? Why stand in front of Charger Girls preventing the enjoyment of so many fans. That’s just plain rude.br /br / br /So, let’s get back to our regularly scheduled Charger Girl reporting. One stat not to be lost was that 52 points were the most points scored by the Chargers against the Broncos since 1968. 52 points…that’s seven touchdowns and one field goal. What does that mean for you and me? More photos of Charger Girls doing some celebratory dancing.br /br / br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Breann122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Kylette122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Katrina122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /br /Notice the big smiles? Winning cures all ills.br /span class=”fullpost”br /br /br /Though the Charger’s win puts them into the playoffs, this is my last game for this season. Like the Denver Broncos, I’m done. My Tournament of Roses duties prevent me from attending next Saturday’s playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts. So, this is the last set of 2008 Charger Girl photos. And as is customary, let’s start off this week’s cavalcade of Charger Girls with the Line Captains: Constance, Katrina, Rebecca and Summer.br /br / br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Constance122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Katrina122808v3.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Rebecca122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Summer122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br / br /br /This week’s Charger Girl of the Day hails from San Diego and graduated from San Diego State University, introducing…Vanesa.br /br / br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/CGOTD122808.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br / br /And while we are on the topic of honors, the Chargers 2009 Pro Bowl Cheerleader was announced this past Sunday. Marlina is a third year veteran Charger Girl and is a fan favorite for her exotic good looks and vivacious sidelines personality.br /br / br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Marlina122808v6.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Marlina122808v4.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br / br /And speaking of fan favorites, here are a few photos of Jenny, Michelle, Kortney, Gail and Jill Ann.br / br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Jenny122808v2.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Michelle122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Kortney122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Gail122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Jillann122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br / br /This week’s game was an electric affair, with all the hype and excitement of a playoff game for it was a playoff game of sorts. Win and move on; lose and you go home. And the Charger Girls were there exhorting on the rabid Charger fans. Here are a few shots of Jacquelyn, Giselle, Heather, Nicole M, Kiirsta and Katrina encouraging the fans to get up for the game.br / br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Jacquelyn122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Giselle122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Heather122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/NicoleM122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Kiirsta122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Katrina122808v4.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br / br /Like I said earlier, the Chargers scored early and often, which meant many more dance routines for the Charger Girls. Yes, we still got more bounce in California…and here are some photos of Brittany, Tonya, Ashley, Carissa, and Jennifer to prove that fact.br /br / br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Brittany122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Tonya122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /Iimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Ashley122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Carissa122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Jennifer122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br / br /How about some action shots of Kylette, Marisa, Breann, Lindsay, and Tamara?br /br / br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Kylette122808v2.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Marisa122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Breann122808v3.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Lindsay122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Tamara122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br / br /Football is a game of emotion. And the following photos capture some of the emotion of last Sunday’s game. Here’s a “jube” shot of Ashlie celebrating a LaDainian Tomlinson touchdown.br /br / br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Ashlie122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /br /And here is a wonderfully expressive photograph of Jenny, who is not at all impressed with the Bronco’s play.br /br / br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Jenny122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br / br /Here’s another shot of Nicole M. showing the passion and spirit that embodies the Charger Girls.br /br / br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/NicoleM122808v2.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /br /And speaking of passion, here’s a couple of shots of Summer, one of my absolutely favorite Charger Girls to photograph. Yes, it wouldn’t be a Charger Girl report without that profound statement.br /br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Summer122808v4.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Summer122808v3.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br / br /And here are a couple of photos of Nicole L. sizzling on the sidelines on a cold Sunday night.br /br / br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/NicoleL122808v1.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/NicoleL122808v2.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br / br /br /Wow! If our servicemen overseas have forgotten what we are fighting for, this is why. Just image NFL Cheerleaders dancing in Burkhas.br /br / br /You know when it is over. If it’s at the opera, it’s when the fat lady sings. If it’s at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, it’s when the seagulls circle the stadium. If you are the Denver Broncos last Sunday at Qualcomm, it was when Breann gave you the smiling throat slash gesture with her pom poms. Okay, I made that one up…please no complaint letters. I honestly don’t know what she was doing, but it was interesting. I took the photograph…it’s what I do.br /br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Breann122808v2.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /br /And let’s close out our coverage of “the hottest dance team in the NFL” with a couple photos of Jacquelyn and Kylette, two of the most photogenic Charger Girls and definitely two of my favorite Charger Girls to photograph.br /br / br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Jacquelyn122808v2.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Kylette122808v3.jpg” alt=”Charger Girls”br /br / br /One of the great pleasures (sarcasm) of these nationally televised Sunday night games is that I have a long wait to exit the parking lot at game’s end. It is usually during this time that I try to come up with some ideas for this week’s report and a witticism or two. I reflected upon the improbable comeback of the Chargers from the brink of elimination to become AFC West Champions, a truly amazing feat. br /br / br /Then I realized that this was my last game of the season and that this would be the last time I would see some of these Charger Girls, those who would retire to other challenges in life. And there is a certain sadness in knowing this because you come to know and love these girls in some small way. You share something special, if only for a brief, fleeting moment on a Sunday afternoon. But you do and it’s real. br / br /br /To the 2008 Charger Girls, thank you for making this season so special./span

img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/rachelbucs.jpg” alt=”Rachel Watson”br /Rachel is an Elementary Education Major at the University of Southern Florida.

centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsMegan.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Megan/span/centerbr /br /Well, the weather outside was…brutal! Single digit temps, high winds, way below zero wind chills. BRRRR! My lips are still chapped. But it was dry and sunny, I’ll give it that. Actually, it was a perfect day to see the Rams and the Rams Cheerleaders in the Edward Jones Dome. As long as the car started, driving was easy and toasty inside; no fans were tailgating, so I could park right next to the Dome; and the poor folks who do the pre-entry “pat downs” had to do it outside before you enter the stadium, so they we anxious to get the fans through (the poor fella said to me, “You can keep the cameras, but I’m taking your gloves”).br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsErin.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Erin/span/centerbr / br /It was, as always, a pleasure to see the Rams Cheerleaders. As I have noted before, I love the access that the Cheerleaders give the fans. As the gates open at 10:30 (game at noon), the Cheerleaders are on the field circling the periphery, selling calendars (for $10!) and autographing most anything requested. After the game, the cheerleaders do not march off, but usually stick around to talk to fans and pose for last photos. The last cheerleader left the field at 3:30, five hours after they were first on the field. Plus, there are Cheerleaders in the concourse to sell calendars all game long. br / br /Besides the accessibility, the Rams Cheerleaders are a great dance squad. I think their hip hop routines are always high energy and numerous. As expected, there were lots of performances to Christmas songs of past and present.br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsLucy2.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Lucy/spanbr /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsLucy.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Lucy/span/centerbr / br /There have been some changes since last season. I can’t find the reference, but I think they went to one less line this year. So the Rams Cheerleaders, instead of four lines of performers near the four corners at the goal lines, now have two big lines of ladies at opposite corners that rotate at the end of each quarter. Therefore, if you are sitting near the goal line, you will only see cheerleaders in front of you for two quarters. Now, I don’t want to get into the Rams business, but I really think complete coverage of the field by the cheerleaders could have changed some of the close home games to the Rams favor (biased opinion of someone who would like four quarters of photographs instead of two). Also, there were only three cheerleaders in the concourse signing calendars at any time this year rather than the entire line. This seems fair since these talented dancers joined the squad to perform, so if this means more can be on the field, that seems preferable.br / br /One interesting thing was that the beautiful mom of Lauren of the Ben-Gals came down to the front row, taking a couple photos of the Rams Cheerleaders because Lauren wanted to post it to another blog. Apparently, there is a member of Lauren’s family who is a Rams fan, but I will not divulge in case she would get Bengal demerit points. br /br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsshannon.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders” br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Shannon/span/centerbr /br /As I said, the Rams Cheerleaders are excellent, and it was great to see them again. There are so many notable cheerleaders; Erin is a such a talented line captain, as are line captains Valerie, who is going to the Pro Bowl this year, and Emily who went last season. Christa was simply amazing, Shannon has boat loads of personality, and Lucy is one of those cheerleaders that you don’t realize how photogenic she is until you have to sift through dozens of great Lucy photos when you get home. br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsMeghan.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Meghan/spanbr /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsPreGameAutographs.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Pregame/span/centerbr /br /And my Sideline Standout of the Game is Kate, whose outstanding dancing, warm smile, and tan to die for could warm up the coldest elf working on Santa’s assembly line. br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsKate2.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Kate/spanbr /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsKate3.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Kate/spanbr /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsKate4.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Kate/spanbr /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsKate5.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Kate/spanbr /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsKate.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Kate/span/centerbr /br /As the last home game ended, there were lots of sidelines hugs with the staff, indicating the end of this season. The cheerleaders lingered for their last moments on the field, including Michelle carrying a bouquet provided from folks in the stands, and Erin climbing up on a chair near the stands because some 49ers fans wanted a photo with her as the Dome lights were being turned off. br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsPostgame.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Postgame/spanbr /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/ramsPostgameErinMichelle.jpg” alt=”Rams Cheerleaders”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”Erin and Michelle/span/centerbr /br /a href=”http://cheerleaders.stlouisrams.com/cheerleaders/” target=”_blank”[St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders]/a

The San Antonio Roses, an independent professional cheerleading squad for San Antonio, will be introducing their new look for 2009 at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The Roses are producing the SpiritFest for the second year in a row. SpiritFest is the spirit portion of the 2009 U.S. Army All-American Bowl played annually in the Alamodome. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl features the nation’s top 90 high school football players in a classic East vs. West match-up and is considered the nation’s premier All-American game by high school football players, coaches and fans from across the country. It has all-star alumni that include Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Adrian Peterson and Tim Tebow.br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/new-roses-uniform.jpg” alt=”SA Roses”br /span style=”font-style:italic;”The new San Antonio Roses uniforms/span/centerbr /br /SpiritFest instructors include former NBA Spurs Dancers and NFL Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. They will instruct 325 varsity high school cheerleaders and 75 dance team members from across Texas who will perform on the sidelines along with the San Antonio Roses to entertain an estimated 40,000 spectators. The bowl will be televised on NBC on January 3, 2009 at 12:00 noon.br /br / br /a href=”www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com” target=”_blank”[USArmyAllAmericanBowl.com]/abr /br /a href=”http://www.saroses.com/” target=”_blank”[San Antonio Roses]/a

From reader Mike comes this photo and news that five-year veteran Amy is the Eagles Cheerleaders Pro Bowl Representative.br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/amyeagles1.jpg” alt=”Amy, Eagles”br /a href=”http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/cheerleaders/Cheerleader.asp?cheerleader_id=7″ target=”_blank”Amy/a is a graduate of Drexel University and an Operating Room Nurse.br /br /br /img src=”http://www.procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Jul/amycalendar.jpg” alt=”Amy, Eagles Cheerleader”br /Amy is also the cover girl for the Eagles Cheerleaders 2009 Swimsuit Calendar.

img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Pro-Bowl-Marlina.jpg” alt=”Marlina”br /Three-year veteran a href=”http://www.chargers.com/charger_girls/2008-2009-squad/marlina.htm” target=”_blank”Marlina/a keeps busy by running her own cleaning company in San Diego which she started after graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in Advertising and Marketing. She believes being an environmentally responsible business owner is important and has built her company on a foundation that promotes a green lifestyle. Her company specializes in non-toxic, natural and eco-friendly cleaning methods by using only biodegradable products and equipment with HEPA filtration systems in order to promote the healthiest environment for her clients and her community.br /br /Marlina was also one of the 12 NFL Cheerleaders featured in the 2008 a href=”http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/features/2008_swimsuit/cheerleaders/marlina-moreno/08_marlina-moreno_1.html” target=”_blank”span style=”font-style:italic;”Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue/span/a.

centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Seazun5.jpg” alt=”Seazun”/centerbr /br /Indiana Pacemate a href=”http://www.nba.com/pacers/photogallery/pacemate_seazun_1.html” target=”_blank”Seazun/a is a big fan of the blog and a wonderful representative of Pro Cheerleading. She has cheered in the NFL (five seasons with the Ben-Gals, two with the Colts) and NBA (in her second season). She was on the sidelines for the both the Pro Bowl (Ben-Gals) and Super Bowl (Colts), and represented the Colts in the NFL Cheerleader Playoffs in 2006. br / br /In this holiday time, it seems appropriate to provide some “Seazun’s Greetings.” Seazun was kind enough to send me photos from a holiday photo shoot with her snow dogs and participate in a QA. All her doggies cooperated with the photo shoot, with the exception of Stormy, who, within her rights as a diva, didn’t want to participate in the festivities. Stormy’s the oldest and grew bored with the photo shoot. br /br /br /span style=”font-weight:bold;”Midwest Dave: Seazun, your first name is quite unique, what is its origin?/spanbr /br /Seazun: I had to ask my mother for insight on this one. She said that during her pregnancy, she carried me through all four seasons and that each of those seasons brought her a unique and wonderful experience. As for the spelling, she simply said, “I spelled it the way you pronounce it.” I also have Cherokee Indian descent in my family. To my family, “Seazun” symbolizes a free spirit. br /br /span style=”font-weight:bold;”MWD: What things really put you into the Holiday spirit?/spanbr /br /Seazun: Watching those around me get excited about the holiday really puts me in the Holiday Spirit. I love to hear stories from others about what they are doing for Christmas especially if they have been relocated and get to travel home to be with their loved ones.br /br / br /span style=”font-weight:bold;”MWD: Is there one gift you remember receiving during the Holidays as a child that you still remember as the best present ever?/spanbr /br /Seazun: There are so many! If I had to narrow it down to one, it would be my Nintendo. I loved Super Mario Brothers.br /br /br /span style=”font-weight:bold;”MWD: When did you first perform in front of an audience and get hooked on entertaining?/spanbr /br /Seazun: Well, it was not on a grand stage or in a dance studio. I first performed in front of my family during a holiday get together. I choreographed a short dance to Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” in my grandparent’s living room. I was a shy little girl so my family was shocked that I wasn’t afraid to dance in front of everyone. That’s when I realized dance and entertainment could help me come out of my shell.br /br /br /span style=”font-weight:bold;”MWD: You have cheered for three teams and it is a big part of your life. What is special to you about pro sports dance squads compared to other types of dance or activities?/spanbr /br /Seazun: The atmosphere in a sports arena is almost indescribable. Performing in front of thousands of fans creates an energy that makes your heart race and brings out the best in you as a dancer. Whether it’s cheering on turf in front of 65,000 fans or dancing on a court in a more intimate setting, the energy from the crowd and love for dance feeds your soul.br /br /br / span style=”font-weight:bold;”MWD: What has being in pro sports dance added to your life?/spanbr /br /Seazun: Dancing for professional sports teams has helped to add just that…LIFE. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to dance for Pro Sports teams. I have met the most incredible women and have learned so much from them. I hope in return, I have made a positive impact on their lives. These ladies bring beauty, talent, compassion, and professionalism to the overall Pro Sports experience. br /br /span style=”font-weight:bold;”br /MWD: What do you look for in a young dancer that makes you think they will be a successful Pro Cheerleader?/spanbr /br /Seazun: You can see it their eyes and charisma. They never give up on difficult choreography and choose to use that perseverance in all aspects of their lives.br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Seazun1.jpg” alt=”Seazun”br /br /br /img src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Seazun3.jpg” alt=”Seazun”/centerbr / br /span style=”font-weight:bold;”br /MWD: In the last game of your first season of cheering with the Ben-Gals, you were in a bad accident on the sidelines involving the camera truck that travels the sidelines. What are your memories of that winter and how you recovered, and then your memories of that first return to the sidelines?/spanbr /br /Seazun: That was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. I remember lying on the ground at Paul Brown Stadium looking up at my girls as they were holding my hand and telling me that I was going to be okay. I sustained a torn PCL, fractured knee cap, and broken ankle. I was thankful that the Cincinnati Bengals Organization took care of my medical needs and referred me to the best orthopedic surgeon. The recovery time that winter felt like years. I could not bear weight on my leg for 4 months. I was uncertain if I could ever dance again and had to take time off of school. As you can imagine, I was scared and had to rely on family and friends to assure me that I was strong enough to dance again and to finish my degree. After prayers and physical therapy, I was on my feet dancing stronger than ever. My first game back was such a relief. The best part about my return was that the fans remembered what had happened and acknowledged that I was back on the field dancing again. I went on to earn my degree in Social Work and Human Services.br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/Seazunpack.jpg” alt=”Seazun”br /Seazun with most of the pack/centerbr /br /br /span style=”font-weight:bold;”MWD: One of the interesting things about you is your love of your family of snow dogs. What about these breeds draws you to them and makes them perfect for you? /spanbr /br /Seazun: I have a family of four snow dogs. One Siberian Husky named Nali, two Samoyeds named Trooper and Lexi, and a Siberian Chow mix named Stormy. Their free spirited nature and beauty captured my attention at a young age. I started raising them when I was 18. Stormy was my first and she is still going strong. They are a symbol of leadership and are pack oriented which means they love being a part of the family. Well mannered breed, but love to get into trouble when you’re not around. They are too smart to sit around all day. I try to keep them entertained, but the best activity for them is exercise. They love running in the back yard. I love their independence and cherish each of their personality traits. Did I mention they keep me really warm at night? They love sleeping with me.br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/SeazunwithNali.jpg” alt=”Seazun” br /Seazun with Nali/centerbr /br /br /span style=”font-weight:bold;”MWD: Many of us want to help out those less fortunate during this time of year. In your experience in social work, what kinds of things can we do or what groups can we support that really can make a difference? /spanbr /br /Seazun: There are so many ways we can help. The first way is being aware of the programs that have been implemented to assist those in need. Each of us holds something near to our heart that we would like to help with. Do the research and lend a hand. In my profession, I serve those who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability. I have learned that out of all the services and resources I could provide for them, they benefit most from “you” just being there. Your presence means more to someone in need than anything. I encourage all of us to research local charities and volunteer groups to see how we can help.br /br /br /centerimg src=”http://procheerleaderblog.com/blog/images/2008/Dec/SeazunTrooper.jpg” alt=”Seazun”br /Seazun with Trooper/centerbr /br /br /hrbr /br /Thanks so much to Seazun for all her help, and thanks to all of the Cheerleaders, directors, and blog contributors for all of their hard work in 2008. Happy Holidays!