Individual profiles and photos of the 2011-12 Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleaders are online now. Click here to learn more about the ladies on the team!
Veterans Lauren F., Marissa, and Carrie
Chris de Kretser, Daryl Timms
Herald Sun
August 09, 2011
TRARALGON-born Wendi White has laid claim to being the first Australian to become a cheerleader for the famed Dallas Cowboys.
It was believed that Sydney’s Angela Nicotera, who was a cheerleader for the Manly Sea Eagles, was the first Aussie to gain the honour when she recently made the final squad of 34 after more than 500 girls from around the world auditioned. She was featured in yesterday’s column.
But Wendi (pictured), who now lives in Hawaii, became a cheerleader for the world- renowned NFL team in 1980.
As well as being the first foreigner to make the squad, Wendi is also the only licensed airline pilot to have also become a cheer leader for the Cowboys.
“Not to steal any thunder from the new cheerleader, but it’s an old claim to fame for me that I’m very proud of,” Wendi told us yesterday.
“It’s an exclusive and iconic organisation with a history of excellence, pride and giving.”
Now Wendi White Wasson, she spent much of her younger life growing up in Darwin, where her father was a school teacher. She moved back to Victoria in 1976 and lived at Hurstbridge. She left when she was 18 to attend a small college in Texas. She tried out for the college basketball cheerleader squad before moving to Dallas in January 1980.
After being dared to have a go at making the Cowboys cheerleader squad, Wendi was among 2000 girls who tried out for the 36 places. She was with the Cowboys in 1980-81.
“So began a year of incredible opportunities, a difficult straight-up learning curve of discipline, terror, nerves, very hard work, blood, sweat (lots of it) and tears, excitement and honour,” she said.
“Nothing was guaranteed, you had to live up to your position every week. Athletic and dynamic, I think we worked out more than the Cowboy players did.
“I did just one year, and became an executive flight attendant on private jets, living in New York, Kuwait, Geneva, England and all over the US. I had the honour of being one of three (with my best friend who I cheered with) flight attendants flying Michael Jackson when he was doing The Victory Tour in 1984, amongst many other rich and famous passengers.”
Wendi said while she was with the Cowboys she used the line that “the all-American girl is an Aussie”.
Wendi and her Canadian husband Dave Wasson, who is also a pilot, own and operate Honu Kai Bed and Breakfast in Kailua Kona.
News9.com
Aug 08, 2011
OKLAHOMA CITY – After a long day of open auditions, only 40 young ladies remain the running to become members of the 2011-12 Thunder Girls Dance Team.
Saturday, News9’s Lauren Nelson helped judge the auditions session in OKC and more than 100 girls showed up for their chance to become a Thunder Girl.
At the end of the day, 40 ladies survived the cuts and were selected for a final audition on Thursday, August 11th at the Riverwind Casino.
Fans are invited to watch 2011-12 Thunder Girls Auditions live on Thursday as admission is free and doors open at 6 p.m. with the show set to begin at 7 p.m.
At Thursday’s final round, each finalists will showcase their dance talent as well as highlight their personality with Q&A sessions. The end of the night will conclude with the announcement of your 2011-12 Thunder Girls dance team.
The event will take place in Riverwind’s Showplace Theatre and parking is free.
By Andrew Amelinckx
Berkshire Eagle
08/08/2011
DALTON — When Kathryn Hamilton of Dalton walks into Gillette Stadium in Foxborough next Thursday and performs in front of 70,000 football fans, a childhood fantasy will be coming true.
But it took a lot of mental and physical effort for the 22-year-old to become a New England Patriots cheerleader.
“It’s always been a dream,” she said in an interview with The Eagle. “My family are all huge Patriots fans.”
Born and raised in Dalton, Hamilton went to Wahconah Regional High School and has been cheerleading since age 6.
While her dream remained, other goals came first, including becoming a certified floral designer. She’s also taking classes in interior design and earning a business degree in Boston.
When she began the seven-week audition process of becoming an NFL cheerleader, she was up against 300 other women with similar dreams. Over the course of tryouts — dancing, training, being tested on her knowledge of football — she remained in the running.
“The further along you go, the more nervous you become,” she said.
Hamilton took part in a two-week boot camp with 40 other women, which included intense workouts and learning choreographed routines. Afterward, it was all about marking time.
She waited nervously for the email that would tell her whether she was going to make the cut and become one of 31 Patriots cheerleaders for the 2011 season. Past members of the squad and newcomers alike have to try
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out each year to make the team.
“I cried when I found out because I was so happy,” she said. “It was really amazing.”
Even after making the team there was another potential hurdle: the NFL lockout.
The lockout, she said, was in the back of all their minds, but cheerleader director Tracey Sormanti told them to remain positive.
Hamilton said the cheerleaders met with fans and promoted the NFL while the lockout loomed. Last month, an agreement was reached between players and owners. The new 10-year collective bargaining agreement was ratified by the players Thursday, officially ending the labor fight that could have stalled the 2011 football season.
And now Hamilton’s big day is at hand. The Patriots’ first pre-season game is Thursday at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“I’m getting ready for the game,” she said. “It’s very exciting.”
By Tresa Halbrooks
Titans Online
Aug 3, 2011
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — After weeks of workshops and auditions held this past May, the 2011 Tennessee Titans cheerleaders took part in their first official event. The talented 25 young women, along Titans staff, photographers, videographers and hair and makeup artists, descended upon the quaint town of Seaside, Florida over the weekend for their 2012 swimsuit calendar photo shoot. The group was hosted by the Cottage Rental Agency of Seaside, Florida, who handled all the details for their four day stay.
Photos: A Special Thank You to our Sponsors
“This was an incredible trip for us and we so appreciate Jon Ervin and his team at the Cottage Rental Agency for taking such good care of us and all our needs for the shoot,” said Stacie Kinder, director of cheerleading for the Titans. “The women had a wonderful time and Seaside provided us with a unique setting that will allow us to create a totally different look for the calendar this year. It was a lot of hard work, but I am so excited to see the final product. We expect to have the calendars ready for release in mid-September.”
The 17-hour days started with an early morning sunrise photo session and continued throughout the day with various locations. Renowned photographer Erick Anderson captured the beach community in a variety of ways from the shoreline to its throwback 1960’s atmosphere with airstream trailers along with other various location shoots.
The squad was embraced by the local community, tourists and several Titans fans that made the trek to Seaside to show their support. Seaside attracts visitors from around world and major cities, including Nashville, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and New Orleans (all NFL markets).
The days were packed full, but when not shooting, members of the squad were able to partake in the fantastic hospitality offered to them by Bud & Alley’s Restaurant, Barefoot BBQ, Great Southern Café, Modica Market and the Shrimp Shack during their visit. The Titans cheerleaders also enjoyed an elegant dinner and wrap party at The Marlin Grill in The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin, Florida.
Bill Vandiver and his team at The Edge Salon styled hair for each shot along with makeup by Visage Bella for the entire squad. The four-day shoot was also captured on video with behind the scenes footage provided by videographer John Ferguson.
“There’s a lot of work that goes on behind-the-scenes to get a production of this size and magnitude completed in four days and I couldn’t have done it without our incredible crew, Titans staff and the wonderful community of Seaside,” said Kinder. “I owe a big thank you to all of those involved. It was simply flawless.”
Auditions for the Cleveland Cavalier Girls are underway! Click here for photos from Day 1. Click here for photos from Day 2.
A new photo and individual profiles have been posted for this season’s addition of the 2011-12 Seattle Sea hawks Sea Gals. They’ve done something a little different for the photos this year, so click here to check it out.
Stephanie, Nicole, and Laura
Phil Rothfield
The Sunday Telegraph
August 07, 2011
This is the stunning northern beaches university student who has achieved what no other Aussie girl has ever done – getting selected as a cheerleader for the world renowned Dallas Cowgirls.
Angela Nicotera, 26, used to be a cheer girl for the Manly Sea Eagles before her dance teacher Monique Carroll – the wife of Mark ‘Spudd’ Carroll – convinced her to head to the US.
More than 500 girls from around the world auditioned over six weeks to make the final squad of 40, and Angela made it.
“I think it was important to portray individuality and try to be confident in my abilities,” Angela said. “You are your only competition; you are the only one who can take yourself out of the game.
“It’s natural to look around and compare yourself to all of the other girls, but when you start analysing the stunning girls around you, that’s when you start to doubt yourself.”
Angela thanked Monique Carroll for her support.
“She’s been such a great mentor. Without her, I would not have developed such a passion. She has provided me with encouragement, love and the support necessary for me to gain the confidence to come over in attempt to pursue my dream.
“There were many days throughout training camp where I wanted to pack up and go home. I faced some hard times, including the death of a relative and missing one of my best friend’s wedding. It has been difficult being so far away from family and friends but their love and support has been extraordinary.”
Robin Leach
Las Vegas Sun
August 5, 2011
So close! Vivacious Mrs. Nevada Deborah Ashton-Cooke was just one of the 54 contestants in the 25th Anniversary Mrs. United States Pageant at the Las Vegas Hilton this week. The glamorous Las Vegas model agency owner made it into the Top 20, and then into the Top 12 — and then all the way into the final three.
Standing center stage at the Hilton last night, it came down to Deborah, Mrs. Georgia Tiffany Love and Mrs. Florida Shannon Ford. The suspense and excitement was at fever pitch. Then after weeks of preparation, training and final rehearsals, all that remained was the final few seconds until the announcement of the winner.
The contestants had been judged on their personalities, charitable commitments, evening gowns and swimsuits, plus the judges’ interview and the dreaded final live question. Deborah placed second runner-up, Tiffany from Atlanta was first runner-up, and Miami’s Shannon Ford was crowned the 2011 Mrs. United States.
Photographer Tom Donoghue was there for an extraordinary finals night photo gallery as 2010 winner Rachel Juillerat turned over her crown and title to Shannon.
Shannon was a MDC during the 2001-02 season
Two years ago, Shannon was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, an illness that requires her to maintain a gluten-free diet. Her husband Ray and she married after dating for 15 years and are avid runners, with Shannon completing half and full marathons in The Sunshine State.
Tiffany, who won the Mrs. Fitness title in the pageant, is a record-breaking track and field athlete in the 400m and 800m and was just 2 seconds shy from making the 2008 Olympic team. She is a licensed oncology behavioral therapist and is pursuing a doctorate in psychology. Tiffany is an ambassador of Speedway Children’s Charities, which works from our Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Deborah is the official spokeswoman for Fuel the Cure for Diabetes, an awareness and fundraising arm for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and is an active volunteer for local youth programs including Make-a-Wish, Toys for Tots, Children’s Miracle Network, Eye Care for Kids, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and City of Hope.
The ladies return in a year’s time for the 26th annual pageant when Shannon will crown the next winner. Vegas DeLuxe’s coverage of the Mrs. United States Pageant this week included the swimsuit photo shoot and the preliminaries — with state costumes, swimsuit and evening gowns — both at the Hilton.
