Pressure Part of Routine for Bucs’ Cheerleading Hopefuls

By Shannon Liston
Tampa Bay Online
April 1, 2010
Gallery: Cheerleader tryouts

Veteran Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders know the drill. They must tackle difficult dance routines during practice, work hard in front of the fans at Raymond James Stadium and participate at numerous community events.

The work is time-consuming, and being a cheerleader is not their only job.

Some squad members are full-time students. Others have demanding careers.

Rookie cheerleader Nina Stauffer is one with a lot on her plate.

Stauffer attends St. Petersburg College and is a dance teacher.

“Time management is key,” the 20-year-old Palm Harbor native said.

Right now, Stauffer’s focus is earning spot on the 2010 cheerleading team.

Every year, veterans have to go through the auditioning process, just like every other candidate.

“It’s definitely a completely different experience,” Stauffer said. “Walking into it last year, I did not know anything. I didn’t know what tights to wear, how to do my hair or how to do my makeup.”

Only 34 women will be selected to be on the team.

With hundreds trying out, Stauffer knows everyone is gunning for her.

“Any girl could come in and (the judges) see something really great in her,” Stauffer admitted. “She could be better than any of us.”

Bucs cheerleading manager Catherine Boyd is keenly aware of the pressure the women face.

“We expect them to come in and stand out,” Boyd said.

Stauffer just hopes her dedication will leave a lasting impression and earn her another year on the squad.

“I’m putting more pressure on myself,” Stauffer said. “I really want all of the judges to see what I can do.”

Stauffer and the rest of the women who auditioned will find out Saturday if they made this year’s team.