Nighthawks Cheerleading Talent Search Completed

by Kat Welch, Public Relations Manager
United Football League
July 1, 2010

In front of a crowd of more than 500 Omaha Nighthawks UFL fans at the Westroads Mall, 32 talented, passionate and energetic local young women were selected as the new Omaha cheerleading squad.

Becoming a Ladyhawk was no easy feat as 75 eager women arrived at the first round of auditions on June 12. Round one narrowed the large group down to 45 potential members of the new dance team, which will be one of the off-field highlights of the new 2010 season when the Nighthawks play at Rosenblatt Stadium. Round two put the girls on the spot and opened the event for all of Omaha to attend.

“This was a real test for the girls,” said Omaha Cheer director Shan Stavroupolous. “Being a Nighthawk cheerleader means dancing and presenting yourself in front of a packed Rosenblatt Stadium, so it was good to see the ladies perform in front of a crowd right away.”

The atmosphere at the final audition was electric. While the judges focused on the task at hand, Omaha fans showed their support for the team, signed up for the Nighthawks Fan Club and participated in contests for Omaha team merchandise and tickets for the 2010 season.

The expert panel of judges, along with radio personality Scott Vorhees of 1110 KFAB Radio, Mary Nelson, co-host for the Morning Blend Show and Shawn Bainbridge from OBI Creative, selected the final 32 women based on their technical skills, stage presence, and personality. The Nighthawks cheerleading squad will act as ambassadors to the League, representing the Omaha Nighthawks and the UFL in all their endeavors.

2010 Nighthawks Cheer Roster
Abby Butera
Amanda Blessing
Angela Albers
April Jankevicius
Callie Peacock
Cassie Gruidel
Chelsea Blaser
Chelsey Batenhorst
Colleen Waring
Haley Ryan
Jacque Albertson
Jamie Grinstead
Jamie Hamsa
Jamie Schocke
Janelle DeBoer
Kristen Johnson
Laura Jaros
Laura Reinsch
Leslee Bothof
Lindsay Schaible
Maddie Howard
Megan Bohn
Melissa Mullin
Michaela Black
Michelle Horn
Morgan Badders
Morgan Gradoville
Paige Kirlin
Rachel Busse
Sam Korpela
Steffanie Baker
Trish Ryan