Q & A with Jackson County’s own Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader

By Greg Matics
Jackson Newspapers

The following is a question and answer session with Jackson County’s own new Baltimore Ravens cheerleader, “Whitney” of Ravenswood, who was recently named to the 2012 squad for the NFL football team.

Question: What made you decide to try out for a spot on the Baltimore Ravens cheer squad?

Whitney: “I’ve always known that I wanted to take my performing skills to the professional level. Furthermore, I’ve always loved the state of Maryland, in which I have family and friends. So I put the two together! The Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading Team is such a prestigious team filled with talent. I knew instantly that I would love to be part of such a great program. Being a Baltimore Ravens cheerleader is allowing me to put my love of dance and love of cheerleading and performing for an audience all together. It’s the perfect package, and I’m so proud to be a part of the team.”

Question: Tell me about the process you went through to make the squad. What were the requirements?

Whitney: “The process started out with a couple of optional clinics beginning in February. Then, there was a weekend where they taught the material, and the try-outs began based upon the dance we learned and our personal dance skills. Afterwards, cuts were made, and interviews were scheduled. I met with the judges for a private interview. From there, I went to ‘Making The Cut,’ which is a public try-out with a live audience. Approximately 700 tickets were sold, so the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anxiety. Then the final cut was made and the team was announced for the first time. It was such an exciting experience, and I loved every minute of it. It was intimidating, of course, but on the flip side it pushed me to perform to the best of my ability.”

Question: How excited are you to be part of the Ravens and cheering in the NFL?

Whitney: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have made the team, and a part of me is still in shock too. I can’t believe that I am a part of one of the best NFL cheer teams in the nation. It’s literally a dream come true. I’m getting to do what I love most, while fulfilling the rest of my life’s cravings: getting my college degree in Sports Journalism, working hard, and furthering my performing skills.”

Question: You’ve been involved in cheerleading, twirling and pageants. How long have you participated in each activity and which is your favorite?

Whitney: “I have cheered for 15 years. I started out in the Ravenswood Little League C-Team Pom Pom Squad. I have participated in pageants for 15 years as well. I have had a baton in my hand since the age of 2. However, I didn’t stat actually competing in twirling competitions until age 7. I have danced for 10 years. I don’t necessarily have a favorite. I love them all. They have all made me a stronger individual, as well as the performer that I am today. I can say that each activity has been strongly influential in my performing career.”

Question: What’s next as far as the Ravens’ cheer squad is concerned?

Whitney: “Next, the Baltimore Ravens ‘ female cheerleaders are headed to the Bahamas for our swimsuit photo shoot for our 2012 calendar! It is part of a huge fan trip known as ‘Spring Fling,’ where our radio partner and over 200 fans travel with us for a week of fun in the sun. Then it’s back to Baltimore for Cheerleader Training Camp and practices two times per week to get ready for the season.”

Question: How about background on you—family, education, awards, plans?

Whitney: “I’m the daughter of David and Polla and the sister to Ben. I’m currently a student at Marshall University studying Sports Journalism. I was a three-time Cheerleader of the Year Award winner at Ravenswood High School, an All-American Cheerleader, a three-time Overall Best Performer Award winner through Rave Revue show choir competitions and was awarded the Joyce Good-Pitchford Scholarship. I’m a Marshall University Majorette and member of the Marshall University Dance Team. I plan to relocate to Maryland over the summer and continue my education as a Sports Journalism major.

”