Eagles 2010: Cheerleaders try to keep up the enthusiasm

By Kathleen E. Carey
The Delaware County Times
September 10, 2010

Ten area Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders revel in the excitement of a new season as they hope the best for their team.

Most prefer to use only first names and limit specific biographical information for security reasons, but they also share a love of performing and dance that, for many, began as little girls.

A significant showing is the West Chester University presence. Of the 38 women in the squad, six are either studying or have graduated from this university.

Sarah, 21, a West Chester communications major with a psychology minor, is an Eagles cheerleader rookie, but has been dancing since she was 3 years old and was a former dancer for the Philadelphia Soul.

“I just love the community service and getting to dance in front of so many fans,” she said.

Danielle, 19, a West Chester nutrition major, is the youngest member of the squad.

“I just tried out on a whim,” she said, adding that she didn’t expect to get picked. “I decided to try and I made it on my first time.”

It’s also the first year for Danae, who’s been dancing since she was 3 years old and cheering since she was 5 years old.

“It’s kind of like the next step,” she said of being an Eagles cheerleader. This 20-year-old is a communications major also at West Chester with a concentration in public relations.

Paige, 20, and her sister, Danni-Lynn, 23, both of Media, say being on the squad is still exciting, even though it’s their third year on the squad.

“It’s definitely like an adrenaline rush,” Paige said of performing during a season game. “It’s the most amazing feeling when you walk out there and see 70,000 fans out there.”

Her sister agrees.

“It’s crazy,” the fashion merchandising West Virginia University graduate said. “I had never been to the stadium before I started cheerleading. It’s so overwhelming. It’s insane the feeling. That’s the best part of it – running out every time.”

When she’s not out on the Linc field, Danni-Lynn, is honing her skills as a sales associate at the upscale women’s clothing Per Lei Boutique at B. Gross in Media.

She’s happy to be on the squad with her sister.

“It’s awesome,” Danni-Lynn said. “We’ve always done everything together. Paige and I have always been close.”

Paige is a full-time communications major at West Chester University with a goal of becoming a sports or entertainment broadcaster.

She, like many of the others, has been dancing since she was a toddler.

“It really is magical for me,” Paige said. “It’s a really cool way to connect to people through performance.”

She said she enjoys the diversity of the squad with the women ranging from 19 to 29 years old and coming from a variety of professions from students to nurses to teachers.

“It’s really cool because you can learn so much from each other,” Paige said. “It’s like have 37 sisters and best friends.”

Casey, 20, and Jackie Ranieri, 25, both of Glen Mills, are the two Delco rookies on the team.

They remembered the month-long auditioning process back in the spring.

“It was nerve wracking but so exciting,” Casey said.

The West Chester business management major said it started with an open call of 400 women that would eventually be cut to 38 after a live audience audition at the Prince Music Theater in front of friends and family.

During tryouts there is an interview portion in which the candidates are asked an unknown question. Casey said she was asked what would she ask Barack Obama if she had dinner with him.

“I would want him to describe the life in the day of a president,” she said.

The results are announced the day after the live audience audition.

“At that point, you’re just so proud of yourself,” Casey said, although she was elated to have her number called. “This is just like all of your hard work just paying off.”

Ranieri agreed.

The health and physical education teacher received her e-mail at 7:30 a.m.

“I thought they sent it to the wrong person,” she smiled.

Even her students noticed a difference that day, as they kept asking her, “Miss Ranieri, do you know you’re talking really fast?”

A month later, they all were in Mexico for the swimsuit photo shoot.

“You jump right into it,” she said.

Ranieri said she plans to relish it all.

“I really just want to enjoy the whole experience,” she said. “I’m so excited.”

Cheryl, 23, of East Fallowfield Township, is in her sophomore year with the squad and she’s animated about the season from playing against Donovan McNabb to the team’s new quarterback Kevin Kolb to the 1960s retro night for the home opener.

Yet, the West Chester communications graduate said seeing the fans’ excitement is her favorite part.

“I feel like if you’re an Eagles fan, you’re a die hard,” Cheryl said.

She herself was raised in that environment.

Her dad, Jim, grew up at 18th and Osage streets in Philadelphia.

Cheryl laughed when talking about his reaction to her making the team.

“He was beside himself,” she said. “He didn’t even believe me.”

When she had the telephone confirmation at 6:30 a.m., she immediately called him.

“Dad!” she said. “I’m an Eagles cheerleader!”

“What?” he asked. “What?”

Cheryl said her entire family has held the Eagles in high esteem for many years but her spot on the squad makes it all the better.

“We all just grew up loving the Eagles,” she said. “Now, they’re even more proud to be an Eagles fan.”

Krystle, 24, of Glen Mills, has been on the squad for six years.

“The love of the game and the love of dance keeps me coming back,” she said.

The second grade teacher said her students enjoy seeing her on television.

“They are so supportive,” she said, adding that they often wear Eagles jerseys.

She has high hopes for the season.

“That we make it to the Super Bowl,” she said. “That would be awesome.”

Kim, 25, of Media, likes the camaraderie of her fellow cheerleaders.

But, the third year member is also enticed by the excitement.

“Before every game, I still get butterflies in my stomach,” the part-time paralegal assistant said. “Being out on the field is just so much fun. There’s a lot of energy just from the fans and from the team. That’s what keeps you going.”