FanPost

ROUND 18: Broncos' best cheerleader tournament

First of all, thanks again to all who voted and congratulations to Patricia for winning Round 17 of our cheerleader tournament. Also, another big Mile High Salute to Becky for her showing. I'm guessing that many had too hard of a time voting for a woman in a Laker Girl outfit (or just couldn't get over Patricia's tempting smile). Patricia's win also makes the girls who got a bye week 2-3 going into the final match before the quarterfinals.

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 18 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 18: Katie Wafer versus Lelanna Simmons

Katie Wafer

Katie W. has been a fan since 1988 -- the year she was born. This is also the 23-year-old's first season cheering for us. She graduated from Arizona State University and majored in Business and Communications. She now works as a Sales Account Executive.

Occupation and how does Broncos affect your work?
I am a Local Sales Account Executive for Comcast Spotlight. DBC is an excellent networking opportunity for any type of Sales Job. It’s all about relationships!

What is the most important attribute of a Denver Broncos cheerleader?
Being a positive role model and ambassador for not only the Broncos organization but the entire state of Colorado.

Most memorable experience?
Skydiving or hang gliding off the Swiss Alps. I am an adrenaline junkie!

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My Grandfather George Wafer. He was a man of honor and loyalty. His Country and his family were the most important things in life. He was also a Broncos season ticket holder since 1968!

What is one thing about being a DBC that most people don't know?
Behind all of the sparkle and glitz we are tough women. We train hard and give a lot for this team. We are all dedicated to making our fans proud!

Best advice to kids?
The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude. Stay positive and be responsible for the energy around you.

What sports do you enjoy watching or playing?
I love to watch any professional Denver team but most importantly my younger four sibling’s games. I also love to Snowboard!

What top three things do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
1. See the World
2. Have my own family
3. Make my parents proud.

What do you value most in your life?
Faith, Family & Friends.

Place you would most like to visit and why?
I would love to travel to New Zealand and conquer the highest bungee jump in the world!

Who do you admire most in the sports industry?
Pat Tillman. He had more passion for football than most, yet his passion for our Country was unmatched. He turned down millions of dollars and NFL fame to fight four our freedom. There is nothing more heroic than that!

What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
Loyalty! Sun or snow the energy is infectious. Bronco’s fans truly bleed Orange and Blue.

What book are you currently reading?
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. A World War 2 story of survival, resilience and redemption.

In what charities or community service organizations are you most involved and why?
The past four years I have been most involved with my sororities philanthropy, called the Foundation for the Blind. We worked with individuals who were blind and organizations which serve them. Since 1936 our sororities philanthropic purpose has been to stop blindness before it stops. "Vision is one of our most precious senses. Unexplainable to those without it; irreplaceable to those who have it."

What is something about you that fans might not know?
I am the Queen of movie quotes. I love one-liners.

What makes you laugh?
Little things. I am always laughing! It is really embarrassing when someone pulls up to my car and sees me laughing to myself. Ironically, after getting embarrassed I just end up laughing more.

How do you challenge yourself?
I do my best to do one act of kindness a day for a stranger. The movie Pay It Forward left a deep impact in my heart. If something small to me could make a big difference for someone else, then I will strive to do that every day.

How do you spend your time in the offseason?
Whether I am performing or teaching, I dance year round. I love inspiring younger girls to enjoy dance as much as I do. My younger sister has become a beautiful dancer which makes me proud.

In what area of your life have you achieved the most success?
I have achieved the most success through my dance career. I danced on a collegiate team before becoming a professional cheerleader. I also recently started a dance program for a local non-profit organization. I am continuing to see my dreams come true especially as a new member of the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders.

Lelanna Simmons

Lelanna, who received our final bye of the tournament, has been a fan of football since she can remember. She grew up in a family that was very involved in the sport, especially with her dad being a football coach at the college level. Her brothers played football as youngsters (Pee Wee Football), played in high school, and went on to play at the college level as well. She's been a Broncos fan since she was five years old, when she moved to Boulder Colorado. This is her second season cheering for us. She's a graduate of University of Colorado-Leeds School of Business (even going so far as to post the fight song on her official bio page), majoring in Bachelor of Science-Business Administration, emphasis on Human Resources Management, and is currently working as a Human Resources Specialist.

Occupation and how does Broncos affect your work?
I am a Human Resources Specialist. I work at the corporate office of a Fortune 500 kidney dialysis company. Being a part of this organization has helped me increase my time management skills. I've learned to balance my full time job and still stay dedicated to the responsibilities of a Denver Broncos Cheerleader.

What is the most important attribute of a Denver Broncos cheerleader?
I believe dedication and passion are the most important attributes. As a Denver Broncos cheerleader, I must be dedicated to my teammates, and the legacy that's been passed on each year. The passion in my heart gives me the desire and motivation to practice and perform at a high level of excellence for the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders. These attributes also give me the drive to give back to the community.

Most memorable experience?
My most memorable experience was during finals night of the 2009-2010 DBC Audition. It happened when the judges walked back into the room to announce the team. I will never forget how I felt at that very moment, when I heard Teresa say "Number 41, Lelanna." I couldn't stop crying!!! All my dreams had finally come true!! It took me three years of auditions to make the team, but it was all worth it!!! This opportunity is such a blessing and I'm not taking any moment for granted. I'm so thankful and honored to be a part of such a wonderful and prestigious organization.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My parents have taught me to never give up on my dreams. They instilled in me a strong foundation of morals, values and integrity to follow throughout my life. Above all, my greatest inspiration has been Jesus Christ. Without Him, none of this would be possible.

What is one thing about being a DBC that most people don't know?
Every woman on this team either works full time, attends school full time, or even both! In addition to our day schedules, we practice 10 plus hours a week, and attend numerous charity and volunteer events. Also, we take an active role in our Junior Denver Broncos Cheerleaders. A Denver Broncos Cheerleader must know how to manage her time well, all day, every day!

Best advice to kids?
NEVER give up on your dreams!!!

What sports do you enjoy watching or playing?
I love watching football the most. It's my number one choice!! I also enjoy swimming, gymnastics, ice skating and basketball.

What top three things do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
1) Obtain a Human Resources Management position
2) Travel to various countries around the world
3) Get married and have children!!

What do you value most in your life?
I value my family and my loved ones the most. I've been blessed to have loving parents and two older brothers that would travel to the ends of the earth for me, if they had to. I've also been blessed with good friends who I know I can rely on no matter the circumstance. I'm so thankful for my loved ones and the support they provide through good, bad, thick and thin times.

Place you would most like to visit and why?
Aruba!!! I love the beach and the ocean. The sensation of sand under my feet, and the sun on my face is wonderful. Splashing around in crystal clear waters sounds amazing! I hope to get there someday!!!

Who do you admire most in the sports industry?
I admire the athletes and coaches, and their families. I have so much respect for the athletes of any sport. Growing up around football; I've seen firsthand the dedication, commitment, passion and physical demand it takes to be the best. I've also witnessed the time and commitment it takes to be an effective coach. Lastly, I truly admire the families of the coaches and athletes, especially in football. It takes a truly unique woman to be able to support her husband (either coach or player) through the ups and downs of the football industry.

What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
I love their excitement, energy and enthusiasm!!

What book are you currently reading?
Falling in Love with Jesus by Dee Brestin & Kathy Troccoli.

In what charities or community service organizations are you most involved and why?
The majority of my volunteer opportunities are through my Church. Outreach in my community is important, and I enjoy giving back as much as I can.

What is something about you that fans might not know?
I absolutely love chocolate!! If I could eat it every day, I would!!

What makes you laugh?
Hearing the laughter of my nieces and nephews

How do you challenge yourself?
I like to be the best I can be. For me, this means always pushing myself harder to take the next step. I also encourage constructive criticism, because without it, you can never grow.

How do you spend your time in the offseason?
In the offseason, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, taking dance classes, working out, and traveling.

In what area of your life have you achieved the most success?
Dance. Becoming a Denver Broncos Cheerleader is one of the most successful things I've achieved in my life. Through hard work, perseverance and years of auditions I am finally able to say, "I am a Denver Broncos Cheerleader." My first season flew by, and I'm so blessed to have this opportunity. I can't wait to interact with the fans again and hear the roar of the crowd. LET'S GO BRONCOS!!

So Round 18 brings us a battle of two business women with deep roots to the Broncos. This winner will be our final entry into the quarterfinals where the competition will only be getting harder. 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!

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR.