‘America’s sweethearts’ line up for Rivs game

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders to appear at Saturday’s [Peoria Rivermen] game

By Steve Tarter
Peoria Journal Star
Mar 03, 2011

PEORIA —

As national icons, they incorporate elements of the Playboy Bunny sex symbol with the showmanship of the San Diego Chicken. But the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders exhibit staying power – among other attributes – so expect America’s favorite sideline attraction to draw plenty of attention Saturday during a performance at the Peoria Rivermen game.

The Dallas group, now billed as “America’s sweethearts,” first appeared to root on the Cowboys in 1972 but take their show on the road year round.

“Sometimes we do more work in the offseason. We travel a lot more now,” said Trisha Trevino, 26, who, in her sixth year as a cheerleader, serves as the reigning veteran on the squad.

Thirty-four women comprise the main cheerleading team, with 12 making up the travel team that tours the country. Both Trevino and fellow cheerleader Brooke Sorenson, 23, now in her fifth year with the Dallas group, are on the team that will appear at the Peoria Rivermen game.

There’s a distinct advantage to interviewing two cheerleaders over the telephone: No distractions. Listening to voices over the phone means you don’t get caught up with those angelic faces, blinding smiles or perfect hair.

Both women are lifelong dancers. Trevino, whose sister Crystal is also on the Dallas squad, grew up around Dallas and always wanted to wear the white boots and short-shorts in support of the Cowboys.

“When I was 12, I was in a competition and actually performed with the Dallas cheerleaders. I just always wanted to do that,” she said.

The fact that Dallas finished a disappointing 6-10 last season hasn’t disillusioned Trevino. “We love cheering at the games. We enjoy performing. Of course, it’s a lot more fun when we’re winning,” she said.

“Of course, we try to have fun, no matter what,” added Trevino, who works at a Dallas-area insurance company when she’s not in a cheerleader uniform.

Sorenson grew up in Florida but traveled to Texas to become a Cowboy cheerleader at age 18, the minimum age for inclusion on the squad.

So what does it take to be a Cowboy cheerleader? Sorenson’s take was simple. “You have to be a really good dancer, very fit and very attractive. You have to be able to think on your feet and be able to speak on camera,” she said.

Sorenson hopes to do more speaking on camera after her pompom days are over. “I’m taking online classes in broadcast communications,” she said.

So do Dallas cheerleaders check out the competition? “I don’t really watch what others do. We’re so busy with practice and a fulltime job. It takes a lot of work,” Trevino said.

That work element comes across in the CMT reality TV series “Making the Team,” which portrays the trials and tribulations of young women trying to make the cheerleader squad.

The TV show is just part of the growth industry that’s sprung up around America’s best-known cheerleaders. There are also exercise videos, swimsuit calendars and sportswear.

It’s a business that’s extremely competitive. Although both women serve as group leaders, veteran cheerleaders can’t rest on their laurels, said Trevino. “You have to try out every year,” she said.

Cheerleaders are expected to know and execute 50 different dance routines – all performed with a smile in front of 60,000 people in 100-degree heat. “It’s not just about dancing around,” said Trevino.

At least, the cheerleaders won’t have to worry about all that heat down near the ice at the Rivermen game.

Steve Tarter can be reached at 686-3260 or starter@pjstar.com.

If you go:

– What: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform at the Peoria Rivermen’s game against the Chicago Wolves.

– When: 7:05 p.m. Saturday.

– Where: Carver Arena.

– Cost: Tickets $10 to $25. VIP meet-and-greet tickets are $50. Call 676-1040 or visit the Civic Center box office.