First of all, thanks again to all who voted and congratulations to Megan for winning Round 13 of our cheerleader tournament. Also, another big Mile High Salute to Tristan for her showing. So far this year, the cheerleaders who received byes are 1-2, but it's no surprise as the first two quarterfinal matchups appear to be knockouts, and they all would have be terribly hard to defeat.
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 15 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 15: Lauren Hanna versus Lindy Koucky
Lauren Hanna
Lauren H., who got the fourth bye of the tournament, has been a fan of the Broncos since the early '90s when she was just a little girl. She says she remembers growing up and her Dad taking her to Broncos games. Even though she was a bit too young to fully understand the game, she always wanted to go with her family. Her family has always been huge Broncos fans and she is proud to say that she followed in their footsteps. This is her first season as a cheerleader for the Broncos. She gradutated from Colorado State University in 2011 with a degree in Communications with a minor in English and is currently job searching.
Occupation and how does Broncos affect your work?
Currently, I recently graduated from Colorado State University and am looking for a position with a Public Relations company. Job searching is exciting and I am excited to find something within the near future!
What is the most important attribute of a Denver Broncos cheerleader?
The most important attribute of a Denver Broncos cheerleader is being a role model within the community. As a Denver Broncos cheerleader, we are honored to work with others through charities, promotions and other events around the Denver area. Being a role model is one of the most important attributes of the Denver Broncos cheerleaders because we strive to positively impact the lives of every Denver Broncos fan and everyone we come in contact with. It also impacts our own life knowing we can help and meet so many great people as well!
Most memorable experience?
My most memorable experience was traveling to China and visiting the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China is so spectacular and the view is incredible! The people who live in China are also very humble and kind. I hope that I can travel there again in the future!
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My younger brother, Eric, has been my greatest inspiration throughout my life. Eric is mentally handicapped, but he keeps me smiling every single day! It is amazing to realize how much he has taught me throughout the 21 years I have known him. I have learned to be compassionate, loving and accepting of all people because of Eric and I am incredibly blessed to have him in my life! Eric has truly shaped me into the person I am today.
What is one thing about being a DBC that most people don't know?
One thing that some people do not always know when they meet or see the DBC is that all of us girls are either full time students, or currently have full time careers. All of the DBC live very busy lives and being a part of this team is the cherry on top! I am happy to know that I can have a career, as well as have my greatest passion in my life which is dance!
Best advice to kids?
The best advice to kids is to treat others as you would want to be treated.
What sports do you enjoy watching or playing?
I am a sucker for basketball! I love everything about the game (Other than football of course!). Over the past three years I have become attached to watching many NBA teams from all over the country. Basketball is such a fast paced game and so entertaining to watch! Although I am a terrible basketball player myself, I never let that affect how I feel about the sport itself!
What top three things do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
The three things that I hope to accomplish in my lifetime is to be happy, successful and to live a long life! I hope to someday be married and have a wonderful family of my own! I also strive to obtain a career that fits me and my lifestyle. Last but not least, I want to live a life that I am proud of!
What do you value most in your life?
The things that I value most in my life are my family, friends and my education. I do not know where I would be if I didn’t have my family and friends. I am incredibly lucky to have such great parents, brothers and friends who support me in everything I do. Without my family and friends I don’t know where I would be! I also value my education. I am very blessed to be able to attend and graduate from a great university in order to obtain a career in Public Relations.
Place you would most like to visit and why?
Anywhere tropical! I am not very picky when it comes to vacations, but if I had a choice to travel somewhere spectacular, it would have to be to Tahiti, Costa Rica or Thailand. I love traveling to beaches because I have lived in snowy Colorado for 23 years, so a change of scenery to something exotic and tropical is a must! I hope to travel to at least one of these three choices someday!
Who do you admire most in the sports industry?
I admire John Elway most in the sports industry. Growing up in Denver my entire life, John Elway was always an icon and an inspiration to many of the kids I grew up with. Everyone knew who John Elway was! He has accomplished so much in his life and was a very talented player.
What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
The best thing about Broncos fans is how supportive and loyal they are to the team! Broncos fans truly are dedicated to the game as well as to the players. There is something unique about the Broncos fans and it is not that they just wear orange and blue, it is the idea of "once a fan, always a fan!"
What book are you currently reading?
I am currently reading a novel called "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. My former literature professor had recommended it to my class and I love this book so far! I definitely recommend it.
In what charities or community service organizations are you most involved and why?
One charity and community service organization that I always am a part of is the Special Olympics. With a younger brother with disabilities, this charity is very important to me. I am always honored to work with the amazing people involved in the Special Olympics because it truly changes my life knowing I could help others with challenges in their life. Being a part of the Special Olympics always leaves me with the most impactful memories and I am very blessed to be able to work with these people! It is such a great feeling when I see the individuals involved in the Special Olympics so happy and that is the reason as to why I love coming back each year.
What is something about you that fans might not know?
Something that the fans may not know is that I can do sign language. Although I do not know as much as I used to, I still enjoy learning more about the language. I wish I knew more!
What makes you laugh?
There are so many things that make me laugh! I love watching the show, Chelsea Lately. She cracks me up every time I watch! I was actually able to see her do standup comedy in Denver a few years ago and it was simply amazing. My boyfriend is also hilarious. The things he says and does are not like anyone else I know! Another thing that makes me laugh is some of my favorite movies such as Elf and Finding Nemo.
How do you challenge yourself?
One attribute of mine is I am a perfectionist! This does help when I do challenge myself though! Whenever I need to do something, I make sure I finish what I have started and that I put in my full effort. Anyone is capable of doing anything as long as they put their mind to it!
How do you spend your time in the offseason?
In the offseason, I will spend my time working in Public Relations. I also enjoy keeping myself in shape during the offseason. I am a huge fan of outside activities such as hiking, golfing, swimming, skiing and more! One goal of mine after the season is to travel and see more of the world. There are so many places I would love to visit and I hope to plan a few vacations this year!
In what area of your life have you achieved the most success?
I have achieved the most success through my education. I believe that education is one of the most important tools people may use in their life! Through my education, I can obtain a career and I can be proud of my accomplishment of completing college for the rest of my life. Education is one of the best privileges I have ever been given and I will cherish it for the rest of my life.
Lindy Koucky
Lindy says, "Growing up in a place like Denver, how could you NOT be a Broncos fan?" (Be sure to check out her answer on what fans might not know.) This is her third season as a cheerleader for the Broncos. She is attending the University of Colorado at Boulderand has a B.A. in Psychology. She is now working toward a graduate degree. She also currently coaches a High School Poms Team
Occupation and how does Broncos affect your work?
I am currently pursing a graduate degree, in addition to coaching a high school poms team. Broncos has provided me with invaluable skills which I have been able to teach to the poms team that I coach. I have found that time management and organization are two skills that have become very valuable to my busy schedule. I utilize every minute of the day.
What is the most important attribute of a Denver Broncos cheerleader?
Being able to leave a positive impression on every individual who we come into contact with.
Most memorable experience?
The Thanksgiving game against the Giants last year. It reminded me of how blessed I am to have all that I do, and to have the opportunity to dance with the most beautiful and talented women in the NFL. If you can't be with your family, it's not a bad trade off to be with your teammates eating Thanksgiving dinner and cheering on your team along with 75,000 of your closest friends.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My Parents. Not only are they my biggest fans, but also the two people that are most influential to me because of the intellect and sound advice that they offer. My parents have given me the tools to lead by example in order to excel in my everyday life.
What is one thing about being a DBC that most people don’t know?
Being a Denver Broncos Cheerleader is not our only job; we all are either employed full-time or are full-time students on top of volunteering our time to charitable causes, all while being a cheerleader.
Best advice to kids?
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
What sports do you enjoying watching or playing?
Football and baseball, especially going to Rockies games in the summer time.
What top three things do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
Become an Orthodontist, raise a family, and to travel to as many places as I possibly can.
What do you value most in life?
Family. Those are the people who will always be there for you and who you can count on the most.
Place you would most like to visit and why?
Italy; it would be great to see the place where my family is from.
Who do you admire most in the sports industry?
Any athlete who uses their position in a selfless and humble way to give back to the community.
What is the best thing about Bronco fans?
The bumper stickers that say, "God must be a Bronco fan because he made the sunset orange."
What book are you currently reading?
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
In what charities or community service organizations are you most involved and why?
The Caruso Family Charity that helps to support families that have children living with cancer. This family is truly admirable in every way possible. Their gift of giving is heartwarming and I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful organization, with this amazing family!
What is something about you that fans might not know?
I was born in Kansas City to be a Chiefs fan, raised by a family of Raider fans, but now that I'm grown up, I will forever be a Broncos fan!
What makes you laugh?
America's Funniest Home Videos and my kitty Cheetah. She runs sideways, and she thinks she's a dog!
How do you challenge yourself?
Everywhere I go, I always ask myself "How can I make this place better?" It challenges me to go above and beyond to be courteous, respectful and helpful in every situation.
How do you spend your time in the offseason?
Enjoying all of the great outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer.
In what area of your life have you achieved the most success?
I am a reliable and dependable person. Throughout my dance career, I have learned that being there when others need help is an invaluable skill. Whether it is for my family, friends, school or coaching, the discipline I have developed through dancing has helped me achieve success in exceeding my own expectations and attaining goals I have set for myself.
So Round 15 brings us a battle of a rookie versus a vet with both being lifelong Broncos fans. We can't go wrong on this one, but I have a feeling most of us will still have a hard time deciding anyway. 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!