The Tampa Bay Storm won a thriller on Saturday night beating the New Orleans Voo Doo 78-77. A 38 yard field goal at the 1.6 seconds mark in regulation tied the score and a gutsy two point conversion in overtime won it. The Storm are still in the playoff hunt but will not be playing any more home games since the Tampa Bay Times Forum is being turned over to the Republican National Committee.
Team President Derrick Brooks with his amazing pre game prediction of the two point conversion for the win.
Jalyssa and Morgan
Kerry, Sam and Kaitlynn
Tampa Bay Storm Cheerleaders Cori and Samantha greeting fans at the June 23rd game.
From TampaBayStorm.com
After nearly a month of fan voting, the Arena Football League announced the winners of “NET10 Dream Team” today. Tampa Bay Storm Cheerleader captain Tiffany was named to the squad.
“NET10 Dream Team” is composed of one dancer from each AFL team who will perform at ArenaBowl XXV. “NET10 Dream Team” will also make appearances during the ArenaBowl Championship Week.
Chicago Rush Coach/Choreographer Gloria Esposito has been selected as the 2012 “NET10 Dream Team” Director and Choreographer. Esposito began dancing with the Chicago Rush in their inaugural season in 2001. Esposito was named Captain of the squad in 2002 and spent 2004-2006 as the Head Captain. In 2007, Esposito was promoted to Assistant Director and in 2009, she became the team’s Coach/Choreographer. She also spent four seasons (1999-2003) with the Chicago Luvabulls, the Chicago Bulls dance team.
ArenaBowl XXV is set for August 10, 2012 in New Orleans.
[Tiffany on the Storm Website]
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Cheerleader captain Victoria Vodar is continuing to find success in her acting career. Vicki is in the latest Steven Soderbergh film — Magic Mike, staring Channing Tatum– scheduled for theatrical release on June 29. Follow Vicki at her web site link below.
Vicki in her cheerleading days
Vicki modeling for Tampa Hard Rock (credit Jackson)
Vicki (credit VictoriaVodar.com)
I had a fun assignment this week—-bop on down from Tampa to Miami to cover the first day of the 2012 Dolphin Cheerleaders auditions. Being the sports fanatic that I am I arrived early enough to make an obligatory visit to the new Marlins Park. The stadium is located on the Orange Bowl site in Little Havana. The Cubbies were in town and I was able to move around the sections to view numerous seat site lines. The roof was closed for the afternoon but the glass retractable outfield walls offered a nice panoramic view of the Miami sky line—must be even nicer at night. I recommend checking it out for a game.
Marlins Vision Host, Katherine Akra, with two members of the Energy Dancers.
On Saturday I had the pleasure to cover round one thru the semi finals of the annual MDC audition process. More than 300 women signed up to showcase their talents for a desired spot on one of the more prestigious squads of the NFL. The audition process is called grueling by some but my definition would be dueling because it eventually comes down to mano-a-mano with the equally talented women on each side of you. Many people in the performers’ community consider the NFL as the pinnacle of the cheer/dance field and the competition is always great for such an elusive spot. Even the veterans have to re-audition each year—no returnees are guaranteed.
The MDC are led by Dorie Grogan, Senior Director of Entertainment and Emily Newton Snow, Cheerleader Manager who both came up thru the ranks of the DCC in Cowboy land. The MC for the audition was Kenny Walker, radio morning personality and stadium announcer for the Dolphins. Kenny humbly admits however that his true claim to fame is as the handsome (his words) husband of Dorie. His smooth styles of compliments to the candidates were helpful in calming down a few nerves during a very precision organized process.
The 9 person judges’ table included season ticket holder Rory Austin who true to his roots came dressed for a Sunday Game including head / wrist bands and team jersey. I asked him how he prioritized his selection criteria and typical of the demographics he represented they were “Looks, smile, personality and Looks”. Way to speak for the fans Rory.
The finals are Saturday and if MDC history tells us anything, rest assure that by next week the squad will consist of some 40 gorgeous, talented young ladies. James will be covering the finals—be sure to check back with us.
Jackson
PS: I’ll be back to Miami in August when both the Bucs and LA Dodgers come to town to battle the locals. I love to double dip.
Dorie Grogan, Kenny Walker and Emily Newton Snow
Monica, Victoria, Rosamary and 2012 Pro Bowler Ariana
The Tampa Bay Storm is part of the Lightning organization and is led by co-owner and President Derrick Brooks. Arena football, although not NFL caliber, offers very good family entertainment value.
The Storm Cheerleaders are once again directed by Kindra Strocher-Ebanks. This year’s squad includes 7 veterans and 9 rookies and many of the girls danced/cheered at the University of South Florida or University of Tampa. There are some very interesting bios on the web site—you can tell the girls put forth effort in handing some of the fun questions— check it out; you get to know them beyond the looks and dancing talent.
The Storm players and cheerleaders routinely volunteer their time for monthly visits to the James V. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa. Another community initiative this year is giving support to Tampa area youth sports leagues.
Team shot with ex-cheerleader Lauren (and son Malakai) who was honored as part of the “Hometown Hero” recognition program.
Team captains Tiffany and Stephanie. Tiffany is an avid Ray’s fan---stats and all. Stephanie wants to learn to speak French. “Belle Rousse”
Veteran’s Samantha, Cori and Emily are all USF grads. Sam is a 5th grade Teacher in Tampa. Emily is a Human Resource Manager who enjoys the adrenalin rush of performing.
Rookies Jalyssa, Morgan and Breanna. Jalyssa (USF) describes herself as an army brat. Morgan is going to pursue her Master’s degree. Breanna (USF) dances at Busch Gardens.
Savenah wants to eventually live under the lights of NYC. Kerry is another member of the fine rookie class.
Rookies Shani, Kaitlyn, and Jillian. UT student Shani has done choreographing for the school Dance Happening. Kaitlyn graduates from UT in May. Jill has been accepted in USF’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
Rookie Tabatha is from Arizona and works as a promotional model.
Vanessa, Stephanie, Tiffany and Savenah via sky cam. Vanessa is an Exception Education Teacher for K-2.
Rookie Lexi, who is from South Korea, does fitness instructing and wants to learn Bio Engineering.
Cori, who danced as a Sun Doll at USF, is presently working her way up the executive ladder at the Target Corporation.
[Tampa Bay Storm Cheerleaders]
It was bitter sweet at the Lightning Girls’ final home contest this week. The game was sweet that a victory came against the rival Capitals on fan appreciation night and bitter that the season is shortened without a Playoff appearance. The Girls no longer sweep up the ice during intermissions but now spend more time and energy mingling with the fans throughout the Forum. The Lightning is a classy organization and these young ladies exemplify that class with their continuous inter-action with the fans and community. They probably pose for a thousand photos a night.
Lightning Girls pregame greeting of fans
Megan S., a University of South Florida graduate, is captain this year and describes herself as outgoing, happy and spontaneous. I would add “good looking” to that description---her eyes are mesmerizing.
Crystal R. is an extremely busy young lady---during the day a demure Tampa area kindergarten teacher and at night an energetic dancer at some 40 hockey home games. Did I also mention that Crystal is an active and successful model appearing in numerous print ads, commercials and runway shows?
Brooklyn (left) from Covington Georgia, aspires to teach history upon graduating from USF. Brooklyn loves “seeing a young fan smile and excited because of a simple hello or high five from me”. Brooklyn, us old male fans smile too you know!
Photogenic Courtney was a member of the “Rays Team” fan squad. Courtney’s poster size images from the Lightning marketing photo shoot done on the beaches of Tampa Bay are hung throughout the Forum. Glamour modeling should be in her future. Marissa is studying Biomedical Sciences at St. Petersburg College and hopes to have a career as an Orthodontist. Don’t sneak up behind Marissa or you may feel the wrath of her black belt in Tae-Kwan-Do. Desiree is enjoying her rookie season while meeting so many Bolts fans.
Second season veteran Crystal F loves line-dancing to keep in shape.
22 year old Heather is in her second season as a Lightning Girl and she claims country music as her genre.
Ever smiling Isabel is enjoying her second season while studying criminology at St. Pete College. Megan is another member of the fine rookie class.
Lindsey is in her fourth season and considers the Bolts fans as the “best in the entire nation”. Lindsey uses swimming to relax and keep in shape.
Golden tanned Tricia is completing her first year as a Lightning Girl and will be moving from the coolness of the Times Forum ice rink to the “ultra coolness” of being a NFL cheerleader. She will be cheering for the Bucs this fall.
Brittany can’t live without family, friends, dogs, food and SPORTS—-you go girl!! Favorite movies: Mighty Ducks and Blindside. Favorite quote: “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” –Wayne Gretzky. Donna is a senior at St Leo University majoring in Biology/Chemistry pre-med. She played youth hockey.
Congrats to the Lightning Girls for another fine visual year. Maybe Stephen Superman can score 80 goals next season to get you back into the playoffs—enjoy your offseason.
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the process of holding their 2012 auditions I thought it would be nice to have an Alumnus album for the TBBC members who gave their sweat and cheers in previous seasons. Here’s a start highlighting some multi-season fan popular young ladies. Bookmark this album as we add to it this off season.
Rachel Watson 2005-2008 seasons. Still one of the most popular Buccaneer Cheerleaders ever
Lisa Banspach cheered in the 2007, 2008 and 2010 seasons.
Barbara Hancock started at age 18 and cheered for the 2005-2008 seasons.
Aubrey Gainey cheered for the 2006 and 2009 seasons.
Sara Tetzier cheered for the 2007-2009 seasons.
[Bucs Cheerleaders Alumni Album]
It appears the Lightning will be experiencing an abbreviated season as their playoff hopes are MELDING away with each loss. We added some more photos of the Lightning Girls to our album—see link below
Crystal, Megan (captain), and Courtney
Heather
Isabel and Desiree greeting fans
Crystal R on plaza stage
Tricia and Courtney
Brooklyn
Isabel and Tricia
Buccaneer Football was really bad this NFL season– fortunately the TBBC delivered another year of a talented attractive squad who supplied excellent game day entertainment and numerous community initiatives for the fan base. Last week’s Dallas game, shown on the NFL Network, showcased the Buccaneer Cheerleaders in their festive holiday outfits. Following is some tidbits from the bios of a few 2nd year veterans:
Lauren Rasys: Lauren is a graduate of The International Academy of Design and Technology and presently works as a Interior designer for a Tampa architectural firm. Lauren has quite an impressive community involvement resume which includes volunteering for Susan G. Komen, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Hope Children's Home, Cat Depot, Pearlman Music Program, Boys/Girls Club and the Life of Riley Foundation. Wow. Lauren quotes her Father "Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life":
Sarah Nelson: Sarah is currently working as a Pediatric RN while working on her Master's to be a Family Nurse Practitioner. Sarah is a Gator Girl who danced on the UF Dazzler's Dance Team for 4 years. Sarah's favorite hobbies include kayaking, surfing and snowboarding!!! Sarah's favorite charity is the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Sarah says "standing on the field during the decade anniversary of 9/11 was an amazing experience. The flag that spanned the entire field was absolutely breathe-taking followed by the fly over just gave me chills."
Kara Partin: Kara was born in Japan as she grew up in an Air Force family. Kara is an graduate of USF with a B.A. in psychology and presently work's as an Adoption Specialist. Kara's favorite charity is the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The charity finds forever families for children in the foster care system. Kara's future goal is to obtain an MBA and form a non profit organization for underprivileged children. Like Sarah, Kara's favorite Buccaneer memory is also the 9/11 game this season. Kara is proud of her Father and the military for their service and thanks them for everything they do for the country.:
Kasey, Kara, Elisa & Jaime
First Half with Captain (Santa?) Fear
Second Half
