Ravens Cheerleader Tryouts Underway

Mike Duffy
BaltimoreRavens.com
3/7/2010

The Ravens won’t have any problems fielding their 2010 cheerleading squad.

This weekend, more than 200 hopefuls came to Merritt Downtown Athletic Center to show their wares before a panel of judges with the intent of cheering on the Ravens next season.

By Sunday, it was a good mix of veterans trying to make the team again and newbies with dreams of becoming one of the 50 elite cheerleaders in Charm City.

“It’s been crazy, but a fun time,” said Lindsay, a Baltimore native that at 17 years old may be one of the youngest to ever to make the team. “The veterans have all been supportive, but I just need to bring a positive attitude and do well in my dance. It is definitely nervous, though.”

That nervousness spilled over to the veterans, as well, noted Dottie L.

Sammi Jo, whom made the team as a rookie in 2008, was slightly shaking before she had to perform “One Love” by David Guetta.

“You’re never guaranteed anything here,” she said. “But this is what we all train for, this is what I love to do. I just hope all the work I’ve done is enough.”

From Saturday to Sunday, the Ravens cut down around 100 prospects with the desire to enter the week with 70 members that will have a final interview with cheerleader coordinator Tina Galdieri.

From there, the Ravens will take a squad of approximately 60 cheerleaders – both male and female – to the 2010 campaign.

Galdieri believes that the Ravens’ cheerleader swimsuit calendar, which is heading into its third edition of publication, has boostered the awareness of Baltimore cheerleaders.

While typically only sending a group of 15-20 cheerleaders to a tropical locale, the Ravens will now send their entire squad this year.

“It definitely has done a lot,” Galdieri said of the calendar. “It’s our first time taking the whole squad, and a lot of people know that. It’s been a great thing for the tryouts, because we’ve gotten a high quality of girls. “For next year, I’m hoping we’re the talk of the town. It’s a work in progress, but we’re getting better.”

There are a few more rounds of tryouts, but it’s not going to be difficult for the Ravens to have a calendar-worthy squad moving forward. Stay tuned to BaltimoreRavens.com for your official unveiling of the 2010 Ravens Cheerleading Squad.

Click here to see photos from the auditions on BaltimoreSun.com

Watch video from the auditions on Fox43.com (below)