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

Hello and welcome back Bronco fans. It's time for our second match of the second annual Best Broncos Cheerleader Tournament. If you didn't get your vote in on our first match, you really missed out as Michelle and Margaret traded the lead numerous times over the final 100 votes. But with so many great women on our squad, I fully expect many more match ups like that one to come.

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).

But, without further adieu, 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 1: Allyson vs. Amanda

Allyson

This is Allyson's fourth season cheering for us. She's lucky enough (or we're lucky enough to have her) as the office assistant for the cheerleaders, so this University of Colorado at Boulder grad from New Jersey says her life is surrounded by the Broncos. She ended up winning her first round against Kristen last year, before getting knocked out of the tournament by fan favorite Sam, who ended up in third place during the second round. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see where she ends up this year.

Her answers to her bio page on denverbroncos.com:

Fan Since:
I moved to Colorado in 2004 and couldn’t resist Broncos fever.

Degree:
Geography and Environmental Studies

What is the best thing about being a Broncos Cheerleader?
Having the opportunity to be involved in a large number of charities around Broncos Country is a blessing. As a cheerleader we receive requests from around the state of Colorado. It’s great to see how involved our community is and how much of a difference we can make when we work together.

What was your most memorable experience as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader?
The day I made it as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader. I would have never expected to be part of such an elite group of 26 women.

How do you spend your time off the field?
I take as many Core Power Yoga classes as I can. I also love to spend time outdoors, hiking and camping.

What was your most memorable game?
The Throwback game was pretty memorable. The flyover made me feel like I was there fifty years ago. And the fans were so proud to share stories of going to the first season of Broncos games. It made me so happy to see the loyalty that our fans have for our team.

What is your occupation and how do the Broncos affect your work?
I am lucky enough to work as the office assistant for the cheerleaders. So my life is surrounded by Broncos and I love every moment of it.

What is your favorite book:
The Great Gatsby

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to have a successful career, start a family, and just be fully satisfied with life.

What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
Their passion for the game of football and our Broncos blows me away. Our fans are at every game, even if it’s raining or snowing. They are always cheering their hardest for a Broncos WIN!

What do you do in your spare time to relax?
I love to sleep!

What is your best advice to kids?
Stay true to who you are. Do not change yourself for anybody. If you want to accomplish your dream, you will get it done.

What is the best gift you ever received?
A necklace my dad gave me for Valentine’s Day

What is your most important goal in life?
To live every moment to the fullest, life is too short not too.

What is the place you would most like to visit?
I would love to go to the Amalfi Coast of Italy.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My parents. They have been through the good times and the bad and have worked so hard to succeed in both their work and with their family. And have done a great job with both.

What is the one thing that you value most in life?
My family, they are my best friends.

What is the toughest part about being a cheerleader?
Keeping up with all the material is tough. We learn around 30 routines throughout the year, and usually have 20 set by the start of the season. It’s a lot of hard work. But once you’re out on the field it is definitely worth all the long hours.

Who are two people you would like to have dinner with?
Do I have to pick two? I would love to have dinner with my three deceased grandparents and uncle. I feel that they would have been amazing people to have around in my adult life.

What is your favorite thing to do in Denver?
EAT. There are so many delicious restaurants in our city. Sometimes I feel like I don’t have enough time to make it to all of them!

What is your favorite sport to participate in?
Badminton

What are three words that best describe you:
Fun, Interesting, and caring.

What is your most prized possession?
My dog Luna.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
I consider my greatest accomplishment to be that I am still dancing and don’t ever plan to stop. As a professional dancer you have highs and lows. There are moments in your career that are amazing and keep you in touch with how profound dance really is.

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.

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.

So the second match up of the first round is proving to be just as epic as the first. We have two women who really love the Broncos and have a lot of experience for us that should be rewarded. I know it's a tough choice, so pick wisely. 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!