2007 - 2008 Broncos Cheerleaders

Monday, April 2, 2007

Cheerleaders Pick New Squad

Team of 34 Cheerleaders to Take Field

By Celeste Palermo
Special to DenverBroncos.com

DENVER --Thirty-four women were selected to the 2007 Denver Broncos Cheerleaders Sunday, concluding a week-long audition process that started with more than 200 women from across the Front Range.

This year's audition process offered arguably some of the toughest competition the team has seen in its 15 years of existence.

"The competition is incredible," said Kelsey Vernon, a returning cheerleader. "If you don't want it, the girl next to you does... This week, I'm not kidding, I've never been so stressed out."

The auditions started last Sunday with more 200 women pouring into the United Club Level at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

After submitting an application and head shot, women were taught a dance combination complete with kicks and turns. With only a few minutes to practice, the women performed in groups of three for a panel of judges, which included Broncos players Jay Cutler and Kyle Johnson.

Ninety-two women were called back for the second round.

Again, the women were taught a dance routine -- this one more difficult and demanding. After performing this routine, the field of dancers was narrowed to 60 who would continue on to finals.

Before the finals, the aspirants had to attend a workshop on the following Tuesday or Thursday. This gave judges an opportunity to see finalists perform in a non-traditional format.

"The workshop consisted of three main areas: stretching and flexibility, technical skills, and new choreography," said Whitney Evered, who will return for a third year. "I performed to the best of my ability and enjoyed the challenge."

Final auditions were held Sunday and consisted of an interview and a final dance performance.

"There have been very few things in my life that are both physically and intellectually challenging," said Kathy Sturgess, a mental health counselor who was trying out for the fourth time. "Encountering both of these strenuous challenges at once is quite unique."

Following over an hour of deliberation, the judges finally came to their decision and Teresa Shear, director of cheerleaders and game day entertainment, announced the names of the new team.

"Every year tryouts get more and more competitive," she said. "Our 2007 team is amazing. I am very excited to get to know our new members and start rehearsals for our 2007 football season."

2007 DENVER BRONCOS CHEERLEADERS:

Whitney Evered*
Kelsey Vernon*
Keela Harris*
Jenn Kelly*
Karouko Horiike
Melissa Lopez-Aust*
Jessie Greenberg
Rebeccca Bolan
Sara Oliver
Serita Archuleta*
Jamie Dukehart-Conti
Kristin Sanders*
Emily Harper*
Lindsay McBride*
Lauren Gardner
Brianne Bateman*
Kim Taylor*
Laura Sobon*
Alex Taylor*
Nicole Moore
Candice Jones*
Kristina Hoyer*
Valerie Scott
Shelby Britton
Mandy Adams*
LaToyua Tolbert*
Mary Johnston
Katie Layman
Romi Bean*
Lindsey Dudley
Sara Lockhart*
Erica Weston*
Terita Johnson*
Sarah Culter*

* Denotes Veteran.