The Richmond Raiders would like to congratulate Lady Raider Brittany Gordon on her recent accomplishment to become the 2010 Miss Virginia United States!

In April, Brittany was named the new Miss Virginia United States, based on interview, public communication, swimsuit and evening gown pageants. As a Lady Raider, Brittany performs at all home Raiders games at the Coliseum and appears in the community throughout the year. Brittany will appear in her crown at this Friday’s Raiders game on April 30 at 7:00pm.

“My favorite part of being a Lady Raider,” says Brittany, “is giving back to the city of Richmond with this amazing group of women. It’s a true blessing to work alongside them, and an honor to represent the Raiders organization and now the state of Virginia.

In July, Brittany will walk the stage in Las Vegas representing Virginia at the Miss United States pageant. Brittany is from Richmond, VA where she attended Monacan High School then graduated from University of South Carolina. Currently a Campaign Support Coordinator at a local interactive marketing agency, Brittany plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Communications.

Congratulations Brittany!

[Richmond Lady Raiders]

Back in the late 1970s, professional cheerleading, especially in the NFL, exploded. Lots of squads were added, or “modern” cheerleaders replaced the older pom squads.

It was a sort of crazy time. Because it was so new, there was much experimenting going. One of my favorites was having the visiting team’s squad performing in uniform on the field. The Philadelphia Eagles Liberty Belles even traveled to Tampa to cheer at a playoff game.

This idea died off after a couple of seasons, probably around 1980. And now outside of the Super Bowl or the Hall of Fame Game, you don’t see it all. (One exception is in the CFL where provincial rivals the Edmonton Eskimos Cheerleaders and the Calgary Stampeders Outriders will cheer on the road once a year.)

Actually there’s another exception: this past Saturday night at the Baltimore Mariners-Reading Express game, where the Mariner’s Cheerleaders and the Express Smokin’ Hot Steam Team performed together during halftime.

Steam Team in silver. Mariners Cheerleaders in blue.

Steam Team Captain Laura and Mariners Cheerleader Director Liz Guardalo

Steam Team as Briefcase Babes

Rehearsing in the tunnel before halftime

Ashley

Aricia

[Photo Gallery]

[Smokin' Hot Steam Team]

[Mariners Cheerleaders]

Originally, I was going to stop in Baltimore on my way back from Charlotte on March 14th and cover the Baltimore Mariners Cheerleaders. But when I exited I-95 I was caught in a Sunday afternoon(!) traffic jam. It seems some major streets were closed for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. So, I never made it to 1st Mariners Arena that day, but two weeks later, I did manage to make it to a Mariners game.

The Baltimore Mariners Jr. Cheerleaders performed at halftime with the regular squad.

Aricia

Kelly

Michelle

Sheena

The Baltimore Mariners Cheerleaders make their next game day appearance on Sunday May 2nd at 4:00pm when the Mariners host the Harrisburg Stampede.

[Mariners Cheerleaders Photo Gallery]

[Baltimore Mariners Cheerleaders]

Held back this back a couple of days until after the Ravens made their official announcement of the new squad.

Stephanie danced for Elizabethtown College, the AIFA Reading Express Smokin’ Hot Steam Team and most recently the Philadelphia Wings Angels.

Megan was a Baltimore Blast Cheerleader.

Keishawna was also a Cheerleader for the Blast

Keishawna and Megan at last Sunday’s Baltimore Mariners game.

Congratulations to Stephanie, Keishawna, Megan and all the rest of the new and returning cheerleaders.

Last Saturday, Reading’s Berkshire Mall was the site of the unveiling of the 2010 Smokin’ Hot Steam Team. The ladies had a chance to introduce themselves to the fans, perform a few routines and helped younger fans in a dance contest.

The Steam Team will take the field at the Express first home game on Sunday, March 21st.

[Smokin' Hot Steam Team Gallery]

[Smokin' Hot Steam Team Website]

Yes, posting from me has been light. Still no computer, but here’s a peek of what’s coming once I get things fixed:

The Eagles Cheerleaders at King of Prussia Mall promoting healthy hearts.

The Reading Express Smokin’ Hot Steam Team unveiling at the Berkshire Mall.

The Maryland Green Hawks Dance Team thrilling the fans at a home game in Rockville.

The KiXX Dance Team at the Liacouras Center for the Blast-KiXX game.

The Baltimore Mariners Cheerleaders have a new name, new uniform, new director and back on January 31st they picked their new 2010 squad.

The New Director is good friend of the blog Elizabeth “Liz” Guardalo, who also taught the choreography for the tryouts.

Heather Jessee (right) and Liz. Heather danced for the Wizards and cheered for the Redskins, representing her squad at the 1999 Pro Bowl. She was also coach of the UMBC Dance Team where she coached Liz.

In addition to the performing the routine, hopefuls performed a kickline and answered interview questions from the judges.

The judges from left to right:  Meghann: former UMBC Dance Team, Heather, Rachel: former Baltimore Blast Cheerleader, Kristen: Redskins Ambassador and Capitals Red Rocker, Ashley: current Baltimore Blast Cheerleader, David: Commissioner of the ISL (Bermuda’s Island Soccer League)

The new squad will make their debut at the Mariner’s first home game on Sunday, March 14th.

[Mariners Cheerleaders Auditions Gallery]

Prep Class – Wednesday, January 27 from 8:15-9:30.

The Baltimore Blast Cheerleaders invite girls interested in becoming a part of the 2010 Baltimore Mariners or 2010/2011 Baltimore Blast Cheerleaders to attend a prep class on Wednesday, January 27 from 8:15-9:30.

Location: Du Burns Arena in Canton, Baltimore.
1301 S. Ellwood Ave
Baltimore, MD 21224

What to wear? Please wear something you can dance in and dance sneakers.

What to bring? The prep class is $10.00. Cash or checks will be accepted. Make checks payable to Elizabeth Guaraldo. Other then that just yourselves and some water!

We will be learning some audition choreography that will give you a jump start for auditions on January 31st. You will also have a chance to ask the Director and current squad members questions about being on the squad.