2nd Annual Fan Favorite Denver Broncos Cheerleader Tournament — Match 1 / Round 2

For those of you who missed the tenth match up of the first round, rookie Ashley ended up beating Katie K in the third and worst blowout of our contest. Unfortunately these things happen no matter how much we'd all like to avoid them. But the important thing to remember with these results is that it has everything to do with Ashley being that amazing because I think we all can agree that we would take Katie K. over the top cheerleader from any other squad in the league.

As always, I encourage voters to take a little bit of time and read the bios before voting (I know how distracting those wonderful pictures can be). It doesn't take long, and it can be extremely fascinating to get to know our squad. Also, more than once, my vote has been swayed by the information provided. And speaking of my vote, just like last year, if there is a tie, I will nullify my own vote declaring the other cheerleader the winner (this actually happened).

Remember the new rule:

For those of you who missed it, the new rule was first announced in the results post from last week. The rule is pretty simple though: From this point on, I will not be tolerating any derogatory, insulting or demeaning comments about our cheerleaders. They are all gorgeous, and I'm fine with you talking about how great they look or how awesome their answers are, but I will not stand by and watch anyone nitpicking about some perceived flaws about their appearances. If I see any more of this kind of talk about our cheerleaders, the comments will be removed. Repeated comments will be cause for warnings and or punishment from MHR. I will continue to post this new rule for anyone who may have missed it for the rest of the tournament. Thank you for being civil and giving the proper respect that our cheerleaders deserve.

But, without further ado, lets get down to business.

If you can't see the full bracket, just click on the picture. It should take you to the source image.

Match 1 of Round 2: Patricia vs. Michelle

Patricia

This is Patricia's second season cheering for us. She's a graduate of CSU, majoring in Apparel and Merchandising with a minor in business and is currently working as a Sales Assistant. She also happens to be last year's winner. She beat Kim in the first round, Becky in the second round, Katie W. in the quarterfinals, Toni in the semifinals, before taking down fan favorite Nikki in the final round. Can she do it again?

Fan Since:
I can remember! I was raised a bronco fan. I can't imagine rooting for any other team.

Alma Mater:
CSU

Degree:
Apparel and Merchandising with a minor in business

Occupation and how does Broncos affect your work?
I am a full time student and work at ace hardware as a cashier and sales floor assistant. Adding Broncos into my life definitely makes my schedule packed and always busy, but I like it that way I'm not one to want to sit at home I like being out of my home being involved in whatever I can.

What is the most important attribute of a Denver Broncos cheerleader?
Being involved in the community and also giving back to it as well. There is only so much one person can do for a charity and being a part of an organization where everyone is involved and out there giving back to those who really need help is something I absolutely love about the organization. I also love being part or a team where everyone has the same passion for dance that I also have as well.

Most memorable experience?
So far ... The Broncos Bunch promotion. There was this little girl that came up to Tristan, Michelle and I and handed us a picture her brother had drawn of a cheerleader cheering at a game. It made me realize that we are role models to a lot of young kids and that brought the biggest smile to my face when they gave that picture to us ... We made them sign it later as well.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
As cliché as this sounds, my mom is definitely my greatest inspiration. She died when I was only 12 years old and she was a very successful woman who sadly died at a very young age. So whenever I say I want to do something or set a goal for myself I always am reminded of my mom and how her life ended very suddenly, and if I ever want to accomplish a goal in my life I need to work towards it every day with absolutely no regrets or telling myself I should have done something different. You only have one life and you need to make the most of it before it’s too late and your looking back saying what you should have done differently, my motto is to always look forward toward the future at what you can do instead of looking backward at what you should have done.

What is one thing about being a DBC that most people don't know?
How hard you have to work on the team. Being a DBC means carrying a Legacy on your shoulders of all the DBC’s before you. Every year the standards are higher and it takes a lot of work to meet those standards.

Best advice to kids?
Never say, "I can’t!" Because if you work hard and set your mind to achieve something you can do whatever you want!

What sports do you enjoy watching or playing?
I love watching football and basketball, and I love playing beach volley ball.

What top three things do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
1. Work for Ralph Lauren Corp. In New York City, Its my dream job.
2. Own my own fashion apparel boutique and open it in multiple cities
3. Have my own company where I contract out hairstylists and makeup artist for various shows and special events.

What do you value most in your life?
My family and all the people I have met and become friends with. They all play a huge role in my life and I would not be the person I am today without all the encounters I have had with my friends and family. They make me want to be the best person I can possibly be not only for myself but for them as well.

Place you would most like to visit and why?
Europe. I went to Spain after high school and my mind was blown away by the culture and the history that lies in every stone of that country. The US is so young compared to Europe and I just want to learn so much more about the different cultures there.

Who do you admire most in the sports industry?
What a magnificent show they put on for their fans. Sports would not be the same without the fans that go to every game and cheer on every team they are the ones that really bring a sporting event to life and that’s what I admire the most.

What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
They know how to bleed blue and orange especially when the raiders come to town! Not only that but they stay loyal no matter what. The broncos have had it tough the past couple of years but the fans are still there cheering them on. When things gets rough they are there to support the broncos and help them get through the season. But when the broncos are having a great season the bronco fans aren’t going to jump on the band wagon they are going to cheer on the broncos all the way to the playoffs and the super bowl if they make it!

What book are you currently reading?
Water for Elephants. Its amazing, Im really trying not to go see the movie!

In what charities or community service organizations are you most involved and why?
CSU unity. It is a community service program that goes through our school and one day during the school year all the students at CSU volunteer to help someone in the community. It’s a great program because it brings our school together as well as the whole fort Collins community.

What is something about you that fans might not know?
I am allergic to everything it seems like. Dust, nuts, sunflower seeds, dogs, cats, the list goes on and on.

What makes you laugh?
Little kids! The things they say and ask are so random and creative. Every time I have a conversation with a child under ten years old it brings a smile to my face and constant laughter.

How do you challenge yourself?
Through dance actually. I go to the studio at my school everyday and try to learn a new technical trick. I work on it everyday until it is perfect, and then I move on to another one. It keeps me motivated and always working towards achieving my personal goals and of course it make me a better dancer.

How do you spend your time in the offseason?
I have no offseason! I am constantly working on something. It is either in work, school, or dance. But when I do have free time I try and spend it with my friends and family by going on trips or just hanging out with them at concerts or parks.

In what area of your life have you achieved the most success?
In dance. I was never formally trained, except for in Irish dancing, and I had to learn a lot of technique on my own. My had work definitely paid off. I was captain of my high school dance team, danced for CSU for three years on the Golden Poms, and now I am DBC. I am very proud of everything I have achieved in my dancing carrier and could ask for anything more.

Michelle

This is Michelle's third season cheering for us. Since last season, she has graduated with her masters degree in accounting and now works as an executive assistant / office manager. She ended up losing her first round match up in last year's tournament to Katie K (which you can see here), but as we all know, there's no shame in that as she clearly beats every other cheerleader from every other squad in the NFL. This year, she defeated Margaret in a nail bitter in our first round.

Best thing about being a Broncos Cheerleader
There are so many amazing things about being on this team, but because I am a huge Denver Broncos fan, there is no better place to be on game day than on that field at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Most memorable experience
During my first season as a DBC, the mother of one of my junior cheerleaders suddenly passed away. I found out that my junior cheerleader, Aly, wanted me to dance with her in honor of her mother at the memorial service. That was the moment when I realized that my position as a DBC far exceeded the public perception of just a "cheerleader." I had no idea what an impact I had made on my junior cheerleaders, and I realized that I have the capability of being a positive role model and support system for many young women in our community. It is hard to put into words the overwhelming feeling of the experience, but frankly, it is a memory that Aly and I will be able to share forever.

How do you spend your time off the field?
I really like to relax and enjoy the little things in life when I have free time, so that means spending time with friends and family. Although I pretend that I am not, I am a closet gaming nerd, so I love playing games like Just Dance 3, Fruit Ninja, Mario Party/Cart, Taboo, Apples to Apples, etc. I also really like finding local places to eat that are unique to Colorado, and enjoying my meal on the patio overlooking the mountains. Even though I haven’t been able to as often as I would like, I absolutely love to travel.

Most memorable game
Hands down, best game was Broncos vs Steelers in the 2011 Playoffs. It was a really special night at Mile High and I think it was the first time in many years that everyone in that stadium could feel that Mile High Magic was finally back. I will never forget Tim Tebow’s first pass in overtime to Demaryius Thomas that secured the win for the Broncos. There is nothing better than looking around to see the cheering fans and sharing such a special moment in Broncos history with some of my best friends standing by my side.

Occupation and how does Broncos affect your work?
I am an Executive Assistant for the Managing Partner of an asset management company in Denver. I am very fortunate to have an amazing boss, who understands my commitment as a DBC. I remain very busy going straight from work to practice, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Who do you admire most in the Sports industry?
I have always admired the way in which Tim Tebow carries himself on and off the field. Regardless of the amount of positive/negative press he receives, Tim continues to uphold his values and beliefs. When Tim came to Denver, he brought a lot of excitement to the city, and I know Broncos country will miss him. It was an amazing experience to be a part of Tebow Mania, and I wish him the best of luck in NY!

Favorite Book
It’s no surprise…The Hunger Games.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
It was always a goal of mine to leave my comfort zone of Denver and explore other countries. So I hope to be in another country continuing my career in 5 years.

What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
Broncos fans are the most loyal fans you will ever meet. I mean when you say Broncos country these people bleed orange and blue.

What do you do in your spare time to relax?
For many people this may not be relaxing, but I love to watch my favorite shows like Criminal Minds and Modern Family with my roommate after making a home cooked meal. I also love to go to Pure Barre and yoga classes to clear my mind.

Best advice to kids?
The only dumb question is the one not asked.

Best gift you ever received?
Because I love to travel, I would have to say the best gift I received was a trip to Australia. During this trip, I was able to meet a lot of really amazing people, learn heaps of new lingo, and most importantly, I gained a new perspective on life due to the country’s awesome lifestyle.

Most important goal in life?
I hope to actually be the person that I say that I want to be, by living my life with no regrets and touching the lives of those around me.

Place you would most like to visit?
I would love to visit the Tahitian Islands, the Mediterranean, and Africa. I am addicted to traveling and I have so much fun exploring exotic cultures.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
I might be a little biased, but I have the coolest parents in the world. I know it sounds nerdy but my parents are my best friends, and I am so grateful for our amazing relationship. My parents are former political refugees of the Czech Republic, who left all their family and friends behind for freedom in the United States. They have always inspired me to accomplish my dreams.

What is the one thing that you value most in life?
It’s cliché, but I value life itself. We only have one life to live, so why not make it amazing!

Toughest part about being a cheerleader?
I think it can get difficult when I am surrounded by individuals who have a misperceived image of cheerleaders. It is my goal as a DBC to show everyone that I come in contact with that we are educated women, who love to dance, and who strive to enrich the lives of others.

Two people you would like to have dinner with?
My mother’s grandmother and my father’s dad. These two people passed before I was born. But my parents always reference them as key people in their lives, and I always wished that I had a chance to meet the two people that were most influential in my parents’ lives.

Favorite things to do in Denver?
I love to hike in the summer, snowmobile in the winter, go to concerts throughout the year, and attend any sporting event in Colorado.

Favorite sport to participate in?
I like to say that I tear up the badminton court.

Three words that best describe you
Caring, Optimistic, Loyal

Most prized possession?
A ring I received from my parents when I graduated high school. It has a lot of sentimental value.

Greatest Accomplishment
My greatest accomplishment was graduating with my master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Accounting in five years, while dancing as a DBC for my final two years of school.

We have another impossible decision Broncos fans. Will Patricia go deep in our tournament again this year or will Michelle find a way for the upset? As always, 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. Go Broncos!