Candace of the St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders

Raven of the St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders

Raven earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs from Indiana University-Bloomington and her Juris Doctorate from St. Louis University School of Law.

Jade of the Cincinnati Ben-Gals

Jade is a civil litigation attorney who earned her J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law and her  B.A in Political Science from  Xavier University.

Betsy of the Minnesota Swarm Performance Team

From Betsy’s Bio:

By my senior year of college I decided to go to law school and put my love of dance and performing on hold.  I originally attended law school because of my interest in politics and public policy.  After graduating I decided to put my degree to use and practice as an attorney instead of going into the government sector.  I currently practice in a small firm in several different areas of law.  I am constantly challenged at my job and stay busy running from depositions to arbitrations to the courtroom. I enjoy my days the most when I have several things to juggle at once.

Our ever growing list of attorneys is here.

Photos from NFL Wild Card Weekend
Click here to see the rest.

Four-year veteran Sarah J. will represent the Cincinnati Ben-Gals at the 2010 Pro Bowl. Sarah graduated from Northern Kentucky University earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Grades Education with an emphasis in Mathematics and English. She works as a High School English Teacher.

[Sarah at Bengals.com]

The latest NFL Cheerleader gallery on SportsIllustrated.com features squads from the Bengals, Colts, Dolphins, Falcons, and Redskins. Click here to go there now.

This week’s collection of photos from week 16 includes the Redskins Cheerleaders, Charger Girls, 49ers Gold Rush, Dolphins Cheerleaders, Falcons Cheerleaders, Ben-Gals, Saintsations, and Cardinals Cheerleaders. Click here to go there now.

NFL.com has posted a new collection of cheerleader photos for week #13. This week, they showcase cheerleaders from the Bills, Dolphins, Chiefs, Redskins, Jaguars, Colts, Panthers, Falcons, and the Bengals. The Ben-Gals, by the by, are the first team to bust out the snow bunny gear for the holidays. Click here to go to the gallery.

This week’s cheerleader gallery on NFL.com features teams from the Ravens, 49ers, Saints, Cowboys, Bills, Titans, Bengals, Jets, Eagles, and Rams. Click here to view the gallery.

By Greg Billing
Dayton Daily News

Wanting some new challenges in life, Laura Vikmanis, a Springboro mother of two, picked up golf and also started drum lessons.

Oh, she also became the NFL’s oldest cheerleader, making the Cincinnati Ben-Gals at age 41.

Vikmanis, a 1986 Fairmont High School graduate, is the oldest Ben-Gal in squad history. She’s been told she’s also the oldest cheerleader in NFL history.

Cincinnati Ben-Gal Laura Vikmanis and her daughters, Alexa and Lija, 11 and 13.

“I was at a point in my life where I was like, ‘What do I really want to do? What’s something in my life that makes me happy?’ ” Vikmanis said. “I went to a couple games and saw the cheerleaders and thought that looked really, really fun.”

Vikmanis met a Ben-Gal at a dance class and was encouraged to try out. She made it to the final cuts two years ago, then returned to make this year’s team.

Vikmanis is a registered dietician. Daughters Lija, 13, and Alexa, 11, are competitive cheerleaders.

In her words

“I look at myself as a role model for my children to show them no matter what age or what dream you have, you can work really hard and achieve it.

“I was extremely intimidated because all the girls seemed to be in their 20s or early 30s. … I definitely was surprised how nice all the girls are. You would think with 30 girls we could get pretty catty. But they are all so nice. We’re all very enthusiastic, very social. We all kind of feed off each other.

“It’s definitely comparable (to CMT’s ‘Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team’). They’re a little more intense, for example they have fitness competitions and that kind of thing. … Every practice is a competition to secure your spot on the field. It is definitely comparable to that show. They do a little more than we do, but the glamour aspect and fitness aspect of it is spot on.

“The Steelers game was absolutely the most exciting game to cheer at. I was so grateful to be on the field. The crowd was so loud that even though we’re three feet apart from each other we couldn’t hear each other talking because the crowd was so into it.

“When you’re standing in the tunnel and you see everybody in the stands and hear everybody screaming … it is awe inspiring.

“I’ve done a couple half-marathons but I mostly run for fun. I love weight training. In the summer I’ve been trying to learn how to play golf, and I kind of just for fun picked up some drum lessons.

“My family, I think at first when I told them I was going to try out, were like ‘Oh yeah, that’s something fun to try.’ When I finally made it they were in tears and just so excited. They have been behind me 100 percent. … My children thought it was cool, but I don’t think they understood fully until they went to the game and actually saw me on the field. They think it’s so cool.

“My number one motto I tell all of my clients or anyone interested in losing weight is you can have what you want, just not as much as you want. That way you’re not depriving yourself but you’re also not overindulging. … And eating and exercise go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other if you want to be successful at weight loss.”

[Laura at Bengals.com]

Julie 0’Neill
the Kentucky Post
November 19,2009

CINCINNATI — She was a sweet, unassuming, single mom from Springboro who had a dream to become a Ben-Gal cheerleader.

Not only did she make that dream come true – she’s made history.

9News anchor Julie 0’Neill was at her hair salon, complaining about the pain in her knees, when she heard about a Ben-Gal cheerleader who’s “her” age.

She had to learn more about this “old” cheerleader – although she says that’s not the word that comes to mind when you meet her.

Foxy, fit, fabulous – may be the words instead.

At 41, she’s the oldest Ben-Gal ever – “shakin’ it” with “hotties” about half her age.

“I was at a time in my life (being 41) I wanted to challenge myself and I thought what do I really love to do and I really love music and dancing,” said Laura Vikmanus. “So, I went to a couple of games and I was watching the cheerleaders and I thought, “Wow, that would be really really fun to do!”

Laura missed the cut the first time out – but she came back.

“I usually have between 15 and 17 judges,” said Charlotte Jacobs, Ben-Gal director. “And the comments came in – perfect body, great smile, perfect dance – it was a unanimous decision.”

“I work as a dietitian in a doctor’s office doing a weight-loss program, so I counsel patients and try to teach them a healthy lifestyle with the working out. So, it’s all kind of melded together,” said Vikmanus.

“And she just really ‘kicks butt’ to really work out, she eats awesome food and she always actually is a role model to all the other girls on our squad that maybe have trouble with the food and the working out aspect of it,” said Ben-Gal cheerleader Andrea Kaiser.

“They make me feel like I’m 20 again,” said Vikmanus, “and they’re very supportive and we all encourage each other.”

Interestingly, Vikmanus says she has a harder time keeping up mentally than physically.

“I can tell I learn dances a little slower than them, but once I get ‘em, I get ‘em – and I can keep up, yeah, pretty well.”

Don’t ask her to hang with her daughters though.

“One’s 11 and one’s 13 and they’re both in cheerleading – competitive cheerleading – so, they do a lot of the tumbling,” said Vikmanus. “So, a lot of their friends ask me, ‘Do you tumble, too?’ No, I don’t tumble.”

Okay, she has some limits – but remember this Ben-Gal as the one still cheering regardless of what the clock says.

“Age does not matter. If you want something, you have to go and get it,” said Vikmanus. “Yeah, and you can get it – you work hard enough you’ll get it.”

Vikmanus says she had lots of friends who were skeptical when she first tried out. Now, they’re inspired to go try something new themselves.

Outkicking Our Coverage: An Interview with the Ben-Gals
October 27, 2009 – Dr. Pancake
The Pigskin Doctors

The finer things in Cincinnati: Skyline Chili, Montgomery Inn, Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chip Ice Cream.

The finest: Ben-Gal Cheerleader’s Jennie and Alyson.

The beautiful and talented Ben-Gals are both 3 year veterans of the Cincinnati cheerleading squad. Jennie (left) is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and works full time as a financial analyst. Alyson graduated from the University of Cincinnati and teaches elementary school. The girls met in 2007 and have become great friends with similar interests in traveling, dancing, and rooting on their Bengals. The lovely ladies were generous enough to take a moment out of their busy lives to answer some burning questions we just had to know.

1. What part of your uniform is most uncomfortable?
Jennie: I have to pick just one part?? I guess the top. The design feels restrictive of shoulder movement, and the (Bengal) “B” in the cleavage can kind of stab you throughout the game. And the boots are no walk in the park!
Alyson: The pantyhose! They make our legs look great, but when we sweat they are disgusting.

2. What is the craziest thing you’ve seen on the field on game day?
Jennie: Our game against the Bronco’s this year had an unfortunately crazy ending, but I’ve also seen a “hurricane” hit Paul Brown Stadium. We almost blew away!
Alyson: Last year there was a wind storm during a game. There was lots of debris everywhere and I saw a twenty dollar bill floating in the wind.

3. Which team has the sexiest mascot?
Jennie: The Bengals! Who Dey is so muscular this year!
Alyson: Us! Aren’t bengal tigers sexy?

4. Who would win in a fight, Chad or Rey Maualuga?
Jennie: Maualuga, that guy is ferocious! But Chad would win an argument.
Alyson: Chad could talk a big game, but Rey would definitely win!

5. How does your dad like your calender pic?
Jennie: He says it doesn’t look like me. He’s mentioned that it’s very awkward for his friends, though.
Alyson: He’s proud of whatever I do. He got a signed calender from all the girls for his birthday and absolutely loved it!

6. What position would you play if you were on the Bengals?
Jennie: Wide Receiver, and I’d have a choreographed dance for each touchdown celebration!
Alyson: Punter. I think Kevin Huber has a fun job and he doesn’t get tackled.

7. Are men intimidated by you when they find out you’re an NFL cheerleader?
Jennie: I wish they were. It’s very uncomfortable to refuse giving out your number.
Alyson: I don’t think intimidated. Their personality changes when you tell them though. They try to act cool, ask if you have a boyfriend, try to impress you, etc.

8. Is it a turn-off if a guy tells you he plays fantasy football?
Jennie: Yes. If it’s coming up early in conversation, it’s probably a big part of his life. Every once in a while it’s nice to sleep in on a Sunday without him stressing about finalizing who’s in and who’s out.
Alyson: No way! I like guys who know their football. Plus they know facts about all players, not just the Bengals!

9. Which football player would be most reliable in paying his child support?
Jennie: Carson Palmer. He’s a stand up guy!
Alyson: I hope all of them are. If you can drive around in a car that’s $50,000 (or more), then you can pay your baby mama!

10. Which player creepy hugs the cheerleaders most often?
Jennie: No brainer on this one… But no comment!
Alyson: Haha. No comment. We have a no fraternizing rule.

11. Which player would be super cool to hang out with?
Jennie: Does it have to be a Bengal? Because I’d love to hang out with Peyton!
Alyson: I would like to hang out with Chad Ochocinco and twitter all day! I also think Roy Williams is funny. We worked a charity event together and he seems like he would be fun to hang out with.

12. What is your least favorite word, besides moist?
Jennie: Steelers.
Alyson: Kicks. Like when our coaches say, “It’s time to work on kicks!” (referring to the kickline)

13. Who is the best looking player in the NFL?
Jennie: Brady Quinn
Alyson: Tom Brady, hello!

14. Dumb and Dumber is the best movie ever right?
Jennie: It’s up there!
Alyson: Yes! Jim Carrey is a genius.

15. Worst movie you have ever seen?
Jennie: Anchorman… it’s just really not that funny!
Alyson: The Blair Witch Project. I think I got motion sickness during that movie.

16. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Jennie: Alicia Silverstone
Alyson: Holly Madison (Hugh Hefner’s ex from Playboy’s “Girls Next Door”) She’s a successful blonde with big boobs! Who wouldn’t want her to play them?

17. What is your Favorite Beatles song?
Jennie: I don’t like the Beatles.
Alyson: Come Together. It was in a dance routine when I was little.

18. Are you the right girl for Tim Tebow?
Jennie: Absolutely not! I’m a Volunteer!
Alyson: Nope! O-H!

19. Can he play quarterback in the NFL?
Jennie: No, he’ll get hurt. Then he’ll vomit on the sidelines.
Alyson: Yes, but not for Cincinnati!

20. What’s your go to Karaoke song?
Jennie: Michael Jackson, Man in the Mirror or Elton John, Someone Saved My Life Tonight
Alyson: Britney Spears, Toxic, hands down!

21. Who is your favorite character on The Office?
Jennie: Jim
Alyson: Pam! She has a similar love story to mine.

22. What are you going to be for Halloween?
Jennie: I haven’t decided yet!
Alyson: I am going to be in Cancun, Mexico for Halloween. We are still dressing up in authentic Mexican clothes and Sombreros to celebrate!

RAPID FIRE:
Pool or hot tub?
J: Hot tub
A: Hot tub after practice please.

Joey or Chandler??
J: Chandler
A: Chandler

Pina colada or whiskey neat??
J: Southern Comfort
A: Pina Colada (Miami Vice variation) I bet Jennie said Whiskey!

Rather be an assassin or an astronaut?
J: Astronaut
A: Astronaut, assassin is way too much pressure, and you can do flips in space!

Brad or George ?
J: George
A: George

Shave or wax??
J: Shave
A: Shave sometimes, Wax sometimes depending on my time schedule.

Ben or Casey Affleck?
J: Ben
A: Ben!

Conan or Dave?
J: Conan
A: Dave

Slap Chop or Sham Wow?
J: Sham Wow
A: Sham Wow

Andy Samberg or Adam Sandler?
J: Adam Sandler
A: Andy Samberg. Im on a Boat!

Audrina or Kristen?
J: Kristen
A: Neither. Team Heidi

Jon and Kate plus 8? or Heidi and Spencer plus Heidi’s sister?
J: Speidi + Holly
A: I like Kate plus 8.

Mario or Luigi?
J: Mario
A: Both. It wouldn’t be Super Mario Bro’s without both of them. I remember playing that on Nintendo when I was 8 and you would have to blow on the game to get it to work!

Megan Fox or Olivia Wilde?
J: Megan Fox
A: Megan Fox, I liked transformers.

Will Ferrell or Jim Carrey?
J: Jim Carrey
A: Will Ferrell is my favorite actor.

Steak or Sushi?
J: Steak
A: Both

Kobe or LeBron?
J: LeBron
A: LeBron, go Cavs!

For your guy:
Harley, Pick up, or Benz?
J: Benz
A: Harley for my guy, I’ll take a Benz though!

Clean shaven or scruff?
J: Clean Shaven
A: Both, clean for work or meeting the parents. Scruff for weekends and vacations

V-neck or collared shirt?
J: Collared shirt
A: Collared shirt, no chest hair please!

Tats or no tats?
J: No Tats *Note- these questions make it seem like I like a metro kind of guy… but keep in mind that I hate men with hair gel and designer jeans!
A: He can have 1 or 2. I like good little boys though!