The Chesapeake Hawkettes cheered on the Bayhawks to the Major League Lacrosse playoffs this weekend, but the playoffs are threatened by the arrival of Hurricane Irene. Also threatened is a dance clinic featuring the Hawkettes and the visiting Denver Outlaws Dance team.

With the possible exceptions of Arizona and Southern California, cheerleading squads and dance teams who perform outdoors rarely have to put up with extreme heat, let alone anything topping 100 degrees. The recent mid-Atlantic heatwave caused temperatures to soar into the triple digits along with stifling humidity. The temperature at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium reached a reported 106 degrees at game time and the heat and humidity combined to produce a brutal 119 degree heat index.

In addition to the heat, the field is made of a synthetic turf laid over a bed of mixed sand and rubber pellets. While soft, the field radiates an amazing amount of heat back to anyone standing on it.

The average person would probably never set foot in such an environment if they could help it. For the Chesapeake Hawkettes, missing the game was not an option.

Click here for the Hawkettes website.

Continue reading Summer heatwave doesn’t slow down the Hawkettes

The Chesapeake Bayhawks picked up a big win against the Rochester Rattlers at their last home game. The Chesapeake Hawkettes showed off their own winning style in front of over 8400 fans.

The pregame parking lot is always a place to hear local bands, and sample food. It’s also a place for fans to have an opportunity to meet the Hawkettes.

In my last post, I introduced the rookies. Here are this season’s returning veterans.

Becca is a Nutrition Consultant and the Hawkette's Assistant Coach.

Another former Red Rocker, Kim is a student teacher.

Stephanie is studying Medical Administration.

Heather is a Graphic Designer for the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation.

Tina has a degree in Sociology and works in human resources.

Valerie is a Compensation Specialist at the University of Maryland Medical Center

There are more opportunities to meet the Hawkettes after the game. Here Katelyn signs the shirt of a young fan.

Click here to go the Hawkette’s website.

Continue reading The 2011 Season Continues for the Hawkettes

It was a hot and humid day in the city by the bay, and the Major League Lacrosse championship was on the line. The security guards at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium were acting like they had PMS, and everyone’s clothing felt like it had been in a dryer for a week on “high”.  My eyeballs jumped out and went looking for water.  I heard the click of high heels on the concrete behind me, and suddenly it was like somebody turned the thermostat from “Swamp” to “Cool”. The Chesapeake Hawkettes stepped into my office…..

With apologies to Raymond Chandler.

Continue reading Chesapeake Hawkettes Cheer Bayhawks on to MLL Victory

Despite stiffing heat and humidity, the Denver Outlaws met the Long Island Lizards during the Major League Lacrosse semi-finals held in Annapolis, Maryland. Unfortunately, while the win went to the  Lizards, the Denver Outlaws Dance Team were on hand to wow the crowd.

Director Brieanna Mercer is a 4-year veteran of the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders. Behind her is her Assistant Director and right-hand-man Todd Clark.

Continue reading The Denver Outlaws Dance Team