First of all, thanks again to all who voted and congratulations to Kara for winning Round 12 of our cheerleader tournament. Also, another big Mile High Salute to Katie K. for her showing. This was one of our more unusual rounds as the comments didn't line up with the vote for once. While our regulars urged Katie on, the voters silently did otherwise and chose Kara. She is now set to face Nikki in our first quarterfinal matchup.
For those of you who are new to this series, here's the usual introduction: I got the idea for this 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 built 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 that means a new vote every 3 or 4 days. It doesn't matter how you vote, but I'll be giving the information and pictures from the Broncos' website. You can base your vote on who you perceive to be the biggest fan, whose personality you like the best or plain and simple looks (of course, the info will still probably have to play a part since they're all obviously 10s of course).
So, without further adieu, I present Round 12 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 13: Sam Boik versus Allyson Daniels
Sam Boik
Sam has been a fan of the Broncos since the first NFL game she ever attended, which was a Broncos home game and a WIN over the Giants. This is her second season as a cheerleader for the Broncos. She was a professional ballet dancer for seven seasons with Carolina Balletand and now is a Senior Market Operations Specialist.
Occupation and how does Broncos affect your work?
Senior Market Operations Specialist. I work full time, as many of the other cheerleaders do too. My involvement with the Broncos requires extra time commitments outside of my regular 40-hour week. I need to make sure I always keep a very up-to-date calendar. Broncos has taught me how to excel at time management and how to focus my energy on one thing at a time, especially when I may have 3 or 4 different things going on in any one day. That discipline helps me work more efficiently no matter what I'm doing.
What is the most important attribute of a Denver Broncos cheerleader?
POSITIVE ENERGY! It radiates from her smile, it inspires the fans to support the team from start to finish, it shows itself in all her community involvement, it encourages her to dance with 100% effort at every team rehearsal and on the field, and for all the people she meets it leaves an everlasting impression of kindness and grace.
Most memorable experience?
During the moments prior to the final selection at the 2010 cheerleader finals, all 63 finalists held hands and wished each other the best of luck and warm congratulations for working hard and showing so much talent, regardless of the ultimate outcome. When my name and number were announced, I knew that I had just been offered the opportunity of a lifetime with an amazing group of women.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My dad. He's a generous, honest, and loving man. He has inspired within me a driving work ethic that encourages me to never give up and helps me to achieve my dreams.
What is one thing about being a DBC that most people don't know?
Everyone is extremely professional. We are far from a group of drama queens or divas! All the cheerleaders show each other and their coaches a great amount of respect. It takes a lot of hard work, commitment, and preparation to perform at our very best, but we're able to achieve that because everyone fulfills their responsibilities.
Best advice to kids?
Believe in yourself! You just may surprise yourself with the accomplishments you're able to achieve if you just believe.
What sports do you enjoy watching or playing?
I'm a huge fan of playing pool! I realize it's not necessarily an athletic sport; however the math nerd side of me loves the elements of physics and geometry in the game. Plus, my friends call me a "pool shark"!
What top three things do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
I hope to become a published author, to travel to all corners of the world, and to figure out why I'm so addicted to shoes!
What do you value most in your life?
My friends and family, my physical health, and the wisdom that comes with age.
Place you would most like to visit and why?
I've always wanted to travel to Australia. It is such a remarkable continent, full of amazing cities and exotic wildlife. And to be honest, I'm in love with the Aussie accent!
Who do you admire most in the sports industry?
Billie Jean King. Not only did she achieve amazing feats in the game of tennis, she spoke out as an advocate of women's rights and equality, and her 1973 match against Bobby Riggs, dubbed the "Battle of the Sexes", captivated and changed the world.
What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
Their devotion. Every day I pass people on the street wearing Broncos t-shirts or hats, even during the off-season. I often pull up behind fans in their cars with Broncos bumper stickers, license plates, and decals in their windows. At the games I love how our fans get dressed up from head to toe in blue and orange.
What book are you currently reading?
The Universe in a Single Atom by the Dalai Lama
In what charities or community service organizations are you most involved and why?
I became involved with World Wildlife Fund and many different Humane Societies beginning at a young age. I have always felt a deep love and respect for all animals, domesticated and wild. I am a committed vegetarian and believe that the natural animal kingdom is a beautiful community that should be cherished and preserved.
What is something about you that fans might not know?
I've walked upon the Great Wall in China, and it was a breath-taking experience I will never forget.
What makes you laugh?
Looking through old photo albums! It's always fun to look back and laugh about old memories, but it's even funnier to reminisce about all the crazy hairstyle choices I've made over the years. It's difficult to admit, but I do believe that at one point in time my hair was a shade of orange!
How do you challenge yourself?
I try to be a better me every day.
How do you spend your time in the offseason?
Riding my Electra cruiser bicycle everywhere, practicing yoga and running outdoors, nurturing my potted plants, and attending outdoor summer concerts-especially at Red Rocks!
In what area of your life have you achieved the most success?
I've achieved the most success dancing professionally. It's something that I've been dedicated to and have been striving for since I was 5 years old. I attended a private performing arts high school in order to fine tune my craft and made many sacrifices throughout my life in order to become a professional dancer. It has taught me discipline, self-respect, and poise.
Allyson Daniels
Allyson has been a fan of the Broncos since she moved to Colorado in 2004 and couldn’t resist Broncos fever. This is her third season in a row as a cheerleader for the Broncos. She is attending the University of Colorado at Boulder, and majoring in Geography and Environmental Studies.
What is the most important attribute of a Denver Bronco cheerleader?
The passion we have for what we do, on the field and behind the scenes.
Most memorable experience:
The Throwback game was incredible. The flyover made me feel like I was there fifty years ago. And the fans were so proud to share stories of going to the first season of Broncos games. It made me so happy to see the loyalty that our fans have for our team.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My parents. They have been through the good times and the bad and have worked so hard to succeed in both their work and with their family. And have done a great job with both.
What is one thing about being a DBC that most people don’t know?
The amount of hard work that actually goes into being a DBC. Not only for the final result; the game day. But to put ourselves out there at all times to become the best role models possible for the fans who look up to us.
Best advice to kids?
Stay true to who you are. Do not change yourself for anybody. If you want to accomplish your dream, you will get it done.
What sports do you enjoy watching or playing?
Football! I also love to play badminton.
What top three things do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
I hope to have a very successful career, start a family, and just be fully satisfied with life.
What do you value most in life?
My family and friends, they are irreplaceable.
Place you would most like to visit and why?
South America, two months was not enough time for such an incredible place.
What is the best thing about broncos fans?
Their dedication to the team and the game! You will never meet another fan like a Broncos fan.
What book are you currently reading?
Everything is Illuminated
In what charities or community service organizations are you most involved in and why?
I am most involved in environmental and animal conservation organizations. There is only one planet earth and we need to keep it beautiful and in working condition for as long as we possibly can.
What is something about you that fans might not know?
I love to spend time outdoors, hiking and camping.
What makes you laugh?
My Brother.
How do you challenge yourself?
I put myself into situations that intimidate me. I think to myself, "What do I have to lose", and just go for it.
How do you spend your time in the off season?
I plan on doing a lot of snowboarding.
In what area of your life have you achieved the most success?
Dance. I have kept dancing and will never stop.
So Round 13 brings us a battle of dancers. This is our second match featuring a cheerleader who received a bye in the tournament, but this pool shark might have what it takes. On the other hand, she is facing some very stout competition. Once again, please feel free to add your opinions and any info you can find on these lovely ladies, and let me know if there's anything I can do to improve this series.
And I just want to say thank you again to MHR. My knowledge of football has expanded exponentially since I started coming to this site and I still find myself so far behind some of the great members here. I figured this contest would be a good way to give something back. Go Broncos!
