Ten from the Line Welcomes New England Patriots Cheerleader Amanda Riddle
By Greg Sullivan
Herald News Staff Reporter
In the world of imminent retirees, Amanda Riddle Amanda Riddle certainly ranks in the top one percentile in terms of looks. Granted she’s only 24. And she’s just starting her true long-term career.
The Tiverton High resident also holds a very high-profile part-time job. She’s a third-year member of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders. That means 2011 – and, she hopes, a month-and-a-half into 2012 – is her farewell tour. Cheerleader team rules require members to hang up the boots after three years.
A graduate of Tiverton High School, Riddle recently completed her work at the University of Rhode Island and is a doctor of pharmacy. In high school, Riddle’s sports were soccer and cheerleading. At URI, she was a member of the dance team that performed at athletics events. Then she succeeded in landing a sport with the Patriots Cheerleaders, a job she worked hard to keep for the following two years. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a second-year veteran. You still have to try out with everyone else, so all the spots are open,” Riddle said. “It’s a little nerve wracking, but it keeps us on our game. There’s high standards to be a Patriots Cheerleader and the re-auditioning helps to keep it that way.”
There are also some great perks, in addition to getting to see the Patriots play from field level. The cheerleading squad recently returned from a trip to Aruba for a photo shoot for its 2012 swimsuit calendar. Riddle has also traveled to China and last winter to Afghanistan to encourage the troops.
This world traveler has not forgotten her roots, and she was happy to accept our invitation to visit her alma mater (Tiverton High School) to be a guest on Ten From the Line.
