Andy Major
BuffaloBills.com
Two Buffalo Jills cheerleaders will celebrate the last game of the 2009 season just the way they started ten years ago…cheering and dancing together on the sidelines for the Bills at Sunday’s home game vs. the Colts at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Omarlla, 31, from Buffalo and originally from Syracuse, and Eileen, 28, from Cheektowaga, both started with the Jills in 2000 and have now cheered in over 100 games. The girls have had a unique perspective of attending Bills games for the past decade on the sidelines, and credit the Bills fans for their longevity.
“I love Bills fans,” said Omarlla, a Pro Bowl cheerleader in 2004. “We have the best in the league. Bills fans bring so much energy to the game.”
OmarllaEileen, also a Pro Bowl cheerleader in 2006, said, “I think our fans are great. A lot seem to learn your name after a while and have nice things to say, and they cheer us on!”
In addition to cheering, both veteran young ladies are heavily involved in the community.
Omarlla’s community service includes time with the Children’s Hospital, visiting the United States troops overseas, American Red Cross, local elementary schools, Make-A-Wish and even the recent Extreme Home Makeover that just took place in Buffalo. Eileen is also involved in numerous community endeavors, but her favorite event is working with young girls in the Junior Jills program teaching them how to dance, do their hair, apply makeup, work on their overall appearance, be courteous and act classy. Eileen’s advice to young girls is simple, “Be yourself.”
The two Jills have seen a lot and have had some memorable experiences during their ten years on the sidelines.
Omarlla said, “I have been to a lot of away games throughout the years and no fans compare to our fans. There are a group of fans that dress with chef hats that have been in the same section for years and they always cheer the loudest for us when we walk past them, and I have to give special recognition to our ultimate number one Jills fan, Phil, who has shown so much support throughout the years.”
Being a Jills cheerleader has opened up some doors for both Omarlla and Eileen allowing them to travel all across the country.
Omarlla has her master’s degree in education from Buffalo State College and works as a Curriculum/Assessment Coordinator and loves working with kids. Omarlla’s advice applies to everyone, “Just be confident and give it your all.”
EileenEileen has appeared on television shows like Extreme Makeover Home Edition, and ESPN Hollywood, and was in publications like Football Action Girls of the NFL and Maxim online. She also attended Buffalo State and is currently a legal assistant.
Both girls said their mother is their role model and Eileen remembers her mom’s words of encouragement, “You’ll never know unless you try.”
The girls both still enjoy cheering and have made many friends with other Jills and cheerleaders from across the NFL. “I have experienced so many wonderful things as a Buffalo Jill for the last 10 years,” said Omarlla. “It’s become a huge part of my life.” Eileen said, “What I like most about being a Buffalo Jill is the opportunity to perform and all the memories and friendships I’ve made along the way.”
The 10-year anniversary Jills are not done cheering yet. “I’m still having so much fun and enjoy being a part of the organization,” said Omarlla. “I would love to continue with the Jills,” said Eileen. “I think I’ll plan to move on when it’s time to get married and start a family.”
For now, these two community oriented girls are still excited to be Jills and are already looking forward to next season. Their cheerful advice was what you’d expect from ten-year veterans.
“Have a little faith and be optimistic,” said Eileen. Omarlla is just as positive, “Each year I am hopeful for the team, but I truly believe that next year is our year!”
The Two-Time Independent Indoor Football Alliance Champions, The North Texas Crunch is calling upon young women 18 & up, to be a part of the Krunchette Dance Team. The Krunchettes will perform at each home game during the season (March through late June 2010) as well as interacting with fans during pre-game, half-time shows, contests and other various appearances throughout the community during the season. Prior dance experience not necessary but a fun, positive, outgoing attitude is beneficial.
Date: Saturday January 16, 2010
Time: Registration 2pm. Audition 2:30 pm
Location:
Velocity Sports Performance
1800 East Hwy 114
Southlake, Texas 76092
Audition Fee: $20 payable in cash day of audition
Attire: Black Jazz Pants, Dance Top (can be crop top, halter top, camisole or form-fitting tank top),
Stud Earrings ONLY! No visible Piercing or Tattoos. Performance Hair (hair down) and makeup
What to bring: Photo ID – Dance Attire – Water
We will be judging:
Appearance (physically fit, confident, poised, a neat and polished presentation)
Dance Skills (versatile, crowd-pleasing, grace, style)
Showmanship (smile, eye contact, projection of positive support for team)
Personality (bright, outgoing, enthusiastic, professional, ability to be a “team player”)
Interested dancers please e-mail us at krunchettes@gmail.com for more information and any additional questions.
The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders representative to the 2010 Pro Bowl is Tiffany.
Tiffany is a four-year veteran of the squad and works as a fashion designer.
[Tiffany at MiamiDolphinsCheerleaders.com]
From the latest On The Flipside:
First up, is a special feature on actress and comedienne Anjelah Johnson. She’s a Bay Area native and former Oakland Raiderette who’s got rising celeb status in Hollywood! Anjelah’s popular comedy sketches for Bon Qui Qui and the Nail Salon have gained her worldwide attention, plus she has a 1-hour Comedy Central special on the way. On The Flipside she talks about her experience cheering on the Raider Nation!
Plus, we head down to the American Airlines Arena where the Miami HEAT dancers stop traffic to unveil their brand new dancers poster and magazine!
By Steve Mazzucchi
Esquire
After San Diego’s 11th straight win — this time with backups! — second-year Charger Girl Tonya believes even Vegas is underestimating her team’s Super Bowl heat. Even if it does have to face the Patriots.
On a Sunday when seemingly every AFC game had potential playoff implications, one Week 17 matchup truly didn’t. The Chargers, already locked in as that conference’s No. 2 seed, rested several stars, and the Redskins, playing for pride (again), stuck with their starters. In a season so smiled-upon you could call them the Charmers, was it any surprise that second-string QB Billy Volek’s last-minute TD pass delivered a 23-20 San Diego victory?
Yet Coach Norv Turner, fired by Washington ten years ago, wasn’t the only ex-Redskin smiling. Thanks to a couple of cross-country moves, Charger Girls captain Tonya has also cheered for the Cardinals and ‘Skins. “I’ve been called a free agent,” she jokes. She has another team, too. A Navy surviving spouse, Tonya co-founded Sweethearts for Soldiers, a nonprofit group of former NFL Cheerleaders and NBA Dancers that performs morale-boosting shows all over the globe. “We go from the sidelines to the front lines to support our true heroes, the troops,” she explains. Now working on an MBA, this go-getting Web development company owner has equally ambitious goals for the 13-3 Bolts.
ESQUIRE: When San Diego lost at home to Denver to fall to 2-3 way back in October, did you have any notion the team would finish the season winning 11 straight?
TONYA: Wow. We try to be as optimistic as possible, but a winning season and playoffs were what we hoped for. Getting the offense to gel and getting the defense back up were the main things on our minds. The cheerleaders are really excited. That game against the Bengals a couple weeks ago was so loud it was incredible. I told the rookies on my line, “This is how a playoff game is.”
ESQ: With playoff position secured, you don’t want guys getting rusty, but you also don’t want them getting hurt — like the Pats losing Wes Welker to a knee injury. How’d you feel about Turner keeping stars like Shawne Merriman and Vincent Jackson off the field today?
T: Well, they actually have injuries that need to heal. Philip Rivers and LT played early, but we didn’t want them getting hurt either. So that was a great call. For team morale and momentum, this win really put us over the top. It’s nice to end on a high note, and go into the playoffs with the second seed and a bye.
ESQ: LT had his first sub-thousand-yard season. Merriman had just four sacks. What’s been the key to piling up wins with two of the team’s most visible stars struggling a bit?
T: Consistency on both sides of the ball. We are always there. Rivers and Jackson connect week after week. LT maybe held back a couple of times, but he’s healthy and he’ll be there for the playoffs. Norv Turner has made all the right calls this year, and the stars have aligned in our favor.
ESQ: Besides Pro Bowl snub Jackson, who else doesn’t get enough credit for one of the best seasons in Chargers history?
T: On defense, we’ve been incredible, from Stephen Cooper to Eric Weddle to Kevin Burnett. It’s hard to pick out one player because so many have contributed. Look at the game today — our second string steps up and we still pull off a win. That just shows how much heart and passion and drive and talent we’ve got. And that makes 18 straight wins in December for Rivers.
ESQ: Speaking of Rivers — great, or really, really great?
T: I would have to say amazing. Over-the-top fantastic MVP. Each year he gets better and better. This will be our fourth consecutive AFC West championship. And beating the Redskins, I guess you can give us an NFC East title as well — we beat all their teams this season. Just a great team leader who gets the job done above and beyond — knowing where he is, what call he needs to make, being patient in the pocket. He hit his career high in passing yards this year.
ESQ: Which playoff team keeps you up at night?
T: You don’t want to overlook the Colts, but for this team, I would have to say the Pats, just because of our history with them. They’ve knocked us out twice in the last three years. If we face them again, with Welker out, hopefully we can take advantage. We’ve had LT out in other years. Maybe it’s our turn.
ESQ: Vegas currently has the Chargers at 4-to-1 to win the Super Bowl, behind only the Colts and the Saints. Are the oddsmakers getting it right?
T: Four-to-1?! I believe this year is our year. We’ve got everyone healthy — LT, Jackson, Antonio Gates, Merriman. I feel really optimistic, and I hope that doesn’t jinx us. Look at the Saints, going in with three straight losses, and the Colts going in with two straight losses. We’re going in with an 11-game winning streak. As long as we keep our heads in the game and our emotions streamlined, we can go all the way.
ESQ: Last but not least, both you and fellow Charger Girl Casie have fantastic abs. What’s your secret?
T: It’s having to have a beach body all year round! With 365 days of sunshine, you can’t afford to put on winter weight. I was on the beach on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. They did a poll, and 10 percent of NFL players picked the Chargers as the team they’d want to play for. Of course it’s a great organization, but I think our geographical area factored in as well. We also have the hottest dance team in the NFL. And now we have the hottest team in the NFL. Both are living up to our weather.
Saturday, February 6, 2010, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Check in begins at 2:30 PM
Victory Lady Fitness Center, 9699-D West Broad Street, Glen Allen, Va. 23060
Audition Prep Class
* Thursday, February 4, 2010 8:00-9:00pm
* Victory Lady Fitness Center, 9699-D West Broad Street, Glen Allen, Va. 23060
* $10.00 each, Free for Lady Raiders and Victory Lady Members
* RSVP to ladyraidersdanceteam@gmail.com, Pay at the door
Audition Contact
* Email Laura at ladyraidersdanceteam@gmail.com
* Download the audition registration form at www.richmondraidersprofootball.com
Why become a Richmond Lady Raider?
* Perform at the Richmond Coliseum for thousands of fans!
* Represent the finest ladies of the city of Richmond
* Receive benefits such as gym membership and salon discounts
* Make lifelong friends and memories
* Make history as the inaugural Lady Raiders Dance Team
Audition Information
* Closed to the public, family, and friends
* Must be 18 yrs of age or older
* Must have high school diploma or equivalent
* Submit registration form and photograph
* Bring snacks, a water bottle, a towel, and items to freshen up
Judging Criteria
* Physical fitness and personal appearance
* Dance technique, style, strength and completion of movement
* Showmanship, personality, energy, and enthusiasm
* Communication skills and professionalism
* Positive attitude
* Strong teamwork skills
* Growth potential
Audition Attire and Look
* Dance or athletic half-top (stomach must be showing)
* Form-fitting hot pants or shorts (no full or capri length pants)
* Suntan panty hose (www.divahosiery.com recommended!)
* Dance sneakers, tennis shoes, or jazz shoes with non-marking soles
* Performance-ready hair and makeup
Location
* Victory Lady Fitness Center, 9699-D West Broad Street, Glen Allen, Va. 23060
Cost
* Registration Fee: $25.00
Audition Format
* Check in begins at 2:30pm
* Submit registration forms, copy of photo ID, recent photo
* Learn Lady Raiders 60-90 second cheer/dance routine
Team Information
* The Lady Raiders are the inaugural dance team of the Richmond Raiders AIFA Pro Football Team in Richmond, Va.
* This spring audition will allow talented dancers and community leaders to join the current squad of Lady Raiders. Total squad size is estimated to be 16-20 Lady Raiders.
* Required new team meeting and rehearsal Sunday, February 7, 2010 2:00-7:00pm
* Year-round commitments
* Perform at all home Raiders games March-June 2010. See the schedule at www.richmondraidersprofootball.com
* Rehearse Saturdays 3-7pm and occasional Fridays 7-10pm February-June 2010
* Work outs and dance classes on select weeknights
* Instruct classes for the Raiderettes youth program
* Instruct classes for the Silver Line ladies’ dance program
* Appear in the Richmond community and beyond
* Receive sponsor benefits including fitness, tanning, salon and other discounts
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have selected five-year veteran Justine to represent the squad at the 2010 Pro Bowl.
Justine danced for the Dallas Mavericks for three years before joining the Cowboys in 2005. She was a member of the DCC Show Group for her first three years on the squad and is again on the Show Group for 2009-10.
[Justine at DallasCowboysCheerleaders.com]
I’m looking for someone to come and hold a one day clinic this summer to give my team a little professional polish before we head off to UDA College camp in July 2010. I want someone who can give makeup/hair tips, teach a few basketball sidelines, maybe 1 routine, and just talk to my girls about the importance of looking professional and collegiate at all times. We are having trouble transitioning from a high school look to a college look. If your interested please email me at melanie.lowry@tamucc.edu for more information.
Thanks,
Melanie Lowry
Islander Dance and Cheer Coach
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
By Chad Courrier
Mankato Free Press
The stadium is full, the noise deafening.
It’s about 10 minutes before Sunday’s football game begins, and the Minnesota Vikings are in the tunnel, ready to take the Metrodome field.
The mascot roars though the inflatable Vikings ship on a motorcycle, followed by an explosion of nine flag wavers and 34 cheerleaders who form a spirited gauntlet for the players.
Kaylee comes running onto the field, pom poms held high, flashing her usual huge smile, and the squad quickly breaks into its first routine.
“It’s an adrenaline rush that I’ve never felt before,” she said. “It’s the most exciting time of the day.”
Kaylee, who grew up in North Mankato, is a first-year member of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders, whose policy prohibits the publishing of last names. She grew up as a fan of the Vikings, watching games on TV with her parents Dave and Marcia and occasionally making her way up to training camp at Minnesota State.
“But I only went to one game before (this season),” she said.
Kaylee spent 13 years as student and teacher at Dance Express in Mankato. She graduated from Mankato West in 2006, then spent one semester at the University of Minnesota before transferring to Gustavus Adolphus, where she received a nursing degree in May.
Her dance coach at Gustavus pointed Kaylee toward professional cheerleading, and she thought about joining longtime friend Lexi Zimmermann, who is currently a cheerleader for the Minnesota Timberwolves. “I chose the Vikings, and I’m glad I did because of the season we’re having,” she said.
It’s been an enjoyable nine months for Kaylee, between the public appearances and the games. The Vikings cheerleaders do between 400 and 500 appearances per year, with each cheerleader doing one or two per week. Kaylee’s favorite was a charity function at Gillette Children’s Hospital, in part because she hopes to be a pediatrics nurse some day.
“The appearances are fun,” she said. “We see a lot of people who never get an opportunity to come to the games.”
Kaylee said she has three practices per week, including a two-hour refresher on game day. She gets paid for games and appearances, which makes it a nice part-time job.
On Sunday, she traveled to the game from her parents’ North Mankato home, where game-day excitement helped her answer the alarm at 3:30 a.m. and jump into her frozen car. She had to be on the field by 7:15, hair, makeup and outfit ready for two hours of pregame preparations.
Kaylee is on her feet throughout the game, finally leaving the Metrodome about an hour after the game ends.
“Game day is so exciting because you only have 10 of them (each season),” she said. “When my alarm went off (Sunday morning), I was already excited.”
She’s guaranteed one more home playoff game, and the cheerleaders don’t travel to road games. However, if the Vikings were to qualify for the Super Bowl in February, the cheerleaders would be there.
“I’m really hoping we go to Miami,” she said.
Kaylee hopes she can continue cheerleading in the future, though that will be determined after she finds a nursing job. Tryouts will be held again in April.
“I didn’t think it would be so tough to find a job,” she said. “The economy has made it tough. But I’m hoping January is a lucky month.”
If she finds a job that doesn’t fit with cheerleading, she at least has a lot of good memories from this season.
“Getting to know the rest of the girls has been great,” she said. “I have 33 new best friends.”
