Cleveland’s “Glad” to Have the Goddesses and Kickoff Crew

Back on April 16th, I had the opportunity to see the wonderful Cleveland Goddesses in action at the Gladiators AFL game against the Voodoo, and was so pleased to be able to interview Dance Team Coordinator Kristen Bickel, and Goddesses Kristie, Elise, and Danielle. Here are a few more photos of the evening’s activities of the Goddesses, plus, there is a second important cheer team with loads of spirit, the Kickoff Crew.

Plus, for this Saturday’s game on March 21st, the Goddesses are supporting the the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women.”  See their video:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKtcWXJqkK4[/youtube]

Prior to the Glads-Voodoo game last month, the Goddesses circulated to meet fans in the concourses prior to the game, including encountering a sizable lion.

The Kickoff Crew rose to the occassion, and enthusiastically showed their precision at the main entrance gate of the Quicken Arena. Heather Zidek is the coordinator of the co-ed Kickoff Crew.

It was time for player introductions, so the Goddesses hit the field for their first performance.

The game began and the Goddesses performed in three locations around the Arena, including a group that performed in the upper sections.  For the Goddesses at field level, when the ball was at the other end of the field, they would enter the field and perform in the end zone.

The Kickoff Crew was also active during the game, particularly supporting the in-game fan participation entertainment when they weren’t entertaining with their elevations. One fan event the Kickoff Crew helped with was helping a fan catch falling items in their shopping cart. I just imagine Sheldon from “The Big Bang Theory” could come up with the parsimonious strategy to evaluate time, distance, and gravitational pull, but for the rest of us, it looks like crazy fun.

At halftime, the Goddesses changed into their skirts and black boots look, but retreated during the third quarter to prepare for their second half routine. Between the third and fourth quarters, the Goddesses hit center stage to perform to Queen’s “Body Language,” which was choreographed by Goddess Heather. One of the highlights was Angela’s aerial cartwheel. I watched Angela hit this move several times, during practice on a basketball court and on turf during the game, and not only did she do it every time, she showed utter and complete relaxation. I think Angela could do that aerial while eating an apple with one hand, a beverage in the other, while talking on her cell.

The Goddesses returned to perform for a real nail biter of a game. The Goddesses are on the field in the end zone when the ball is on the other side of the field, and without any ‘out of bounds’ to run to, I asked Danielle what they told them to do if there is an interception, and Danielle told me the straight forward instructions, “Run!” Well, I saw this in action, as a turnover occurred soon after while the Goddesses were on the field, and they made a bee line to the doors in the walls of the field.

Also, Goddess Alyssa was featured on the video board during the second half.

The game came down to the final play, but the visiting Voodoo prevailed 34-33. But the Gladiators still stand at five wins versus three losses, atop their division.

Great job Goddesses and Kickoff Crew, and their coordinators Kristen and Heather, providing great entertainment and team support (local cheer team standings, Gladiators 2, Browns 0). And good luck Goddesses, as you look to “see red” at Saturday’s game!