Milwaukee’s AFL fans “pull for” their talented Fillies Dance Team
How could the Fillies possibly end up winning a tug o' war against burly firemen and policemen?
In their AFL game against the Georgia Force, the Milwaukee Mustangs could not pull out the win in a dramatic finish, after twice holding 21-point leads. However, their dance team, the Fillies, on the field as vast underdogs in their competition at halftime, pulled out a victory of their own, literally.
But that was just one component of their activity that night. Think the Mustangs rely on their Fillies Dance Team? Well, during the May 18th home game against the Georgia Force at the Bradley Center, as gates opened, the pre-game advertised promotion was Fillies poster autographs. At halftime, the Fillies not only performed but also participated in tug o’ wars against firemen and policemen, and at the end of the night, the Fillies were signing autographs during post-game when the fans are able to visit the turf. All this surrounding a game filled with routines and being part of the game break entertainment, you can see that the Fillies are one visible squad on game day.
Fans entered the Bradley Center and had a really tough decision: which table of Fillies should they start their autographs? It was Military Night, so veterans, current military members, and their families were prominent among the entering fans.
Fans such as Staff Sergeant Jim Lentz and his son John were part of Military Night
Soon, it was time for the Fillies to return to the locker room for a little pre-game prep. In a city that features a Harley-Davidson Museum, it was natural that right outside the locker room, motorcycles and one different type of Mustang, awaited to drive that the Fillies onto the field for pre-game introductions.
Fillies Megan and Allison in the sidecar, plus Melissa riding along, all get ready to ride out for player introductions
Amanda and the Fillies line up during pre-game introductions
By the start of the game, the Fillies made their way to the two stages outside both endzones to entertain during the game. Their boots hitting the stage during dances sounded like a stampede of Mustangs! They also hit the field during the game for routines, and throw out goodies to fans.
Michelle and Kristy perform on stage during the first quarter
Courtney during the Fillies' first quarter routine
At halftime, the Fillies kicked off the festivities with another high energy routine.
The Fillies prior to the halftime performance
Allison
But right after they left the field, they turned right around and came back on the playing surface, along with fireman and policemen. It was the Fillies versus strong men, in a tug o’ war clash. Certainly the Fillies were the longshots in this derby of strength. They tried and tried, but, alas, the Fillies seemed overmatched. But suddenly, two of the burly opponents came to their senses, and switched sides. The tide turned, and the Fillies Plus Two were victorious.
A couple of competitors were wise enough to pull for the Fillies
High fives for the victorious "Fillies Plus" team
Then, the two teams were balanced with equal numbers of Fillies and Firemen for the second tug. Arena Bowl Dream Team nominee Angela was in front of the line for her team, and was ready to lead them to victory. See her below as her team struggles at first, but comes on at the end to get the victory.
Angela (left) lets her opponents know she is ready
Angela's team was losing early....
...but Angela's team pulled out a win
After a quick change to some cute, blingy second half outfits, the Fillies were back during the dramatic second half. Early in the game, it seemed like the Mustangs were in complete control, as the Force only seemed effective on kickoffs, either returning them or recovering them off the net. Despite a strong performance by Mustangs quarterback Gino Guidugli, who completed an 22 of 27 passes for 299 yards and five touchdowns, turnovers and onside kicks gave the Force a chance, and Carlos Martinez’s 36-yard field goal with two seconds remaining gave the Force a 58-55 victory.
Allison
Danielle
Does it get any better? Fillies Allison and Kristy and a beer and pizza give-away
But this night was also about the military, and despite the loss, the Mustangs players returned to the field during post-game to give their special camouflage jerseys to veterans and active servicemen. The crowds then entered the field, many rushing over to get photos and autographs with the always undefeated Fillies.
Megan autographs during post-game
Many many thanks to Nicole L. Leblanc, Director of Media & Public Relations for the Mustangs (plus game emcee), and Fillies Captain Carlie (also an Arena Bowl Dream Team nominee, who is also Director of Merchandising/Communications for the Mustangs; there are sure some devoted people working for the Mustangs!) for giving UltimateCheerleaders the opportunity to see the Fillies during their night of entertaining the AFL fans!
There are also some more photo by clicking here.
