2nd Annual Fan Favorite Denver Broncos Cheerleader Tournament — Match 7 / Round 2

For those of you who missed the sixth match of the second round, Candace was able to sneak by with a win by earning 56 percent of the vote. Christina C. is a true fan of our team, and it took an amazing woman to beat her. Unfortunately for her and all her supporters, Candace was just that woman.

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:

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 7 of Round 2: Toni D. vs. Tristan

Toni D.

This is Toni D.'s second season cheering for the Broncos. This dance instructor from Apple Valley, Minn., went to the University of Minnesota. Toni D. was only three votes away from making the finals in last year's contest, losing to the eventual winner, Patricia in the semifinal round. Before that, she defeated Lauren H. in the quarterfinal round, Lauren G. in the second round and Lindsey in the first round. After coming so close last year, will she finally make it this year or will she fall short of last year's performance? The choice is up to you.

What is the best thing about being a Denver Broncos Cheerleader?
The best thing about being a Broncos Cheerleader is the opportunities we are given to get out in the community, show our support and meet amazing people. We do so many different charities and events in the community and it's my favorite part because we get to connect and meet fans all over Colorado.

What was your most memorable experience as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader?
My most memorable experience is still when I heard my name called my first year making the team. It was something I strived for for so long that when the time came and I made the team it was a dream come true.

How do you spend your time off the field?
Off the field I spend my time teaching dance and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. I love hiking, biking and spending my time outside in the sun. Being from Minnesota, I am still in awe by the mountains and scenery of Colorado so I try to get out and enjoy it as much as possible.

What was your most memorable game as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader?
My most memorable game as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader was performing at our home playoff game against the Steelers last year. It was the best feeling in the world being on the sidelines watching the Broncos win in overtime. The stadium was still full, and you would have thought we had just won the superbowl. It was an amazing experience to be a part of and something I won't ever forget.

What is your occupation and how does being a Denver Broncos Cheerleader affect your work?
I currently work at Cherry Creek Dance as an instructor. My job as a dance instructor and a Denver Broncos Cheerleader go hand in hand and I love that I can have dance as a part of my life in both of my jobs.

Who do you admire most in the Sports industry?
I admire the fan base the most being in the Sports industry. The fans are what make the industry thrive and it is so amazing to be a part of such a huge, and supportive community.

What is your favorite book?
My favorite books are the Hunger Games. I read all three books in one week because I was so addicted!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself still heavily involved in the Sports industry. Whether it be working for the NFL or reporting, or still having dance in my life somehow I know I'll be happy.

What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
The best thing about Broncos fans is their commitment! Broncos fans are in no way shape or form fare weather fans and it is nice to know the fans will always be there supporting the team and us!

What do you do in your spare time to relax?
In my spare time when I need to relax I love to grab a good book and lay out at the pool.

What is your best advice to kids?
My advice to kids is to enjoy your life and utilize the gifts God has given you. We are all unique in our own way and we need to embrace it and live to the fullest.

Best gift you ever received?
The best gift I ever received is an antique ring handed down to me from my great aunt. It was something my mom was given and wore when I was growing up and I always loved it. My parents gave it to me for my golden birthday and it is still my favorite thing I own!

Most important goal in life?
My most important goal in life is to be happy. My dad always says "If you love your job, you'll never work a day in your life". I have to say I love my job!

Place you would most like to visit?
The place I would most like to visit is Italy. I would love the opportunity to see where my family comes from.

What is the one thing that you value most in life?
I value my family more than anything. Moving to Colorado was a major life change for me since my entire family lives in Minnesota and I cherish all the time I get to spend with them when I visit.

What is the toughest part about being a cheerleader?
The toughest thing about being an NFL Cheerleader is balancing work and being a Cheerleader. I always want to be involved with anything Broncos but I also have a commitment to my other jobs and it is difficult finding that balance.

Two people you would like to have dinner with?
Two people I would like to have dinner with would be my great grandfather and Tim McGraw.

What are your favorite things to do in Denver?
My favorite things to do in Denver are enjoying the performing arts, and seeing all the shows that come to Denver.

What is your favorite sport to participate in?
My favorite sport to participate in, even though I am not very good, is volleyball. I have always loved the sport and still enjoy playing it.

What are the three words that best describe you?
Charismatic, adventurous, down to earth

What is your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment aside from making the team would have to be that I am the new face of Angela King Designs. I felt like winning the competition was such a long shot that I didn't expect it so when they announced me as the winner I was shocked but extremely thrilled.

Tristan

Tristan is in her second year cheering for us. She's currently a graduate student at the University of Colorado. She was lucky enough to get a bye in last year's tournament, but ended up losing to Megan in the second round. So far in this year's contest, she easily defeated Lindsey in the first round.

What is the best thing about being a Denver Broncos Cheerleader?
The best thing is getting to meet all the Denver Broncos fans!

What is your most memorable experience?
When my audition number was called during Finals. I couldn't quite process what was happening until I was engulfed by other girls congratulating me and then I couldn't stop smiling!

How do you spend your time off the field?
I enjoy volunteering at a hospital, taking dance and yoga classes, traveling, reading, hiking, and hanging out with my family and friends!

What is your most memorable game as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader?
The playoff game against the Steelers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High! The fans in the stadium were so energized and loud and helped cheer the Broncos to victory!

Occupation and how does being a Denver Broncos Cheerleader affect your work?
I am currently working in a sleep lab in Boulder. Being a DBC and having a rigorous job requires me to stay organized and prepare ahead of time, both for practice and my job.

Who do you admire most in the Sports industry?
I admire Apolo Ohno-he is appreciative, focused, dedicated to his passion, and has been very involved in service organizations to better the community as a whole.

What is your favorite book?
The BFG by Roald Dahl

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Graduating from medical school!

What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
Broncos fans are Broncos fans until the end! It doesn't matter how the team is playing at a particular instant or who the coach is - Broncos fans are loud and proud to support the team!!!

What do you do in your spare time to relax?
I enjoy sitting outside and reading a fun book.

What is your best advice to kids?
Never give up. If you're having a rough day, try to smile and remember that with dedication and perseverance, you can achieve almost anything.

Best gift you ever received?
A trip to Holland! We biked from town to town which was a really fun way to explore the country.

Most important goal in life?
To become a physician and successful balance this career with a family.

Place you would most like to visit?
I would like to visit Alaska and see the Aurora Borealis. I love being outside and looking at the stars, and the Northern Lights are spectacular in photos, so I'm guessing they are even better in person!

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My grandmother. She was the most caring, compassionate woman I have ever known.

What is the one thing that you value most in life?
I value my family. I am extremely fortunate to have a family that supports me in everything I do!

What is the toughest part about being a cheerleader?
Being stereotyped. The women on this team are incredibly intelligent, motivated, and unique!

Who are the two people you would like to have dinner with?
Ellen DeGeneres and Roald Dahl - I think both would have many interesting and funny stories to share!

What are your favorite things to do in Denver?
I love hanging out in City Park, especially visiting the museum and the zoo!

What is your favorite sport to participate in?
Besides dance, I really enjoy sports that involve teamwork and can be played in a casual setting, such as flag football and sand volleyball.

What are the three words that best describe you?
Optimistic, personable, and passionate.

Most prized possession?
A necklace my grandmother gave me when I was 12.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Thus far, I have many accomplishments I am proud of. However, I have been the most successful in pursuing my dreams of dance. I have been fortunate enough to be able to dance since I was small, and I have pushed myself hard to be the best I can possibly be. As long as I have somewhere to dance, I'm happy!

Once again, we have an impossible decision to make. Toni D. could easily improve on last year's performance and make it to the final round, but Tristan obviously deserves to make it further than she did last year. Only one will be able to make that happen though, and the choice is up to you. 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!

One last look
Toni D.	Tristan
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