By Shawn Donnelly
Esquire
San Diego’s sideline scorcher explains why Philip Rivers is MVP, why Brett Favre needs acupuncture, and why China is about to love the NFL.
The last time we spoke to a Charger Girl, Norv Turner’s 2-5 team looked like a playoff contender about as much as San Diego looked like a candidate to host the Winter Olympics. And Qualcomm Stadium was every bit the metaphorical fortress of ineptitude that the Metrodome literally became this Sunday.
But as it seems to each fall, Norv-ember took hold and the Bolts got on a roll, winning four straight. And after a misstep against the Raiders last week, the Chargers destroyed the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs yesterday to the tune of 31-0, relying on a stingy defense, 207 yards on the ground, and a mature, efficient passing game from Philip Rivers. Helping us make sense of the turnaround is Natalie, an aspiring acupuncturist from Santa Maria, California, with a Dan Foutsian understanding of football — and some Grudenian picks for a double dose of Monday Night Football.
ESQUIRE: Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel missed Sunday’s game after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. If he plays, think it’s still a blowout?
NATALIE: I don’t know if it would have mattered because we played so well. We had a great first drive and it just went from there. We’re one of those teams that sometimes it takes us a little time to warm up, but yesterday we got it going a little sooner and just kept it going. We looked unstoppable.
ESQ: Your Chargers have won five of the last six and sit one game behind the Chiefs in the AFC West. You thinking playoffs?
NAT: I’m always thinking playoffs.
ESQ: But be honest — are the Chiefs legit?
NAT: The Chiefs are a great team, they’ve got a lot of talent. But we’re a great team, too. Hopefully next week we can tie it up with them. I’m feeling good about our chances against San Francisco this Thursday. Coming off yesterday’s win, we’re probably pretty amped, so it might be a good thing that we play again sooner rather than later.
ESQ: Philip Rivers had another solid game yesterday, passing for 226 yards and 2 TDs. But Tom Brady lit up the Bears in the snow for 369 yards and 2 TDs. Who’s your MVP pick, Rivers or Brady?
NAT: Rivers all the way. He should have been MVP last year. He’s so consistent, and he’s really grown up the last few years and become a leader. Everybody knows Brady is good, but it’s time for Rivers to get the spotlight.
ESQ: In Chicago, there was cold, wind, and snow — lots of it. In Minnesota, the roof collapsed. How thankful are you to be cheering in San Diego?
NAT: We’re definitely thankful. Yesterday it was over 80 degrees and sunny. It was actually a little too hot. A couple of the girls got heat exhaustion and had to sit out a quarter. But overall, we realize how lucky we are.
ESQ: We hear you’re helping the NFL spread football to China. Explain.
NAT: Yeah, in September, four of us Charger Girls went to China to promote the NFL. They’re airing games on more stations there now, so the league wanted us to go and show them what we have here in the States. We went to five cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. We sang the Charger fight song at the Great Wall. I think we converted some fans.
ESQ: You’re currently getting a master’s degree in acupuncture. Would you recommend it for something like, say, Brett Favre’s sore throwing shoulder?
NAT: Acupuncture is great. I would strongly suggest it be included with whatever Western medicine he’s getting. It’ll help the blood get back to the area to help nurse the injury. And it will only speed up the healing process. It wouldn’t hurt him in any way.
ESQ: Two big games tonight. First, the MNF game, Baltimore at Houston. Who do you like?
NAT: That’s a tough call. I’m going to have to say Baltimore.
ESQ: And then Minnesota has a “home” game against the Giants in Detroit. If you’re Vikings coach Leslie Frazier, do you start Favre or Tarvaris Jackson?
NAT: Sounds like Brett is really hurt this time. I would probably go with Jackson. But either way, I think Minnesota is going to pull out the win.
ESQ: Let’s say the Chargers squeak into the playoffs. How deep can they go?
NAT: I definitely see them doing damage. Our offense is dangerous and our defense has been playing really well lately. I know we don’t have the best track record in the playoffs, but hopefully we’ve learned from our past mistakes.
ESQ: Excluding the Chargers, who do you see winning the Super Bowl?
NAT: I like the Falcons right now. Atlanta’s really playing well.
ESQ: You’re already performing acupuncture procedures. If a guy is afraid of needles around you, is that a dealbreaker?
NAT: If a guy can admit that he’s a little afraid, that’s okay. But if you’re going to be a Nancy about it and cry, that might make me wonder…
Las Celestes, the Cheerleaders for the Mexican soccer team Cruz Azul, have produced their first swimsuit calendar.
Viri - Miss February
Our good friend Ricardo Cortés Tiscareño who runs Las Celestes sent us a few photos and some sneak peeks of the calendar.
The calendar was shot at the Hotel Melia Azul Ixtapa (Guerrero México).
Vivian - Miss May
Las Celestes have been existence for six years and have been attending the P-R-O Convention in Atlanta for the last five.
Their goal from the start has been to emulate the best of the squads from the NFL and NBA and become the best professional cheerleaders in Mexico.
Mariajose - Miss November
And they knew they wouldn’t achieve that level until they released a calendar.
Now is your chance to audition for the Long Island Lizards MLL Professional Dance Team!
Long Island Lizards Dance Team: OPEN AUDITION
SUNDAY JANUARY 9th, 10 AM @ CATZ Training Facility in Commack, NY
Please Register Online at longislandlizards.com/dance-team
2010 Long Island Lizards Dance Team
::REQUIREMENTS::
MUST be 18 or older- Photo ID Required
Technical Dance Training
$10 Audition Fee
Headshot & Resume
Wear Attractive Dance Attire
Crop Top
Bring Jazz Shoes as well as Sneakers
Hair & Makeup Must Be Performance Ready
::Candidates MUST Be Able To Attend::
Promotions
Games
Weekly Practices
Bring snacks/water
By Lydia Adams
TitansOnline.com
Six Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders recently traveled to Fort Lewis in Washington and Fort Bliss in Texas to visit with active military members and their families. The vocal group Danger Love Saint (DLS), comprised of cheerleaders, Danielle, Brianne, Clair, and Jessi spent three days at Ft. Lewis learning firsthand the lifestyle of a member of our Armed Forces, while Brooke and Shauna visited Ft. Bliss to celebrate the opening of the largest shopping mall on a military base.
The trip to Ft. Lewis took place November 4-7, and it marked the tenth year in a row the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders have visited a domestic military base. Danielle, Bri, Clair, and Jessi began their trip with a meet and greet with the men and women who serve our great country and their families. On the morning of Day 1 of their visit, the ladies took part in a “life in the military” simulation – a demonstration of how the soldiers react and take care of fellow soldiers who are hurt in the line of duty. “I was so impressed with the training that the soldiers get at the Medical Training Simulation Center at Fort Lewis,” Bri said. “They are working hard to teach our troops how to save each other’s lives in high stress situations. After watching them during some drills, I know for sure that I would trust my life with any one of those soldiers!”
The ladies followed this activity by hosting a fundraiser at the 542nd Maintenance Company motor pool. “We had such a great time hanging out with the troops! My favorite part was helping them raise money for their holiday parties,” cheerleader Clair said. “Every Sergeant was auctioned to the highest bidder to have a pie thrown in his face by a fellow platoon member. The highest bidder actually nominated me to throw one of the pies into his sergeant’s face!” Later, the cheerleaders took a tour of the base and watched the formation for the end of the day.
The next day was equally as busy. The four cheerleaders had the opportunity to shoot M16s and pistols! They were given a war simulation scenario where they learned how to use the weapons appropriately. The military encourages their civilian visitors, including the Titans Cheerleaders to participate fully in many of the same training situations as the troops in order to aid in understanding all that is included in becoming an armed services member.
After the ladies wrapped up their gun simulation, they traveled to the fire station. Bri claims, “The Fort Lewis Fire Station is full of the truest gentlemen! They cooked us a wonderful meal and let us run around in their fire suits while we drove around in the fire trucks! Those suits weigh as much as I do, so I am even more impressed with their hard work!”
“Hanging out at The Fort Lewis PX was a blast,” Bri continued. “The soldiers and families are so kind and we really enjoyed meeting every one of them. We were blessed to be able to sing our patriotic medley for the fans there and sign autographs all day!”
Over the same weekend of November 4ht, Shauna and Brooke traveled to Ft. Bliss, Texas. Ft. Bliss is the home to active and retired military families and now hosts the largest mall ever opened on a military base. The Cheerleaders were among great company for the opening, including actress Alyssa Milano and dancers from the film Stomp the Yard, DJ Polly D from MTV’s Jersey Shore, and former Pro Bowl cornerback Everson Walls. Brooke and Shauna met with everyone to celebrate the opening of the mall as well as signed autographs and took pictures. Additionally, Shauna, who is fluent in Spanish, met some Spanish-speaking Titans fans who reside in El Paso.
Brooke said, “Our military trip to El Paso was great. We visited with troops and families to help celebrate the opening of the new Exchange on base! I love giving back to military to show appreciation.”
The trip to Texas was a celebration for all and the ladies even met some Tennesseans while in El Paso. The Titans are proud supporters of the military throughout all aspects of the Organization and will continue giving back to our troops each year. Community Service is an important part of being a Titans Cheerleader and working with those who serve and protect America made a great start to the holiday season for the ladies this year.
More photos here.
Stacey is a two-year veteran and a line captain.
Stacey with some Jr. TopCats
The Philadelphia Soul have been gone for two seasons, but the team has returned for the 2011 AFL season. And so has their dance team, the Soulmates. Open Call auditions were held this past Sunday and more than 100 dancers from across the tri-state area tried out.
Since we last saw former Soulmate Justina she graduated from Rowan University and is now looking to go to graduate school and study speech pathology.
The Soulmates new choreographer Andrea Mychaels taught a high-energy routine that had exhausted just watching it.
Check out Andrea’s website here.
Dana and Sam were member of the NJ Prancers Dance Team this past season.
Assisting Andrea with teaching the choreography was Brett, who majored in Dance at Arizona State University.
Yasmeen is a former Soulmate; she also cheered for the Philadlphia Eagles and the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Pioneers. She’s finishing up her Masters in Elementary Education at St. Joseph’s University. And if that weren’t enough she’s the current Miss Pennsylvania Galaxy.
Yes, there were plenty of leaps on Sunday.
Alex earned a spot on the 2010-11 Philadelphia KiXX Dance Team, before the club suspended operations for the season.
At the end of the day the 100+ hopefuls were narrowed to 60. The sixty semi-finalists will now go on to Soulmates Bootcamp. After bootcamp there will be one more cut. The remaining dancers will compete for a spot on the squad at finals to be held at Chickie’s & Pete’s in early January.
The Edmonton Oilers announced today the launch of the first-ever Canadian NHL Cheer Team called the Oilers Octane. The Oilers Octane consists of 19 women aged 18-29 who competed with over 100 talented dancers to earn a spot on Octane, to meet the team visit www.oilersoctane.com.
In addition to performing at Oilers home games, helping with promotions and interacting with fans, the Cheer Team will soon begin participating in charity fund raising and special events throughout Oil Country acting as ambassadors for Edmonton and your Oilers Hockey Club.
On The Flipside host Aubrey Aquino is in downtown Miami, just outside the American Airlines Arena for this 305 edition. In this episode it’s Funkshion Fashion Week on Miami Beach and the Juwan Howard Foundation extends itself to launch the “Juice Foundation,” with a fashion show featuring children who’ve received cancer treatments along with kids of the NBA and NFL! And, fashion show guests include NBA vets Michael Finley, Carlos Arroyo, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and more! Then, the Baltimore Ravens Ray Lewis launches a new business venture, RL52 Realty and Gallery. Check out the linebacker’s ribbon cutting ceremony and see who shows up in support.
And — the Miami Dolphins show off their pooches for a “That’s My Dog” calendar, an idea birthed by Channing Crowder‘s mom! See Brandon Marshall, Ronnie Brown, Will Allen, Yeremiah Bell, and some of the other ‘fins, along with the cheerleaders, as they walk the red carpet at the Seminole Hard Rock, and autograph the ‘doggone’ photos that were fit for every month of the year! Plus, On the Flipside heads to the Bay Area for this week’s Sideline Distraction… Meet San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush dancer Jasmin, and find out what motivates her and why she’s loves cheering on the sidelines! It’s all happening On The Flipside!
Bonus Clip: Aubrey on CNN
From TitansOnline.com
Our next 2010 Cheerleader Spotlight shines on veteran, Stephanie A., nicknamed, “Super Steph,” over the years. Stephanie A. is a Belmont University graduate, a wife, a mother, works full time, and is a SUPER Titans Cheerleader. Read more to find out about Stephanie’s life off the field.
You took a few years off from TTC, then you had a baby; what was the deciding factor on your return to TTC?
I took a few years off and within that time frame, I moved to Los Angeles where I worked on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, graduated from Belmont, and then married my husband who is a GRAMMY nominated musician. After we had our baby in July of 2009, I realized how much I missed dance and performing. Until I “retired” from TTC in 2005, I had been involved with dance since the age of 3, and being a Titans cheerleader was/is one of the most amazing experiences and honors. Needless to say, I missed it! I also missed the girls, the atmosphere, game days, etc. and really, what better motivation to get back in pre-baby shape?
What workout regime did you have to get back in shape for cheerleading after having a baby?
I had Reese, my daughter, in July of 2009. Auditions were the following April, so I had a little less than 9 months to get not only into shape, but Titans Cheerleader shape-a daunting task for a new mommy for sure! To say I “worked out” is an understatement! I definitely had a long way to go so I basically put myself into “training” as opposed to just working out. I started out slowly and built up my stamina through strength training and cardio, cardio, and more cardio! Regaining muscle strength was pretty difficult and something I still really work towards. The biggest part of my regime was making sure I was eating a healthy, balanced, and “clean” diet. My husband even got on board too, and now he’s in better shape than he was in college!
What are your favorite parts of game day?
There are so many things! Getting ready pre-game and hanging out with all the girls, the rush of running out of the tunnel, and the eruption of the stadium crowd after a touchdown are just some of my top picks. Game day in and of itself is one of the most unique and amazing experiences of a lifetime. I definitely have stories and special memories from every game!
How did you get the TTC inspired nickname, Super Steph?
Ha! I still can’t believe this name actually stuck. My first year, we had 3 girls named Stephanie on the squad, and we were all rookies. In an ice breaker game at out first squad get-together, we were all asked to come up with an adjective to describe ourselves that begins with the first letter of our name. I was at the end of line, and all I could come up with at that point was “super”- yeah, I know, not so original, but it was the best I had. From then on, I was Super Steph, so everyone could remember which Stephanie I was! Ironically, we have three girls this year with the name Stephanie, so the nickname is still in good use!
Where in the world have you not traveled, but can’t wait to visit?
I’ve been to New York before, but only for a day! I would absolutely love to visit New York City around the holidays and soak up the atmosphere and shopping (of course).
What is your favorite thing about Titans football?
I love how the organization really owns Nashville as its home. The Titans franchise does an amazing job of realizing that Nashville really is a small town at heart, and it’s refreshing to see how in touch and involved the players, staff, and cheerleaders are with the community and its efforts.
What is your favorite charity/cause and why?
The Salvation Army Angel Tree is definitely on the top of my list every year. Christmas is my absolute favorite time, and I’ve been fortunate enough to grow up in a very blessed environment where Christmas is always so special and exciting. I love knowing that I can have an impact, small as it may be, in making a few children feel special and share in the holiday spirit.
How do you challenge yourself?
I’ve always been one that doesn’t settle, and needs to have something I’m working towards. Auditioning for TTC this year was my latest challenge-an on going one for sure! These days, being a mommy, a full-time career woman, wife to a touring musician, and TTC leaves me with little time to even sleep. Being able to balance all of these makes me feel pretty accomplished and blessed to say the least, but my next goal is achieving a higher educational degree and pursuing my career further- a goal I hope to accomplish within the next few years.
Name five people you would invite to your celebrity dinner party.
Sandra Bullock- who doesn’t love her?
Oprah- an icon
Ellen Degeneres- hilarious and a genuinely nice person
Justin Timberlake- no explanation necessary
Will Ferrell- no one’s movies make me laugh moreThis would be an odd dinner party, but a fun one for sure!
What is your beauty secret?
Confidence. It exudes both inner and outer beauty and isn’t something you need to purchase, yet can make you stand out in any crowd.
Describe your career aspirations.
I really want to go back to school and pursue my Master’s degree in Business Administration. I graduated from Belmont University with an emphasis in Music Business and Entertainment, so I definitely see myself venturing back into the industry one day, possibly within business management.
What advice do you have for a young lady that may be thinking about trying out for TTC?
The best advice I can give is to be committed, and by committed, I mean in all facets of your lifestyle. It’s commitment of your time to practices, appearances, and game days. It’s commitment to health- looking great in a uniform and being physically fit. It’s commitment to your community and having the want to become an ambassador for it. And it’s the commitment of how you represent yourself as a person- TTC represents the best NFL franchise and has an outstanding image to uphold. Time management is key, organization is a must, and enthusiasm for your community are all important factors.
Preliminary Tryouts Scheduled for Saturday, January 8, 2011
Orlando, Fla. – The Orlando Predators are looking for some Prowlers! The team is proud to announce the 2011 Prowler Dance Team tryouts, scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 8, 2011. The auditions will be held at the New Dimensions Dance Academy, located at 2462 W. State Rd. 426, Suite 1040 in Oviedo, Fla. Prowler tryout check-in and registration will open at 10:30am. Tryouts will begin promptly at 12:00pm.
All female dancers who will be at least 18 years-old by January 18, 2011 are encouraged to tryout. Pre-registration is recommended and encouraged. To pre-register or for more information on the Prowler tryouts please email Jen Menzel at JMenzel@OrlandoPredators.com, Billie O’Hara at BOhara@OrlandoPredators.com or call 407-447-3333.
The requirements to become and Orlando Prowler are as follows:
* Participants must be 18 years-old by January 18, 2011.
* Participants must participate in all phases of the audition, including the finals on January 18, 2011.
* Participants must provide a headshot, full-body shot and resume – these items will not be returned.
* The will be a $25.00 non-refundable registration fee.
The final auditions will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2010 at a TBD venue.
