Hopefuls shake and shimmy to join New York Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders
This year’s squad is looking for 15 rookies to fill out the 40-woman roster. About 170 tried out on Saturday at MetLife Stadium.
By Joseph Stepansky AND Corinne Lestch
New York Daily News
Saturday, April 13, 2013
The New York Jets hosted their 2013 Flight Crew Cheerleaders auditions at MetLife Stadium.
Dozens of fresh-faced New York Jets fans hoped to fulfill life-long dreams — dressed in skimpy sports gear — by competing in Flight Crew Cheerleaders tryouts Saturday.
Crew director Denise Garvey said it was the “Year of the Rookie” — 15 spots out of 40 needed will be filled by beginner beauties who can shake their stuff and stand out in a crowd.
Tia Dipietro dances during the Flight Crew Cheerleaders auditions.
“I want no regrets,” said Lauren Strumpf, 22, a graduate student at Hunter College. “I’ve been hitting the gym really hard.”
A Flight Crew hopeful kicks things into high gear during tryouts.
A Flight Crew hopeful kicks things into high gear during tryouts.
Wearing a sequined Jets tank top, the Hoboken, N.J., native echoed many other hopeful Gang Green girls who said they jumped at the chance to combine two passions: football and performing.
Mary Papuyo competes during the Flight Crew Cheerleaders preliminary round.
About 170 flexible females between ages 18 and 30 stretched, twirled and did splits in the Lexus Club, overlooking the 50-yard line at MetLife Stadium.
“It’s very important being in the right technique, but holding your core for that long can be difficult,” said a nervous Tia Dipietro, 23, wearing a gold-sequined sports bra.
Dana Gioia takes a minute to pose during Flight Crew auditions at MetLife Stadium.
Dana Gioia, a special education teacher from Long Island sporting a tiny Jets tank top, came back to audition a second time.
Kathleen Christatos does the splits while competing during the Jets' Flight Crew Cheerleaders auditions.
“I’m more mentally prepared,” the 27-year-old said. “This would mean the world to me. It’s pursuing a career in something I love.
Victoria Nunez (left) from Long Island, Beth Sergeant (center) from Manhattan and Christie Kascak (right) from Manhattan pose during the auditions at MetLife Stadium.
Dana Gioia takes to the dance floor during tryouts for the Jets' Flight Crew. About 170 hopefuls showed up for the auditions.
Dancers wait for their turn to try out during the Jets' Flight Crew Cheerleaders auditions.
Tia Dipietro warms up before the auditions. There are 15 spots open for rookies on this year's squad.
