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

For those of you who missed th first match up of the second round, Patricia showed exactly why she won last year by easily defeating Michelle. She made it clear that whoever wins this week will have a very difficult time moving past her in the semifinals as just beating a cheerleader like Michelle is not an easy accomplishment.

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 2 of Round 2: Amanda vs. Toni G.

Amanda

This also is Amanda's fourth season cheering for us although she wasn't on the roster page last year. So, I'm guessing we should all give her a great big welcome back to the squad (or at least a welcome to our tournament!) This wine representative from Lakewood, Colo., works at selling wine from her families vineyard out of Argentina. She's also the first cheerleader in the squad so far to talk about Peyton Manning, which I think we all have to give her some props for.

She was able to defeat Allyson by nearly 100 votes in her first round contest this year.

Her answers to her bio page on denverbroncos.com:

Best thing about being a Broncos Cheerleader?
Being able to do what we love and have extreme passion for, both on and off the field. Performing on Game Day is really one of the best things I have ever experienced, it really is a feeling that is hard to put into words.

Most memorable experience?
Your first game is always memorable, but it was actually my first field practice that was the most memorable. It was a night practice before our first game, and I remember they hadn’t turned the stadium light on and we were basically dancing in the dark. We had finished one of our Endzone dances, and I was lying on the field looking towards the south stands at the gleaming Broncos statue at the top of the stadium. It was an incredibly surreal moment, when I realized where I was and how lucky I was to be there. That moment will always stick with me.

How do you spend your time off the field?
I work as a wine rep for a family owned vineyard out of Argentina. So basically I sell wine… and I love my job. Every vineyard and wine has such an interesting story behind it, and I’ve always been intrigued by the people behind the wine and how it’s all made. It’s all about family, being together for a special occasion, or just enjoying time with friends.

Occupation and how does Broncos affect your work?
Wine rep. Going into my fourth year as a Broncos cheerleader, I think it has only affected my job in a positive way. I really feel like I’ve perfected my time management, or at least gotten close to perfecting. It really takes just being organized with you schedule and making sure you are always putting everything on your calendar. Whenever I’m the busiest, I always get the most done. And believe me, a full time job plus Broncos keeps me very busy, in a great way!

Who do you admire most in the Sports industry?
Peyton Manning… right, shouldn’t that be my answer? But really, I do admire him. No doubt he’s an incredible athlete and achieved a lot in his career, but he’s also very humble and gives a lot of his time to charitable organizations. Plus, he knows how to laugh at himself, which is a characteristic I admire in all people. I am so ecstatic to see him play as a Bronco this year, and I think I can say most of our Broncos fans would agree!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I still see myself doing the things that make me happy… traveling, dancing, pursuing my career goals, spending time with family and friends, and maybe starting a little family of my own.

What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
Our fans are so amazing and are what game day is all about. They bring so much energy and enthusiasm to each and every game, no matter the outcome. I hope they know they bring as much joy to us as we bring to them.

What do you do in your spare time to relax?
Many things. Yoga is always my first go-to for relaxation. Just one hour in class is such a great relief of stress from your day or week. It’s also one hour dedicated to yourself, which I think is very important.

Best advice to kids?
Be yourself and follow your heart, no matter what. As long as you do, you will be happy in life.

Most important goal in life?
To always be pushing myself to be a better person, and to never be complacent. Whether that has to do with work, fitness, my relationships, and maybe someday being a parent… I think there is always room for you to learn and grow. In the end, I feel like this will only result in happiness… which is always my ultimate goal, to be happy in whatever I do.

Place you would most like to visit?
It’s so hard to narrow it down to one place because I want to travel to so many places in the world. If I had to narrow it down, I’d like to visit the countries of my heritage: Italy, Spain and Ireland. I would also love to go to Thailand… I’ve heard it’s an absolutely beautiful country.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My parents have always been my greatest inspiration. They are both extremely hard workers and have been strong through so many experiences in their life. They have always loved, supported and encouraged me through my entire life and I appreciate them more than they will ever know.

What is the one thing that you value most in life?
All my relationships with my loved ones are what I value most in life. I am very lucky to be surrounded by the best family and friends who have always been there to support me though all my life decisions.

Toughest part about being a cheerleader?
Auditions are always the toughest part of every year. Many people don’t know we have to try-out every year, and there are no guarantees of getting a spot back on the team. It’s a tough week, but it definitely keeps us on top of our game and working hard throughout the year.

Two people you would like to have dinner with?
Frank Sinatra and Jerry Seinfeld.. a dinner filled with unforgettable stories and lots of laughs.

Favorite things to do in Denver?
Red Rocks is absolutely gorgeous. I try and get up there as often as possible… for concerts, movies, or just running the stairs. I would go out on a limb and say it one of the greatest amphitheaters in the county. I also enjoy exploring the Denver culinary scene… I’m a bit of a foodie, I love trying new restaurants and I will pretty much try any type of cuisine at least once.

Favorite sport to participate in?
I enjoy any outdoor sports that involve the beach or water… surfing, beach volleyball, paddle boarding, or any other fun athletic sports with friends. Not saying I’m a pro at any of them, but I do enjoy participating.

Three words that best describe you?
Carefree, positive attitude, adventurous

Most prized possession?
My dog babies, Jazzy and Dash. Cutest Dachshunds around town!

Greatest Accomplishment?
I feel like my greatest accomplishment is yet to come. But I am very proud of my determination and hard work that I have put into my dance career. I had a goal of achieving a spot on this team and new it would take a lot of hard work, discipline, sweat and tears. I am so honored to be apart of such a talented, smart and beautiful group of women.

Toni G.

This is Toni G's first year cheering for us. This Project Coordinator from Minneapolis graduated from the University of Minnesota before moving out to Denver to join the Broncos. She seems pretty excited to be a part of the squad, and I think we're all excited to have her on the team as well. Also love seeing another cheerleader who has aspirations to get her PhD. Can't be prouder that our squad is filled with such intelligent, charitable women, not to mention gorgeous.

Toni G. was able to sneak past Becky by 17 votes in her first round contest this year.

Her answers to her bio page on denverbroncos.com:

What is the best thing about being a Broncos Cheerleader?
Working in the community, particularly with kids.

What was your most memorable experience as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader?
My first time stepping onto the field at the stadium!

How do you spend your time off the field?
Working at the University of Denver, teaching dance and yoga, and running.

What was your most memorable game as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader?
I'm certain my most memorable game will be my first!

What is your occupation and how does being a Denver Broncos Cheerleader affect your work?
Project Coordinator in Career Services at the University of Denver. Broncos has helped me create many connections here and has already helped me develop the skills needed to work with people from all walks of life.

Who do you admire most in the Sports industry?
Any player or coach that volunteers their spare time to work in the community.

What is your favorite book?
The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathon Haidt

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully back in school earning my PhD!

What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
They are extremely loyal and optimistic.

What do you do in your spare time to relax?
Yoga.

What is your best advice to kids?
Be true to yourself and follow your passions, no matter what everyone else thinks!

What is the best gift you ever received?
Any gift card to an ice-cream/frozen yogurt establishment makes me very happy!

What is your most important goal in life?
To learn something new every day, and then teach it to others.

What is the one place you would most like to visit?
I would love to visit Spain.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My parents. They taught me that I can do anything I want if I work hard and remain humble.

What is the one thing that you value most in life?
My friendships.

What is the toughest part about being a cheerleader?
Time management!

Who are two people you would like to have dinner with?
Michael Jackson and Mother Teresa

What are your favorite things to do in Denver?
Going hiking, sightseeing, and walking around downtown.

What is your favorite sport to participate in?
Baseball

What are the three words that best describe you?
Genuine, Curious, and Loyal

What is your most prized possession?
My National Championship ring from college

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Moving away from Minnesota to pursue my dreams!

We've got two tournament first-timers making it to the second round this year. It's now up to us to decide who will earn their way into the semi-finals and get the chance to face last year's winner. 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!