Annual auction is extra special for one particular Sea Gal

Tessa Harrington’s involvement with the Sea Gals and their charity auction on Dec. 6 is a way to remember Travis Britt, her high school boyfriend who died of cancer.
By Clare Farnsworth
Seahawks.com
Nov 27, 2010

Tessa Harrington’s charitable work as a member of the Sea Gals isn’t just a labor of love; it’s a way to remember a lost love.

tessaHer involvement with the Seahawks’ dance team began because of Travis Britt, her high school boyfriend who died from a form of bone cancer in 2007 at the age of 19. Her continued commitment – including serving as co-chairperson for the Sea Gals’ 22nd annual charity auction on Dec. 6 – allows Harrington to honor his memory.

“A lot of people love giving back and it’s like, ‘Oh yeah, it means a lot,’ ” Harrington said. “But I think being connected with where the money is going it just means so much. Travis is there with me while I’m doing this.”

The charity auction, which benefits Broadview Women’s Shelter and the Sea Gals’ Children’s Hospital Guild, will be held at Fox Sports Grill, 1522 6th Ave. in Seattle. The silent auction that begins at 5:30 includes sports memorabilia, spa packages, weekend getaways and restaurant and hotel certificates that have been solicited by the Sea Gals, and will continue through halftime of the Monday Night Football game between the New York Jets and New England Patriots. There also will be a live auction during halftime as well as raffle drawings for prizes throughout the evening.

“One of my favorite things with the Sea Gals is fund raisers,” Harrington said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s totally beneficial.

“And because of Travis, we spent our whole senior year at Children’s Hospital. So it’s very fun to give back, because just going through that we received so much support. So it’s like an honor to have the opportunity to give back.”

Harrington, 23, began dancing at the age of 6 and was a member of her school dance teams in junior high and at Kentridge High School. It was Britt’s stepmother who suggested she try out for the Sea Gals, right out of high school.

“The Seahawks were very active with Travis’ treatment,” she said. “They would visit him at Children’s. And in 2006, his Make-a-Wish (request) was to go to the Super Bowl. He was going even before the Seahawks went, so he looked at one of the players and said, ‘Hey, I’m going to the Super Bowl. I’d really like it if you would go.’ ”

The Seahawks did just that, beating the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship game at Qwest Field to advance to the franchise’s first Super Bowl – against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field in Detroit.

“So we went to a lot of Seahawks’ games that season,” Harrington said. “His stepmom said, ‘Hey, you should try out for the Sea Gals.’ I was like, ‘OK.’ It was just random. I saw an article in the paper about the tryouts and I just showed up.”

She’s still showing up, because of Britt.

“He was very proud of me,” she said. “Travis loved the Seahawks. He was a huge fan. So I think me making the squad is something I do in his honor.”

Harrington credits her enthusiastic outlook on life to watching Britt handle his situation.

“I’d be crying and he’d say, ‘Why are you crying?’ Then he’d make me laugh,” she said. “He just had a great outlook, and I think that’s where I get my outlook in life – from him.”

Harrington’s life includes finishing the program to get her teaching credential at the Des Moines campus of Central Washington University, with her student teaching starting in January and graduation set for June. She also is a part-time nanny, coaches a dance team and works in marketing at Snoqualmie Casino.

But there’s always time for the annual December visit to Children’s Hospital for the Seahawks’ Captain’s Blitz.

“I still see some of the nurses and doctors from Travis’ time there,” she said. “So it’s very special.”

Meet the 2011 New Orleans VooDoo Dolls Dance Team

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By: Brandon Rizzuto
New Orleans VooDoo
November 23, 2010

The New Orleans VooDoo held its final audition for the 2011 VooDoo Doll Dance Team on Saturday at Mardi Gras World in front of over 300 spectators, and the field was narrowed down from 27-to-20 young ladies to represent the VooDoo this upcoming season.

“We have selected an amazing group of young women to represent the VooDoo, and we were thrilled to see so many VooDoo fans in attendance,” said Rachel Vicknair, Director of Corporate Sponsorships and the VooDoo Dolls. “We have already received several appearance requests and can’t wait to get the Dolls out and about in the community.”

The 20 ladies to make the team are: Jenna from Boutte, Jasmine from Kenner, Danielle from Metairie, Tia from New Orleans, Amanda from Meraux, Rayne from Mereaux, Nia from Baton Rouge, Brittanie from Marrero, Megan from Luling, Sabrina from Kenner, Ashley from Metairie, TaylorAnne from Los Angeles, Victoria from Montz, Shelley from Metairie, Abby from Des Allemands, Nicole from New Orleans, Jamie from Harvey, Brittney from Destrehan, Brittany from Thibodaux, and Brooke from Lafitte.

Of the 2011 VooDoo Doll Dance Team, five were former VooDoo Dolls: Jenna from Boutte, Jasmine from Kenner, Danielle from Metairie, Tia from New Orleans, and Amanda from Meraux.

“I’m very excited to be a VooDoo Doll again. There are a lot of things to look forward to this upcoming season, both on and off the field. The excitement is back,” said Jenna from Boutte.

“It just means everything to be a VooDoo Doll and to represent the New Orleans VooDoo this season. I’m so passionate about dancing and also the VooDoo being back! I’m very honored to be able to represent the team,” said Ashley from Metairie.

“I’m so happy to be able to dance for the VooDoo. The opportunity is awesome, and I’m very thankful to be selected. The season cannot begin soon enough,” said Nia of Baton Rouge.

Stay tuned to the official New Orleans VooDoo website: www.aflvoodoo.com for photos from the first official VooDoo Doll photo shoot, courtesy of Romaguera Photography, and bio information on the 2011 New Orleans VooDoo Doll Dance Team.

Richelle Grant’s One Day at a Time Attitude Leads to a Memorable TopCats Decade

Richelle Grant, Coordinator/Choreographer of the TopCats
Richelle Grant, Coordinator/Choreographer of the TopCats, on a cool November 7th Panthers game day

Especially during the NFL season, the time of the members and management of the cheerleading squads is so very precious.  So when I asked Richelle Grant, the Coordinator and Choreographer of the TopCats (the cheerleaders for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers), if she would answer some questions for UltimateCheerleaders.com, I definitely wanted her to respond at her own convenience.  But Richelle actually asked me to give her a deadline, responding, “I’m journalism major, so working in a news station environment has made me that way.”  Richelle could not have been nicer, and you can tell her attention to detail have served her well in her TopCats career.

Richelle is in her tenth season of varying roles with the TopCats, starting as a member of the squad, and eventually becoming part of the squad’s management.  Read on to learn about Richelle, while also featuring photos of some of her squad and their captains.  Richelle filled us in on her TopCats career, including being part of a Super Bowl team, and answers the eternal, burning question, “Does the top cat of the TopCats have a pet cat?”

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UC.com: Tell me about your life’s journey from New York to Charlotte?

Richelle: I was born in Queens, New York and my family moved down South when I was two years old. I was raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and moved to Charlotte shortly after graduating from college. I don’t have many memories of New York City, except for during the summer months when I would visit my grandparents. My grandfather would walk me and my brothers to the pizza parlor every Friday. And I remember clearly the huge slices of cheese pizza that I had to hold with two hands, and the grease running down my arm. When I visited New York last spring, I had to relive that experience.

UC.com: Tell me about your cheerleading/dance path to NFL choreographer?

Richelle: I became interested in dance when I was eight years old. My path began as a cheerleader for my brother’s Pop Warner football team. From there, I began taking dance classes. Once I started high school, I became heavily involved in cheerleading and competitions.

UC.com: I understand you were on the sidelines when you attended the University of South Carolina; were you on the cheer squad or the dance squad?

Richelle: In 1999, I was on the JV Cheerleading squad at the University of South Carolina. I cheered one season with the Gamecocks. It was a memorable experience, especially when the cheerleaders and marching band would form the tunnel for the team to run out to the dramatic “2001”entrance. Having the involvement of the student body and fans always made our game days electrifying!

South Carolina's homecoming game when Richelle (lower left) was on the sidelines
South Carolina's homecoming game when Richelle (lower left) was on the sidelines

UC.com: What did you study at USC, and what are your favorite memories from college days?

Richelle: I studied Journalism and Mass Communications at USC. Aside from game days at Williams-Brice Stadium, my favorite memories are those from my senior semester of college. The journalism students did a daily newscast which aired on campus. Each morning we researched newspapers and the AP news wire to find stories and report on them. This included shooting the story, interviewing people and editing packages. This type of “hands on” training was beneficial in preparing me for the next step after graduation.

UC.com: I would think it would be an easier transition from college dance squad to NFL squad than from a college cheer squad.  Does it matter what previous experience a potential NFL cheerleader has?

Richelle: My transition from a college cheer squad to the NFL was very smooth. Prior dance experience is helpful, but it’s not necessarily needed in order to try-out for the NFL. Many of the TopCats have different dance backgrounds. Some danced from the time they were three years old, and some had no dance training. In my opinion, whether you have a strong dance background or not, the best way to prepare to be an NFL Cheerleader is to do your homework. Study the organization that you are trying out for, take dance classes so that you can train your mind and body to learn and retain choreography, and lastly, but most importantly, maintain a healthy workout regime. A person should be at their best, physically, when auditioning. Not only does it show on the outside, but the judges see it on the inside as well.

UC.com: When you tried out the first time to be a Panthers cheerleader, did you make it?

Richelle: Yes. I was fortunate to make the Panthers cheerleading squad the first time I tried out. I had always dreamed about being a cheerleader for the NFL, so this was a very important goal of mine. My second year at the University of South Carolina, I didn’t make the cheerleading squad so that prompted me to audition for the Carolina Panthers. At the time, I was a full time student, and I lived in Columbia. Like a 19 year old, I didn’t map anything out nor did I try to figure out how I was going to commute back and forth from Columbia to Charlotte. All that I knew was that I loved football, I wanted to dance, and I was determined to be on someone’s roster. My family supported me in my decision, providing my grades did not suffer, so that was enough for me.  I’m a “one day at a time” type of girl when it comes to my career. I never imagined being with the Panthers for ten years. I fell in love with this organization and their family-oriented values from day one. My teammates were not just teammates, but they were my family. Because I joined the Panthers at a young age, I grew up with this organization, and my experiences have shaped me into the person I am today.

UC.com: What are your most memorable moments as part of the TopCats?

Richelle: There are too many to list, but the one experience that I  could relive over and over again would be going to the Super Bowl! The fans, the team and the community were at an ultimate high! You anticipate the experience and imagine what it will be like, but until you’re actually living it, it doesn’t come close to your imagination!

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Continue reading “Richelle Grant’s One Day at a Time Attitude Leads to a Memorable TopCats Decade”

Sarah Mitchell

sarahkcdSarah Mitchell is a former New England Patriots Cheerleader and former Knicks City Dancer.  Now she is one of the dancers in Christina Aquilera’s movie Burlesque. Sarah performed with Christina on the AMA’s the other night and just performed on Dancing With the Stars earlier this week.

Plenty of videos of Sarah’s performances on her fan page at Facebook, and you can also follow her on Twitter.

Sun scribe dances with Eskimos cheer team

By Andrew Hanon
Edmonton Sun
November 24, 2010
[watch the video]

Johnny Campbell, you created a monster.

A high-flying, gravity-defying, move-busting monster.

That’s the only way I can describe the Edmonton Eskimo Cheer Team, which will host the 2010 Grey Cup Cheer Team Extravaganza on Nov. 27.

Campbell is the man credited with inventing modern cheerleading at the University of Minnesota in 1898.

DUDES CHANTING

Back then it was an all-male affair known simply as “yell-leading” because, well, that’s all it really was: a bunch of dudes chanting through megaphones at the crowd during football games, trying to get everyone cheering for their team.

According to cheerleading lore, they began performing acrobatic shows during stoppages in play in order to keep fans from wandering outside the stadium to drink.

It wasn’t until the Second World War and a shortage of college-age men that female cheerleaders became commonplace.

My own impression of organized cheering goes back to the decadent, disco- era 1970s, when the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders debuted their skimpy outfits and gyrated like strippers on the sidelines. Like every other teenage boy in North America, I barely noticed the football game going on in the background.

That’s what I was thinking when I crashed a recent Eskimo cheer team practice at Perfect Storm Athletics in the West End.

No sweat, I thought as I strode in. Anything they can do, I can do better. After all, back in my university days, I was a real athlete — one of the guys the cheerleaders were cheering for. How hard can it be to wave a pom-pom, jump around and scream like a girl?

It was then that I noticed a woman flying eight metres into the air, spin around and land delicately into the arms of two male team mates.

Mouth agape, I thought, this is way higher than it looks from the 30th rows up at Commonwealth Stadium.

“It’s a little more work than it looks,” says Dianne Greenough, the team’s coach and owner of Perfect Storm. In fact, she chose the location specifically because of its 30-foot ceilings. “They get up there pretty high.”

The team is divided into two squads: the stunt squad and the dance squad. Most are university students but still devote 10 -15 hours a week to perfecting their moves.

Oh, yeah. I’m ready to show them how it’s done.

2010-esks_chelsea-cropMy first task was to take >Chelsea, a petite fourth-year economics student at the University of Alberta, and toss her around like a rag doll.

“Are you sure?” I asked her, feeling like a heart surgeon about to perform his first solo.

“Of course,” she said, not a hint of fear in her eyes.

Next thing I knew, Chelsea was standing on my hands, which I held a shoulder height.

On either side of us, several other pairs in the same position were rotating around us like a chorus line.

Next I had to toss Chelsea in the air and catch her by the waist while Dylan and Mitchel made sure I didn’t drop her.

When she landed safely I was soaked in sweat, some from the effort, most from terror.

“You did great,” Chelsea said kindly as I sobbed with relief.

Next up, the dance team.

2010-esks_cheryl-cropWhen Cheryl, who has her master’s degree in translation and plans a career in the diplomatic corps, informed me that she’s been dancing for more than two decades (which must mean she began in the womb), a tiny whimper escaped me.

I was placed in the middle of the front row and made to perform a series of contortions that included “washing my hair” (I know, I know. I got the irony) and finishing up “sexy” — which couldn’t have been further from truth. It looked more like I was having a seizure.

SORE BACK

When the ordeal was finally over, I had a sore back, a throbbing hamstring and a whole new appreciation for cheer teams.

Next time I go to a football game, I’ll ogle their artistry and athleticism.

The Grey Cup Cheer Team Extravaganza, which features seven-minute routines from all eight CFL teams, will be at Grant MacEwan University on Nov. 27.

Doors open at 4 p.m. and the show begins at 5. Tickets at the door are $15.

First Person Singular: Redskins Cheerleader Jamilla Keene

Interview by KK Ottesen
Washington Post

jamillaI remember the day that we got our rookie rings at the end of my first season. I felt like: Oh, wow, I’ve made it. Kind of like becoming a part of a sorority. In college, I always thought about pledging for a sorority but never really had the time because, as a scholarship athlete, you’re very busy practicing. But that’s how it felt. It’s like having 39 sisters every year. And we perform with the alumnae every couple of years, so you get to meet the ladies from the ’60s and the ’70s, too. The “sorority,” the family, is huge. I have a group of ladies that showed me the ropes when I got here, showed me what it was to be a Redskins cheerleader. There’s six of us; we call ourselves “Sex in the City” when we go to dinner and catch up, see how everyone’s doing, their kids. So that support system never goes away.

This is my eighth season cheering now. Most people stay about two, three years, but I love doing this. Sometimes I wish I could stop time. But seeing the next generation come in and how much they enjoy it, that keeps me going. We have a few girls on the team now that are 18, 19, and you’re mentoring and coaching them to be that next generation. Because, in the end, their success is the alumnae’s success, as well.

We all come from different backgrounds with the same passion for dance and sports. Like, we’ve had lawyers on the team, we have a young lady working on her MBA, one’s in med school, one just passed her bar exam. One girl’s from South Africa; we’ve had a few from Japan. Most of us work full time or are in school. And we also have a few full-time moms. We all come out here at night to practice twice a week. I think some people get the idea that we are cheerleaders all day, every day, just like the football players. I remember one time walking off the field and a lady screaming from the stands: “My gosh, those cheerleaders make way too much money; look at their earrings!” We wear a kind of Swarovski-style crystal; it’s costume jewelry, but it looks extremely expensive. So it made me giggle that this lady had this perception that we make a lot of money. I mean, for football games we get paid $75 — that’s no secret. You do it for the love of what you do.

Monday Morning Cheerleader: Bailey of the Vikings

By Steve Mazzucchi
Esquire

The reality show that is Minnesota pro football stumbles on. And this fourth-year pom-pom shaker bravely tackles our questions about punching quarterbacks, football in baseball stadiums, and whether she’s faster than Adrian Peterson. Also: the end of Favre.

If only the producers of HBO’s Hard Knocks had trained their cameras on Vikings training camp this pre-season. Then we might have some deeper insight into how last year’s 12-4 juggernaut began such a brutal descent in 2010. Just yesterday, the team suffered a 31-3 shellacking by the Packers to fall to 3-7, and there seems to be no way back for a coach shrouded in controversy, a quarterback riddled with issues, injuries, and interceptions, and a defensive tackle stuck in a misspelled jersey.

And yet, hope wears a purple skirt. Her name’s Bailey, she hails from Wayzata, Minnesota, and she’s a clinical recruiter. “I put together teams of people to design medical devices,” she explains. “I love being up-to-date with research that’s saving lives.” She’s also optimistic about her cheerleading squad’s calendar, if nothing else. “It’s a mix-and-match with thirty-four of the best-looking women in Minnesota. You can keep one girl up all month or have a different girl every day.” We’ll stick with this one for now.

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ESQUIRE: It’s gotta be worse losing to the Packers than any other team, right?

BAILEY: Yeah, they’re our biggest rivals, and they’re so close that we interact with Packer fans on a day-to-day basis. There were a lot of them at the game, and they don’t have cheerleaders, so they’ve never been properly taught how to cheer. We have to show them how it’s done.

ESQ: More drama — The Real Housewives of New Jersey or The Real Football Team of Minnesota?

BAIL: The Real Football Team of Minnesota. We’ve given the press so much to talk about — with trades, injuries, and personal issues, they don’t have to dig for it. Not to mention coming off a season like last year. But I’m with the team through thick and thin.

ESQ: What’s the general feeling about Brad Childress?

BAIL: I’ve met coach Childress. I think he’s a great guy. I’ve never played or coached football, but I don’t think the outcome of a season can fall on one person. We have a lot of talent that’s not being used properly, and some players not playing to best of their abilities. Something isn’t meshing. That’s kind of a red flag.

ESQ: How much have Brett Favre’s personal issues affected the team?

BAIL: There’s so much more that the Vikings need to be concerned about than his personal life. Brett Favre isn’t having an outstanding season. However, our offensive line isn’t protecting him that well, and he’s looking at a revolving door of receivers. We had Randy Moss and then no Moss. Bernard Berrian’s injured now. Percy Harvin’s always questionable with migraines. We’re just getting Sidney Rice back. A lack of consistency is the biggest problem across our team as a whole.

ESQ: You think any part of Favre is wishing he’d just stayed in Mississippi with his Wranglers and his tractors?

BAIL: I’m sure he kind of wishes he had ended on a high note. But I don’t think Favre is in it for the money, fame, and glamor. I think he loves football, and that’s why he came back. You can look at this as a loss to his old team. But it was also another day he got to get out there and played football. I hope he looks at it that way.

ESQ: Any bright spots for the Vikes this season?

BAIL: Whenever anyone starts talking about Adrian Peterson, it puts a smile on their face. He is by far our biggest weapon, and he has no fumbles this season. He’s averaging 130 total yards per game, and he’s just fun to watch. Despite injuries and migraines, Harvin is an incredible player. I’m still proud of our team.

ESQ: In your bio video, you challenge Peterson to race. What kind of distance are we talking here?

BAIL: I’ll race the length of a football field. I’m confident. The offer’s still on the table, and he hasn’t responded. I think there might be a little bit of nerves on his part.

ESQ: Meanwhile, Jared Allen has five-and-a-half sacks in his last three games and The Quarterback Killer’s Cookbook. Have you read it?

BAIL: I’ve heard of it, but I’m not gonna kill any QBs any time soon, so I’ll stick with the “Lean, Still-Fit-into-the-Vikings-Cheerleader-Costume” cookbook.

ESQ: How impressed are you with E.J. Henderson recovering from that nasty broken leg last year to star again on defense?

BAIL: I remember the sound. And then it was like the whole dome just stopped. Everyone was quiet. It’s so exciting to see him healthy and have that spark.

ESQ: This weekend, Illinois and Northwestern played at Wrigley Field. Think it would help the Vikings to play at the new Target Field where the Twins play?

BAIL: I think the Vikings need a new stadium so we never have to come to that. We’re pushing for it, and I’ll be so excited when that day comes.

ESQ: In the Steelers-Raiders game, Richard Seymour punched Ben Roethlisberger. Is there any instance where punching another player is justified?

BAIL: Absolutely not. It’s a football game — it’s about athleticism and talent. That kind of physicality is not going to solve anything. It’s just gonna hurt your team.

ESQ: What if he says something about your mom?

BAIL: Make a mom comment back.

ESQ: The NFC seems wide-open this year. Which teams stand out to you as Super Bowl contenders?

BAIL: The NFC has been having a strange season. There haven’t really been any standout teams. But I don’t want to play the Packers again, that’s for sure.

ESQ: You went skydiving last year. Does a guy have to be an adrenaline junkie to impress you?

BAIL: He doesn’t have to be an adrenaline junkie, but he’s gotta come with me. He’s gotta be up for the adventure. He’s gotta be ready to go.

[Bailey at Vikings.com]

Hartford Colonials Cheerleaders Season Finale & Youth Cheerleader Day

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A long (and cold) day last Saturday for the Hartford Colonials Cheerleaders.

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The day began at 9:00am (for a 3:3pm kickoff) with a three-hour rehearsal with local cheerleading squads and dance groups for the big halftime show.

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Recording Artist Jessica Jarrell at the rehearsal. Jesica would perform during the finale of the show.

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As the day progressed things warmed up a bit. But November in New England is no place for the bare midriffs and miniskirts….

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Or is it? The Cheerleaders took the field with only hair bands as a concession to the cold.

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At the beginning of the 2nd quarter, as the sun was setting, the cheerleaders donned warm-up jackets.

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But lost the jackets for the half-time show.

Inspired by this show of Cheerleader professionalism, the Colonials defeated the first place Las Vegas Locomotives by a score of 27-13.

[Colonials Cheerleaders Gallery]

[Hartford Colonial Cheerleaders]

Monday Night Football – The Chargers Buck the Broncos

The San Diego Chargers have a rivalry of sorts with the Denver Broncos. There’s a lot of history between the two clubs and the past few years, the Broncos were the Chargers main competition for an AFC West Division title. And to make matters worse, there was bad blood between the two team’s signal callers, until Jay Cutler whined his way out of Denver last year.

One week ago, the Broncos defeated the AFC West leading Kansas City Chiefs in convincing fashion, so on paper this week’s game looked like a good one…an important one if you have aspirations for the post season. It has been typical of the Chargers to start the season out slowly, losing to teams that they should have easily beaten.  So this game was a must win. And with a Monday Night Football audience, it was a chance to prove the Chargers belonged on the list of contenders for post season honors.

So on a cold California evening, the Broncos took the opening kickoff and drove the length of the field to score a touchdown and then they promptly gave up the next 35 points to the Chargers before scoring a meaningless touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Chargers bucked the Broncos, 35 – 14.

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Continue reading “Monday Night Football – The Chargers Buck the Broncos”