Bucs Celebrate 10th Year Anniversary of Super Bowl Victory
On last Sunday the Buccaneer organization honored members of the Super Bowl Championship team of 2002. The 10 year reunion ceremony was held at halftime of the Bucs 21-23 gut wrenching loss to Philadelphia. In 2002 the Bucs had to beat a fine Eagles team in the NFC championship to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl clash with the Oakland Raiders. At the time the Bucs were a big underdog in Philly and the victory was viewed as a major hurdle toward their championship success.
Although the players were in the limelight this week I thought it would be fitting to track down and chat with a few of the cheerleaders from that 2002 squad. Kimberly Kolinski, Tammy Denbo and Cathy Boyd were best buddies as members of the TBBC in the Super Bowl season and they still remain involved with the Bucs cheerleaders today. Catherine is in her 3rd season as manager of the current squad and both Kimberly and Tammy serve as volunteer coordinators on game day. Cathy cheered 6 seasons for the Buccaneers and in 2002 she hit the grand salami of NFL cheerleading by being a line captain, Super Bowl Winner and a Pro Bowl selection representing the Bucs in Hawaii.
Kimberly and Tammy displaying their SB XXXVII rings
Kimberly (TBBC 1999-2004) was a former co-host on NBC‘s Buccaneer pre-game show. Kimberly tells me “on June 14, 2003 we had the honor of attending the private team ceremony where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl Championship rings were unveiled. I remember looking around the room filled with players, coaches, cheerleaders, and so many familiar faces within the Buccaneers family and there was pure joy and excitement in the eyes of everyone who shared in the season that united us forever. It was a night that proved dreams really do come true – a Super Bowl ring! At this red carpet affair we watched on a large movie screen a behind the scenes video as to how the rings were designed and produced by the renowned Tiffany & Co. Waiters arrived at our tables with the Tiffany blue box individually wrapped and after a moment of silence due to complete awe the room turned into an explosion of fun filled photos. I paused for a moment and looked around, just as I had when I stood on the field and realized we had just won the Super Bowl. I made a promise to myself to never forget the history that was taking place before my very eyes. My 25th birthday happened to fall on the day we won the Super Bowl, so when I looked down at my hand I realized that my birth date will forever be engraved on my Super Bowl ring. Just when you think it can’t be more magical….”
Tammy (TBBC 2001-2004), a successful attorney and humanitarian in Tampa, shared her most exciting remembrance of the 2002 season “ prior to opening day, the TBBC Talent Troupe was invited to participate in a 3 week military tour with Armed Forces Entertainment. With it being only months after 9/11, many American troops were stationed abroad. We were given the blessing of raising their spirits by bringing them some American cheer. From Uzbekistan, to Turkey, to Egypt, we performed for troops, but more importantly, we spent time with them and reminded them of all they were fighting for. On behalf of all Americans back home, we showed them how much we appreciate their sacrifices that allow us to enjoy things like the entertainment of NFL Football. Catherine, Kimberly and I were honored to experience this tour together. It created a bond that will never be severed – look at us today….we are still on the sidelines together cheering on our favorite team – THE BUCS!!!!”
Current squad members also spoke excitingly about SBXXXVII. Taylor was in 6th grade when the Bucs won the Super Bowl. “We had a HUGE Super Bowl party at our house and I remember decorating the house with every Bucs accessory you could think of – Bucs chip plates, plastic cups, red and black garland hung around the T.V. We were decked out in flashing red necklace lights hanging from our necks…yup I said it. It was a very loud and successful Super Bowl party. I will never forget– Mom even cried for a good 20 minutes after WE won”.
Current captain Lauren remembers “seeing the 2002 cheerleaders at the end of the game, with confetti everywhere, smiling, and dancing. I had already made the decision to audition for the upcoming season, but seeing them on TV and how beautiful and happy they were really sealed the deal for me”. Lauren is now finishing up her 5th and final year before heading into NFL cheerleader retirement.
Second year cheerleader Cassie was in high school when the Bucs won their Super Bowl: “I remember being so excited to watch the halftime show on T.V. Shania Twain, No Doubt, and Sting put on a great performance, but nothing compared to the performance by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders. I was searching for them the entire game!”
Antasia, a rookie this year, was only 10 years old in 2002. “I remember my family was having a Super Bowl party at my aunts and I was listening to them yell and jump around every time the Bucs made a touchdown! I remember the Bucs was dominating the whole game because of our defense. I also remember watching the halftime show with my grandma and we were dancing together because Shania Twain is her favorite performer”.
Karen was 15 watching SBXXXVII with her family. “My dad and I were especially excited since we’ve both been huge Bucs fans since the creamsicle orange. My favorite parts of the game were the two interceptions by Brooks and Smith toward the end. They both sealed the deal and showed why we were the number one defense in the NFL”.
As a side note to chatting with Tammy I want to mention the fine work she does with “People for Haiti”. This non profit is made up of volunteers (including Cathy) who travel to Haiti frequently throughout the year providing medical mission care and delivering much needed supplies to the earthquake victims.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t give out well deserved kudos’ to little 10 year old Christian Bottger, Captain Fear and the Buccaneer Cheerleaders for going Big Time on their appearance on the Today Show in NYC. “Gangnam Style” works
Jessie, Christian, Kari, Katie, Lauren, Kasey, Paige and Jeanne
Line Captain Ashlee was highlighted as Cheerleader of the Game
Cassie
Taylor
Rookie Emily
Rookie Antasia
Lauren’s Line: Jeanne, Amanda, Karen, Katie, Lauren, Miwa and Jacqueline
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Nice work once again Jackson!!
It must have been real hard to track down the details for this article, but Jackson was the right man for the job. His dedication to getting the real story behind these pretty faces is a testament to his professionalism.