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2nd Annual Fan Favorite Denver Broncos Cheerleader Tournament — 2nd Semifinal Match

Going to keep this brief and short today. There are three left to contend for the top spot and it's time to whittle that down to two. The winner will face Patricia for the championship and the loser will face Heather for third place. None of these decisions will be easy.

Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

For those of you who missed the 1st match of the semifinals, Patricia showed exactly why she is the defending champion by easily defeating Heather. Whoever wins this weeks match will have their hands full in the championship.

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 1 of the semifinals: Candace vs. Ashley

Candace

Candace is another newcomer to our tournament who wasn't in last year's contest. This is her third year cheering for us in the past four years. This University of Dayton grad works as a surgical sales rep and I think we can all say welcome back!

In the first round of this year's tournament, Candace defeated Christina B. After that, she went on to defeat Christina C. in the second round. And I think we all remember what happened in her quarterfinal match with Sam.

What is the best thing about being a Broncos Cheerleader?
The best thing about being a DBC is the friendships I've made over the past 4 years. My family lives in Ohio, so my teammates have really become my second family. They always know how to make me laugh.

What is your most memorable experience?
In 2010, I had the opportunity to travel with a few of my teammates to 7 countries on the Armed Forces Entertainment tour to various bases. My favorite memory is visiting soldiers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and the Wounded Warriors Project in Germany. It was rewarding to thank our soldiers for what they do and bring smiles to their faces.

How do you spend your time off the field?
My career requires me to work in the operating room and provide insight on products for specific patients and procedures. Needless to say, my schedule is pretty hectic and unpredictable, but if I find free time, I really love to travel and visit my family.

What has been your most memorable game?
I'll never forget my first game as a DBC. It was the Broncos vs. Browns game back in 2009. My whole family flew in to cheer me on. I remember we had just won the game and my teammates started heading back to our locker room. I was so excited to be cheering that I missed the signal to head in, and just kept cheering long after my teammates were gone. My family still teases me about it!

What is your occupation and how do the Broncos affect your work?
Anyone who has ever worked in the medical device field can attest to the long hours and high sales expectations, so it's definitely a high stress job. I love being able to go to practice after a long day and dance the stress away. It's helps me live a more balanced life.

Who do you admire most in the Sports industry?
I admire any athlete that uses their talents and stardom as a platform to give back to the community.

What is your favorite book?
"Through My Eyes" by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker. Even though he's not a Bronco anymore, his book inspired me to never give up or forget the bigger picture. Hard work and determination will get you to where you want to be.

What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
Their passion for our team! Broncos fans are all over the world!

What do you do in your spare time to relax?
Hot yoga and bubble baths

Best advice to kids?
Don't let other kids bully you or make you feel like you're not good enough. Ultimately, it's their own insecurities that get the best of them eventually.

Most important goal in life?
Happiness

Place you would most like to visit?
Bora Bora

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My parents. My father started his own custom home business when he was 19 years old. He taught me the importance of a strong work ethic. My mother runs her own personal training business. She is her clients' biggest cheerleader, and inspires them to lose weight and live healthier lifestyles.

What is the one thing that you value most in life?
My family. They are my greatest support system and have always believed in me and encouraged me to go after my goals.

Toughest part about being a cheerleader?
The toughest part about being a cheerleader is remembering all of our routines. We learn over 25 new routines each season and after 3 years on the team, they all start to run together!

Two people you would like to have dinner with?
My best friends and teammates, Tara and Allyson. I never leave a meal with them without my face hurting from laughing so hard.

Favorite things to do in Denver?
I love going to all sporting events, concerts, and charity events. Nothing can top a great concert in the summer at Red Rocks.

Favorite sport to participate in?
Living in Colorado, I'm lucky to be close to some of the best skiing in the U.S. I really enjoy escaping to the mountains on the weekends and skiing with friends...when we don't have a home game of course!

Three words that best describe you?
Driven, Passionate, Loyal

Most prized possession?
A teddy bear my Aunt gave me when I was born. It was the first gift I ever received and I still have it.

Greatest Accomplishment
Earning a spot on the team as a DBC. So many women audition every year to be a part of one of the most highly technically trained cheerleading teams in the NFL. I'm just grateful to make it back.

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. She then went on to blow out Tristan in her quarterfinal match.

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!

This is another big decision Bronco fans. The winner will face Patricia, the loser will face Heather. Good luck making your decision. 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

Candace

Ashley

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