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2nd Annual Fan Favorite Denver Broncos Cheerleader Tournament — 4th Quarterfinal Match

Welcome back Broncos fans. The contest is definitely heating up, and last week proved that it's not over until the final votes are counted. This week doesn't look to be any easier, either. So study hard and make the right decision. It's all up to you.

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For those of you who missed the 3rd match of the quarterfinals, Candace was able to make a very improbably comeback at the very end of the vote and take over Sam who had held a 30 vote lead for most of the contest.

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 main 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 4 of the Quarterfinals: Tristan vs. Ashley

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. In the second round, she blew past one of last year's favorites, Toni D.

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!

Ashley

Ashley is a rookie on our squad. This CU grad from Yardville, N.J., currently works in marketing as a sales associate at Monty Nuss Photography. She also is a coach for the ThunderRidge Varsity Poms team in Highlands Ranch.

In the first round, Ashley was able to defeat Katie K. and in the second round, she easily defeated Kara.

What is the best thing about being a Broncos Cheerleader?
The best thing about being a DBC is having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of youth in our community. Being a role model for the girls in our all-star program has been a blessing for me. I hope that they learn and grow as much from me as a I do from them!

What is your most memorable experience?
The most memorable experience for me thus far has to be dancing at the NFL Draft Party at The Tavern. So much Broncos love in such a small space... The energy in the room was incredible and I will never forget it!

How do you spend your time off the field?
I am a total nerd and LOVE reading books whenever I have free time! I also love to spend time with my wonderful family and enjoy going on hikes and bike rides with my boyfriend.

What is your occupation and how does being a Denver Broncos Cheerleader affect your work?
Currently I work at Monty Nuss Photography and I also coach the ThunderRidge Varsity Poms team in Highlands Ranch. As often as possible I try to pass on the skills that I learn through Broncos to the girls that I coach; not just in terms of dancing, but life skills as well. I must admit that trying to balance three schedules gets a little tricky at times, but I love what I do and am thankful for the opportunities I have been given.

Who do you admire most in the Sports industry?
The person I admire most in the sports industry is Todd Helton. Not only has be remained an incredible athlete over the years, but he shows true character and loyalty by being one of very few players in the MLB who has spent his whole career with one club. Denver is lucky to have him!

What is your favorite book?
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a clash between romance and action!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself living in Colorado, teaching and coaching dance, hopefully newly married, with a Doberman! And of course I will still be the biggest Broncos fan!!

What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
Broncos fans aren't fair-weather fans! The weather in Denver can change from 60 degrees and sunny to 25 degrees and snowing in a matter of a few hours, but on game day, Broncos fans are at the stadium in blue and orange no matter what!!!

What do you do in your spare time to relax?
I love taking yoga at CorePower to relax after a stressful day. I also love sleeping when I get a chance to!

What is your best advice to kids?
The best advice I ever got was from Dr. Seuss so I will pass along his words, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go!"

What is the best gift you ever received?
The 2006 Hyundai Tiburon that my parents got for me 2 years ago! I love you both!

Most important goal in life?
My most important goal in life is to create a lasting impact on every person I come in contact with. At the end of my life, I want to look back and be able to say that I made a difference in the lives of those around me. The best way I can begin to accomplish this goal is by being a good role model for the kids I meet and work with through Broncos.

What is the one place you would most like to visit?
If I could go anywhere it would be Bora Bora. I want to stay in one of those huts in the middle of the water and just forget about the world for a little while :)

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration is my Uncle Dan, who fought Pancreatic cancer for nearly 3 years until he passed in November of 2011. . In the hustle and bustle of our busy days, it's so easy to forget what is really important, but my uncle taught me to cherish the little things and never take a single moment for granted. I know that he is with me every day, giving me strength when I need it and helping me reach my goals :)

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

What is the toughest part about being a cheerleader?
The hardest part about being a Denver Broncos Cheerleader is finding time for sleep!! From the late night practices to the games and events, our schedules become extremely busy. Majority of the women on our team have full time jobs so our days tend to be pretty lengthy.

Who are two people you would like to have dinner with?
Beyonce and Twitch from SYTYCD (probably not at the same time!)

What are your favorite things to do in Denver?
I love going to sporting events so depending on the season you can find me at any Rockies or Nuggets games!

Favorite sport to participate in?
Basketball! I may be short, but I enjoy shooting around and playing 3 on 3 games with friends.

What are the three words that best describe you?
Trustworthy, Honest and Determined

What is your most prized possession?
My Broncos uniform! Every time I put it on I am reminded of how blessed I am to wear it. I love being able to represent Colorado in blue and orange and to be a role model for kids within the community. I never want to give it back!

What is your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is graduating from college. This past May I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. Throughout all of college I worked and paid all of my living expenses myself which has made me very independent and responsible. I am a proud alum and will forever be a buffalo! GO BUFFS!

It's another impossible decision, Bronco fans. Good luck making your choice, and try to be fair about it. I know it's not always easy when your fav. 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

Tristan

Ashley

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