I got the idea for this a few weeks back while visiting the Phinsider website. They were doing a short bracket of cheerleaders from around the league. I figured that wouldn't work for us though since we all know we have the best cheerleaders there are. So, I've been waisting my free time recenetly on building a bracket for the best of the best. To be fair, all entries were selected with a random number generator. I'd like to wrap this up on Super Bowl Sunday, so with 80 days left, that means a new vote every 3 days or so. It doesn't matter how you vote, but I'll be giving the info and pictures from the Broncos' website in case you want to base this on more than just looks (or to break your the ties when they're both obviously 10s of course). So, without further adieu, I present week one of the tournament.
If you can't see the full bracket, just click on the picture. It should take you to the source image.
Round One: Heather Hartman versus Nikki Boole
Heather Hartman
Heather has been a fan of the Broncos since birth and a cheerleader for our team for two years. She attended the University of Denver, got a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is a Special Education Teacher.
Occupation and how does Broncos affect your work?
As a Special Education Teacher my goal is to be an outstanding role model and positively affect the lives of children. Becoming a member of the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders gives me a reputable platform that I hope will inspire kids to reach for their goals.
What is the most important attribute of a Denver Broncos cheerleader?
Professionalism. Taking on the title of a Denver Broncos Cheerleader is an important responsibility. We hold the highest of standards and represent the organization on and off the field.
Most memorable experience?
When they announced my name as a member of the 2010-2011 Denver Broncos Cheerleaders and getting to perform in the Orange and Blue for the first time!
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My brother. Watching him battle cancer at such a young age has changed my life forever. His unbelievable strength and positive outlook inspires me everyday to live life to its fullest. I truly understand that life is precious and you must never take it for granted!
What is one thing about being a DBC that most people don’t know?
How involved in the community we are! We donate a lot of our time to local charities, promotions, and our junior dance program.
Best advice to kids?
Make good friends and dream BIG!!
What sports do you enjoy watching or playing?
I enjoy watching ALL sports and I am up to play anything. I love a little friendly competition!
What top three things do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
1) To become an exceptional wife and mother
2) To further my education in teaching
3) To change lives!
What do you value most in your life?
My family
Place you would most like to visit and why?
New York City! I have been very fortunate to travel to many different countries, but I have yet to make it to the Big Apple!
Who do you admire most in the sports industry?
Besides my brother Nic, I admire any athlete who has achieved a high level of success, while staying humble and using their position as a platform to change others.
What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
Their loyalty and enthusiasm. It is called Broncos Country for a reason!
What book are you currently reading?
The Shack by William P. Young
In what charities or community service organizations are you most involved and why?
The Make-a-Wish Foundation has always been near and dear to my heart. However, I am excited for the opportunity to work with more local charities as a member of the team. Especially those who support our youth.
What is something about you that fans might not know?
I'm a total 80s freak! I love 80s movies and listening to 80s music!
What makes you laugh?
Kids...They truly say the darndest things!
How do you challenge yourself?
I am constantly setting new goals for myself. I believe you have to work hard to play hard!
How do you spend your time in the offseason?
Offseason?? Not only am I busy preparing for the upcoming year, but I enjoy golfing, traveling and spending time with family and friends!
In what area of your life have you achieved the most success?
I believe my life as a journey has been successful. I am very proud of who I am, and what I have had to overcome to get here. I have family and friends that love me, I have a career that I absolutely love and I am dancing for the BEST team in the NFL…what more could a girl ask for?
Nikki Boole
Nikki has been a fan of the Broncos since she started liking football and has also been a cheerleader for us for two years. She attended Whittier College in Whittier, California, and California State University of Fullerton, Fullerton, got a Double Major in Child Development and Sociology California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and is a Teacher.
Occupation and how does Broncos affect your work?
Being an elementary school teacher and a Broncos cheerleader both require a ton of energy! I love keeping busy. Sometimes I don't know where I get the energy, but I guess you can say doing what you love is the key to motivation!
What is the most important attribute of a Denver Broncos cheerleader?
Being a well-rounded individual! It is important to be YOURSELF, as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader. There are so many different responsibilities and experiences within the position that I feel it is important to incorporate all you've learned and all of who you are, into everything you do.
Most memorable experience?
I was extremely blessed to have been asked to go on an AFE (Armed Forces Entertainment) tour last season to Guam. It was truly eye-opening to see what daily life is like for our troops overseas. Having the opportunity to be the little piece of "home" to them was more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. I will treasure each connection I made with our soldiers in Guam.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My mom. She is one of the strongest people I know. She has done everything for my sisters and I and I hope to one day be the selfless, loving woman she is to my kids.
What is one thing about being a DBC that most people don't know?
We have to take a written football test as part of the audition process! So yes, we do know, and like, Denver Broncos football!
Best advice to kids?
YOU ARE SPECIAL! You can do anything you put your heart into! So go shine!!!!
What sports do you enjoy watching or playing?
I'm more of a spectator than a participant... but I absolutely love a good ole game of hockey, basketball, football, or lacrosse. I do, however, really want to get into tennis one day! It would be a great way to workout and have a little competitive fun!
What top three things do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
1) I want to one day have a family and be the best mom and wife I can be!
2) I want to travel! I don't think I'll make it to every continent, but if I can make it to five, I'll be more than happy!
3) I would like to complete a mini-triathlon! I completed my first half-marathon last year, and love a good 10K. l enjoyed the challenge of training and the sense of accomplishment at the finish line.
What do you value most in your life?
The people I love.
Place you would most like to visit and why?
If I had to choose one place to visit from my long list of places to go, I'd choose Spain! I think it looks like a beautiful place to visit, rich with culture and yummy Spanish food.
Who do you admire most in the sports industry?
Wayne Gretzky.
What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
Being the best, most dedicated fans in the NFL!
What book are you currently reading?
Twilight! I know I'm a little late ... but better late than never, right!? I'm hooked! Go Team Edward!
In what charities or community service organizations are you most involved and why?
As a Denver Broncos Cheerleader, we are provided with numerous opportunities to get involved and reach out to the community. As a teacher, I've always enjoyed being involved with the Read Across America program. The impact adults and professionals can have by simply reading a book to a child or being read to, is astronomical and so important!
What is something about you that fans might not know?
I'm a California girl!
What makes you laugh?
Kids!!! They say and do the funniest darn things!!
How do you challenge yourself?
By being the best ME, I can be! I try to remember what I have been given, appreciate it, and do it with all the energy and strength I am supplied with each and every day!
How do you spend your time in the offseason?
One of my favorite things to do is just spend the afternoon in a coffee shop. I love the smell of coffee and the coziness of the environment. I also love watching movies, kickboxing, and hanging out with my little sisters.
In what area of your life have you achieved the most success?
I think I have been successful in following my heart in achieving my goals. I have been blessed with so many opportunities and am truly grateful for the impact each one of them has had on me and the relationships I have built through them. They all have shaped me into the person I am today. For me, it has been important to set goals for myself and achieve them, but also to be open to the unexpected opportunities life may present.
So Week one brings us a battle of teachers. All I can say is they have some very lucky students in their schools. Please feel free to add any other information or pictures you can find on the cheerleaders and let me know if this tournament is something worth the time or any ways I could try to make it better. And, as always, Go Broncos!
