Mrs. Cavender
By Brooke Sorenson, veteran Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader
DallasCowboysCheerleaders.com
September 15, 2010

My second group leader and her awesome fiancé are now married! Crystal Trevino is now Crystal Cavender! One of my best friends (and second group leader) got married earlier this month. It was the most beautiful and fun wedding I have ever seen.

It was so special to enjoy their wedding day with them as one of their bridesmaids. Some other bridesmaids were: Kandi Harris, Trisha Trevino, Jordan Baum, and Michelle Keys. The wedding was absolutely beautiful. Crystal and her husband danced the entire night and smiled every second of it. Some of our teammates had a show in the Bahamas so they didn’t make the wedding, but they were able to watch it online.

Before the big day, we had an amazing girl’s weekend in Florida celebrating Crystal and Kandi’s weddings. We went to the beach and enjoyed Crystal’s last weekend as a Trevino! I have included some pictures from our girl’s weekend and the wedding for you to enjoy.

The friendships we make as a DCC are lifelong and so very special. Cheerleading brings all of us so close.

We even prayed before her wedding just like we do before each game. God does amazing things and created such a beautiful marriage.

Crystal and her husband Nate are so happy! It’s so refreshing to see a young excited couple.

Have a blessed day!

Brooke Sorenson

The SI galleries are back for 2010. This week’s photo collection includes dance teams from the Saints, Eagles, Patriots, and Jets. Click here to go there now.

The Bills have new photos of the Jills in action on game day. Click here to go there now.

khou.com
9/12/2010

The Houston Texans kicked off their 2010 NFL season on Sunday, September 12, 2010 with a big 34-24 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

One of the most popular features that we had last year here on KHOU.com was a slideshow of the best cheerleaders in the NFL, the Houston Texan Cheerleaders.

We are bringing it back this season and after each home game, we’ll add a few pictures courtesy of the Associated Press.

Enjoy! [Click here]

Sunny Pepper
The Examiner
9/12/2010

For anyone that believes the orange and black are just dancing ditzy, think again. In order to even audition, the members of the sexy Bengals troupe must either be enrolled in college or holding a part-time or full-time job. That means that not only are they super-hot and athletic, they’re also hard-working. For the ladies cheering on the Bengals, cheering along the sidelines is a full-time labor of love.

As a former Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader, fitness model and lifestyle transformation expert, Brooke Griffin has provided counsel to some of the NFL’s top cheerleader clubs. Motivated by her passion for personal physical education, Brooke helped shed light onto the mental and physical training challenges most faced by her clients.

What’s the biggest aesthetic goal for most cheerleaders?

Brooke Griffin: The biggest challenge is keeping the midsection of the body toned and keeping glutes firm and tight! For every cheerleader and dancer, comes the pressure to look good wearing tiny skirts and a cropped uniform top every weekend – Sometimes more often depending on public appearances and game schedules. It’s not as if they can prepare for one event and then slack off. It’s 24-7 throughout the season.

What’s the top challenge you face with most of your clients and how do you tackle it?

BG: The most frequent issue I hear is “How do I get ab definition and a flat tummy?” I hear this most often probably due to the type of uniform in play. With revealing outfits coming on at game time, my answer is always about taking bad food off their menu.

It always ends up being about nutrition. What I find in most of my clients isn’t a problem with exercise, but a problem with their eating. And when it comes down to having great abs and a flat stomach, it ultimately comes down to diet.

How do you re-teach your NFL cheerleader clients to eat right?

BG: First, I find out what they are eating and drinking. This is usually the problem and usually the secret to unlocking a great body. I make sure all of my clients are eating 4-6 small meals a day with a serving of lean protein at every one of these meals. Obviously, limiting processed carbohydrates like candy, chips, bread, and regular soft drinks is a part of the program.

Where are most of your clients naturally strongest in their total body fitness programs?

BG: With most NFL cheerleaders, they are practicing several days a week already. They are a master at intense cardio and high-intensity, interval training. Most of them are already incorporating the recommended amount of cardio per day for weight loss and in the case of most clubs, they condition before or after practice as well. This usually incorporates weight training or functional strength training.

Where are most of your NFL cheerleaders weakest in their total body fitness programs?

BG: I usually find where I can help the most is in the diet and nutrition category. Most of the girls are keeping up with full-time jobs in addition to their cheerleading programs and fitting substantial, healthy foods into the playbook is sometimes a struggle.

This isn’t specific to NFL cheerleaders and applies to most women as well. They are either eating too much of the wrong foods or, worse, they are not eating enough. When I run into someone who’s consuming too little calories, their metabolism has slowed and it’s difficult to break the habit.

What’s your top suggestion for getting your clients back on track?

BG: I start off by asking them to keep an honest record of what they have been eating over a three-day period. This not only gives me helpful insight but allows the individual to self-analyze what they’re feeding their body. Along with nutritional education, I then will encourage them to keep a food journal writing down what they eat on a new, customized program. This keeps accountability strong and helps with a clear-cut focus.

And what’s usually your biggest myth-buster?

BG: Convincing girls they have to EAT is challenging. The biggest misconception and demotivating mind-block out there is women tend to think less calories consumed equals more weight loss. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The less the body consumes or is starved for food, the slower the metabolism gets and the more fat is stored. The best thing I can give my clients is this – I want clients that I train to eat and eat often. In turn, they’ll be able to fuel and prepare their bodies for hard work and great results.

How do you feel about critics who believe NFL cheerleaders don’t work hard and just “look pretty”?

BG: Crazy! I get so upset when I hear this! I think NFL Cheerleaders are some of the hardest working women around and I can speak for all of them. My clients have not just been cheerleaders. I have worked with amazing women who have valuable, full-time jobs as mothers, doctors, dentists, teachers, and students. In addition to what they do, they practice and perform anywhere from 10-20 hours per week in a myriad of weather conditions – Whether it’s hot, cold, raining or snowing. Not to mention, all dance and cheerleader organizations require their team members devote charitable hours outside of their training to work or volunteer.

Brooke Griffin is a former NFL cheerleader for the Cincinnati Bengals and has worked with their organization along with other NFL cheerleader clubs like Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, and the Indianapolis Colts.

After cheerleading, Griffin moved into fitness competing and was awarded Fitness Universe Champion in 2009. Brooke is a regular featured competitor and contributor in magazines such as Oxygen, Status Fitness Magazine, American Cheerleader, GQ, and Natural Muscle Magazine and has been featured on Maxim.com. For more information on Brooke Griffin, visit www.brookegriffin.com.

Check out the Jills’ new team photo for 2010!

By Lisa Goodwin
49ers.com
9/9/2010

The 49ers hosted a viewing party Wednesday night at Pizza Party in Santa Clara to cheer on 49ers Gold Rush cheerleader Amber, who participated on the NBC’s Minute to Win It game show and won $125,000 for charity.

Amber donated the money to the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI), a local nonprofit that creates avenues for strong, talented and accomplished female athletes and coaches to inspire girls, women and families with their leadership skills and community service. The funds will be directed through the 49ers Foundation to BAWSI to further enhance their efforts in the Bay Area.

BAWSI co-founder Marlene Bjornsrud was overjoyed about the donation their organization received as a result of Amber’s participation on Minute to Win It.

“I told Amber that we are incredibly grateful, certainly, partly because the money means we get to put more great women athletes in the lives of little girls, but also because this is the kind of exposure and building awareness for a small, young nonprofit that is impossible to purchase or even to dream of,” Bjornsrud said. “This is something that is far beyond anything we could have created; it is something that we accept as an incredible gift to the organization.”

49ers fans, BAWSI members, 49ers Gold Rush and 49ers staff including President & CEO Jed York attended the viewing party to root for Amber.

Amber participated alongside Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian for the chance to win up to $1 million for charities of their choice. They worked together to participate in a variety of contests using household goods while competing in challenges such as bouncing ping pong balls into cups, balancing eggs on footballs, and flipping spoons into cups. Each level they completed guaranteed them more money for their charities.

Amber and Berrian made it through level six, where they earned the $125,000 by flipping four spoons each into four separate cups. Unfortunately, they were unable to beat level seven when tasked to bounce ping pong balls into a variety of cups filled with water into a specific design.

Although Amber wished she could have beaten all 10 levels for the $1 million, she was extremely proud to have won the amount she did for BAWSI.

“When talking to the 49ers Foundation and going through the charities, it was really important for me to give back to a charity that gives to girls and one involved with sports because I’ve been involved with sports and dance my whole life,” Amber said. “Another one of the things that was important for me was to find a small, local charity where it would make a huge impact.

“We had no idea going through the show how well we were going to do with each level. Every time you see a commercial cut, we get a new game. It was really exciting every time we’d get a new game because I was thinking ‘Oh, it’s going to be a lot of money for them.’ I’m really excited to be involved with the charity and see what they do with the money.”

Olympian Brandi Chastain, co-founder of BAWSI, was at a loss for words when asked about the generous donation from Amber.

“I think I’m overwhelmed right now, not only because of the amount of money in one lump sum that is coming to BAWSI, but that Amber thought of BAWSI as being significant enough in our community that she wants to focus on us,” Chastain said. “My emotions are for her generosity and her commitment. The money is great, it could impact hundreds of girls. I think every community is worthy of having their young people being taken care of and the fact that she wants to spend it on our girls is amazing. I am deeply grateful and I am humbled. Marlene and I have been talking about it and she is so excited and just to think about that kind of money for us, we don’t dream like that, so this is more than a dream for us.”

BAWSI is a public benefit, nonprofit corporation with a mission to create programs and partnerships through which female athletes bring health, hope and wholeness to our community. Founded in 2005 by Olympic and World Cup soccer stars Brandi Chastain and Julie Foudy, and Marlene Bjornsrud, former general manager of the San Jose CyberRays women’s professional soccer team, BAWSI provides a meaningful path for women athletes to become a more visible and valued part of the Bay Area sports culture.

The San Francisco 49ers Foundation is the non-profit community funding extension of the San Francisco 49ers. Now in its 19th year, the 49ers Foundation supports development programs for underserved youth that keep them “Safe, on Track and In School.” Through the leadership of 49ers team owners Denise and John York, the 49ers Foundation has donated more than $10 million over the last eight years to non-profits throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

By Kathleen E. Carey
The Delaware County Times
September 10, 2010

Ten area Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders revel in the excitement of a new season as they hope the best for their team.

Most prefer to use only first names and limit specific biographical information for security reasons, but they also share a love of performing and dance that, for many, began as little girls.

A significant showing is the West Chester University presence. Of the 38 women in the squad, six are either studying or have graduated from this university.

Sarah, 21, a West Chester communications major with a psychology minor, is an Eagles cheerleader rookie, but has been dancing since she was 3 years old and was a former dancer for the Philadelphia Soul.

“I just love the community service and getting to dance in front of so many fans,” she said.

Danielle, 19, a West Chester nutrition major, is the youngest member of the squad.

“I just tried out on a whim,” she said, adding that she didn’t expect to get picked. “I decided to try and I made it on my first time.”

It’s also the first year for Danae, who’s been dancing since she was 3 years old and cheering since she was 5 years old.

“It’s kind of like the next step,” she said of being an Eagles cheerleader. This 20-year-old is a communications major also at West Chester with a concentration in public relations.

Paige, 20, and her sister, Danni-Lynn, 23, both of Media, say being on the squad is still exciting, even though it’s their third year on the squad.

“It’s definitely like an adrenaline rush,” Paige said of performing during a season game. “It’s the most amazing feeling when you walk out there and see 70,000 fans out there.”

Her sister agrees.

“It’s crazy,” the fashion merchandising West Virginia University graduate said. “I had never been to the stadium before I started cheerleading. It’s so overwhelming. It’s insane the feeling. That’s the best part of it – running out every time.”

When she’s not out on the Linc field, Danni-Lynn, is honing her skills as a sales associate at the upscale women’s clothing Per Lei Boutique at B. Gross in Media.

She’s happy to be on the squad with her sister.

“It’s awesome,” Danni-Lynn said. “We’ve always done everything together. Paige and I have always been close.”

Paige is a full-time communications major at West Chester University with a goal of becoming a sports or entertainment broadcaster.

She, like many of the others, has been dancing since she was a toddler.

“It really is magical for me,” Paige said. “It’s a really cool way to connect to people through performance.”

She said she enjoys the diversity of the squad with the women ranging from 19 to 29 years old and coming from a variety of professions from students to nurses to teachers.

“It’s really cool because you can learn so much from each other,” Paige said. “It’s like have 37 sisters and best friends.”

Casey, 20, and Jackie Ranieri, 25, both of Glen Mills, are the two Delco rookies on the team.

They remembered the month-long auditioning process back in the spring.

“It was nerve wracking but so exciting,” Casey said.

The West Chester business management major said it started with an open call of 400 women that would eventually be cut to 38 after a live audience audition at the Prince Music Theater in front of friends and family.

During tryouts there is an interview portion in which the candidates are asked an unknown question. Casey said she was asked what would she ask Barack Obama if she had dinner with him.

“I would want him to describe the life in the day of a president,” she said.

The results are announced the day after the live audience audition.

“At that point, you’re just so proud of yourself,” Casey said, although she was elated to have her number called. “This is just like all of your hard work just paying off.”

Ranieri agreed.

The health and physical education teacher received her e-mail at 7:30 a.m.

“I thought they sent it to the wrong person,” she smiled.

Even her students noticed a difference that day, as they kept asking her, “Miss Ranieri, do you know you’re talking really fast?”

A month later, they all were in Mexico for the swimsuit photo shoot.

“You jump right into it,” she said.

Ranieri said she plans to relish it all.

“I really just want to enjoy the whole experience,” she said. “I’m so excited.”

Cheryl, 23, of East Fallowfield Township, is in her sophomore year with the squad and she’s animated about the season from playing against Donovan McNabb to the team’s new quarterback Kevin Kolb to the 1960s retro night for the home opener.

Yet, the West Chester communications graduate said seeing the fans’ excitement is her favorite part.

“I feel like if you’re an Eagles fan, you’re a die hard,” Cheryl said.

She herself was raised in that environment.

Her dad, Jim, grew up at 18th and Osage streets in Philadelphia.

Cheryl laughed when talking about his reaction to her making the team.

“He was beside himself,” she said. “He didn’t even believe me.”

When she had the telephone confirmation at 6:30 a.m., she immediately called him.

“Dad!” she said. “I’m an Eagles cheerleader!”

“What?” he asked. “What?”

Cheryl said her entire family has held the Eagles in high esteem for many years but her spot on the squad makes it all the better.

“We all just grew up loving the Eagles,” she said. “Now, they’re even more proud to be an Eagles fan.”

Krystle, 24, of Glen Mills, has been on the squad for six years.

“The love of the game and the love of dance keeps me coming back,” she said.

The second grade teacher said her students enjoy seeing her on television.

“They are so supportive,” she said, adding that they often wear Eagles jerseys.

She has high hopes for the season.

“That we make it to the Super Bowl,” she said. “That would be awesome.”

Kim, 25, of Media, likes the camaraderie of her fellow cheerleaders.

But, the third year member is also enticed by the excitement.

“Before every game, I still get butterflies in my stomach,” the part-time paralegal assistant said. “Being out on the field is just so much fun. There’s a lot of energy just from the fans and from the team. That’s what keeps you going.”

Profiles and individual photos of the 2010-11 Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals are now online. Click here to learn more about the women on the team.

Some of my personal favorites…

After a competitive audition process, the Panthers have selected their new dance team. Congratulations ladies!