Welcome back everyone. First of all, thanks to all who voted and congratulations to Patricia for being the fourth and final cheerleader to make it to the semifinals of our tournament. Also, another big Mile High Salute to Katie for making it as far as she did. We've got just three more rounds to vote on to select the winner and one week until the Super Bowl. So I've decided to run the two semifinal rounds for three day votes and a special one day only final that should end right before the Super Bowl. (If I can figure out the time differences on the poll properly of course.)
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. 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 the first round of the semifinals.
If you can't see the full bracket, just click on the picture. It should take you to the source image.
Semifinals Round One: Nikki Boole versus Sam Boik
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.
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.
So Round One of our semifinals brings us a battle of two cheerleaders in their second year. Had they started out on opposite sides, it would have been easy to see this as a final matchup, of course, the other two cheerleaders would have been just as tough competition. Anyone can win at this point so make sure to let your vote count.. 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!
