UNGL Try-outs Show Signs of a Very Strong Foundation

Reported by Midwest Dave

Sunday was a big first step to build the cheerleader/dance squads for fledgling United National Gridiron League. In Mason, Ohio, just across the street from the players tryouts, the UNGL held auditions for cheerleader/dancers, choreographers, and dance squad directors. This regional audition focused on establishing dance squads for four of the eight teams located in Ohio, Miami, Virginia, and North Carolina. Based on the all-star line-up of people interviewing for the choreographer/director positions, there are signs that the foundation will have some very strong building blocks, indeed! Among the women and men who are interested in being part of the UNGL cheer squad leadership, they total almost 30 years of NFL squad experience stretching from coast to coast, and also experience cheering for some of the biggest crowds in college football.

As one would expect with a regional audition, most of the focus was interviewing candidates for the choreographer/director positions, who would then go back to the team’s region and complete a local try-out process. UNGL Entertainment Director Roxanne Pringle interviewed several candidates for these positions, and it felt like a “who’s who” of cheerleading. Among those interviewing for these squad leadership positions were Shannon, an ELEVEN NFL year veteran formerly a member of the Carolina Panthers squad; Rolleen and Laura, both veterans of two NFL squads; and Patrick, a 4-year member of the Ohio State cheerleading squad. Roxanne was impressed with the strong candidates that applied for these staff positions.

Shannon

When I arrived, Shannon, who is still affiliated with the Panthers squad, was helping the women who came to tryout as cheerleaders with some routines. For Shannon, whose love for both dancing and football is immediately apparent, the UNGL opportunity came up at the perfect time. Shannon retired from the Panthers squad in April, and she is ready to break out and try something different. She wants to stay in shape, stay fresh, and to be part in some element of dance. She was the director and choreographer of a squad in the AIFL just to see how she liked the new role, and it prepared her for new challenges. She is excited for the UNFL’s future, because with the loss of NFL Europe and the AFL, Shannon believes the league is a much needed door where players can “sparkle and shine” as they try to move up to the next level.

For Shannon, the Panthers cheerleading squad is a family to her in many ways. She has built strong friendships over the years on the squad, including the current director and assistant director. Plus on this Sunday, Shannon would normally be helping with the junior cheerleaders, but since she was in Ohio, her mom stepped in and is helped out. Quite an inter-twined family indeed!

Roxanne and Rolleen

Rolleen cheered for both the Niners and Raiders, and not only known as a cheerleader but as a guitarist who has played on stage with some of the greats of rock. Rolleen loved her time with the Raiderettes, particularly the appreciation of the Raiders fans. Rolleen said that during the pre-game Raiderette walk through the parking area, it felt like they had 50,000 bodyguards. Rolleen still teaches dance, particularly tap, but still loves the idea of branching out and running her own squad. Rolleen misses being part of dance squads and loves the idea of mixing it up to try something new. Besides the “on the sideline” activities, Rolleen is very interested in having a squad that would be part of the community, performing charitable event support.

Laura and Kristen

Laura has also been part of two NFL squads, and always wanted to move to the director level at the pro level. She has coached high school and college squads, and is ready for the next challenge. Laura said she would like her squad to be more than a dance team, in that the members should gain friendships, opportunities for professional growth, and leadership skills.

Patrick

Patrick’s sideline experience was to cheer on the Buckeyes at the college level, but he has a passion for dance choreography. With his love of dance, he is excited about the opportunity to both teach and create. With a degree in business marketing from OSU, he still looks for choreography opportunities to use his artistic side. Patrick said the two sides of his brain constantly struggle, but artistic normally wins out.

Danielle and Michelle

As expected, the women who arrived to try-out for the cheerleader/dancers slots were mainly local from the Ohio area. Some had never tried out before, so the opportunity to work with and speak to such experienced cheerleaders will help them prepare to be part of the sidelines entertainment. Even a four-year Raiderette veteran like Roxanne didn’t make the squad the first time she tried out. So these try-out experiences will be valuable to build upon. Among those trying out for squad slots were Nicole, an aspiring actress and professional model, who is interested in the UNGL squads. Michelle was a dancer for the University of Cincinnati, and both her and friend Danielle were intrigued by opportunities to try-out on the pro sports level.

Shannon and Danielle

So that was step number one for building UNGL cheerleading, and certainly it appears building blocks are in place for a strong foundation. But there is much left to do! Now, each of the four teams will hold auditions locally to fill the Ohio, Miami, Virginia, and North Carolina squads by December. Plus, the second of the regional try-outs will be held in November in the cheerleader-crazy state of Texas.

Nicole

Nicole and Shannon

Lots to do, but lots of energetic people are going to make it happen!