Buffalo Jills Captains for 2009-2010 announced!

Every spring, while we anticipate Jills tryouts and get ready to see a lot of new beautiful faces on the squad, we also have to come to the realization that not everyone from the previous year will be returning. Thankfully, last year's departures were all by choice and we can only hope that holds true again this year as well. On that note though, there are a few new faces in among the captains for the upcoming season. Two of the Jills' longtime captains, both with the squad since 2002, will be moving on. For the last several years, no captain has been better at getting group photos for her line than Jamie, a Pro Bowler following the 2004 season. She won't be a stranger though as she already assured me she'll still be showing up to events for a long time to come. The Ambassador Squad has thrived under Kelly's leadership, who's been their captain since 2004. She was such a strong leader, she was running the group without a co-captain for the latter half of 2006 and all of 2007. Both of these ladies will definitely be missed.

With the departure of captains, however, the opportunity for others to rise into their places presents itself and the Jills now have 2 new captains and 2 new co-captains. Katie K has been with the Jills since 2005, the last remaining member of that rookie class and is entering her 3rd year as a co-captain. She's shifted around on lines each of her years in the role. She started out as Aimee's co-captain in 2007 before moving to Nicole's line this past season. This year, she moves over to Omarlla's line, who's been with the Jills since 2000 and hopefully sticking around for several more years. Katie's move to Omarlla's line slides last year's newest co-captain over to Nicole's line. Christina has been with the squad since 2006 and has had a promising career on the squad almost from the start. In 2006, the Jills events featured dance routines performed by a select group, and Christina was the only rookie from that group. Nicole enters her 2nd season as a captain after spending the previous year as a co-captain. In 2006, she landed the cover of the Jills swimsuit calendar and then was named to the Pro Bowl the following year.

The big changes are really happening on the other lines. After serving as Jamie's co-captain this past year after 2 years with Omarlla, 10th year vet and 2005-06 Pro Bowler Eileen gets her own line. Like Omarlla, Eileen just keeps geeting better every season and we can only hope she continues on like her rookie squadmate for many years to come. Eileen's promotion opens up a spot for a co-captain and chosen for that role will be Jill D. Going into her 3rd season on the squad, Jill's warm and loving personality makes her a great fit with Eileen and we should expect great things for years to come.

The Ambassador Squad's new captain should come as no surprise. 2006 rookie Danielle proved her mettle this season as a co-captain in a big way as she ran things on gamedays while Kelly did her part at practices and meetings. Danielle is one of the biggest reasons the 2008 Buffalo Jills squad has been so close-knit and we expect that to continue in 2009. Another 2007 rookie will be getting the call as Danielle's co-captain as Keisha has been named to the position.  Keisha has been outgoing in an extraordinary way in supporting her squadmates. When Omarlla was on her own at a Rhino's appearance this past season, Keisha came along to keep her company and she even made sure that Jessica wasn't alone in Hawaii earlier this month. With that kind of dedication to her squadmates, Keisha should be an excellent fit as co-captain. 

Obviously, as captains and co-captains, these 8 young women will be leading the 2009-2010 Jills through their paces all season long but it goes beyond that. They also have proven themselves enough that they don't need to go through the regular tryout process themselves. During the Open Workshop (closed to the public), they'll be on hand to answer questions and help demonstrate routines to prospective Buffalo Jills. During the tryouts themselves, they'll be helping out with answering questions and giving moral support to veterans and rookies alike. The tryouts as well will be closed to the public with one exception. 1st cuts for the dance squad and 2nd cuts for the Ambassador Squad will be held at the Town Ballroom on Sunday, April 5th from 1pm until about 4pm. Admission is $5 and this will be the public's chance to get a first hand look at what goes into the making of the Buffalo Jills Squad. Obviously, whether you're attending to support a friend or family member or just going to see tryouts, we ask that you show all the participants proper respect as their performances require a lot of concentration on the dancers' parts.

Stay tuned to http://www.buffalojills.net/audition.html 97Rock, 103.3 The Edge, Mix 104.1, CW23 and the Buffalo Pro Cheer Blog for further news on Jills tryouts.

Bandette of The Week Meghan

This week, we take a look at one of the Bandettes captains as our Bandette of The Week. Meghan is in her fourth year an the Bandettes and after spending last season as a co-captain, she got promoted to captain for this season. Meghan is an extremely busy young lady as besides being a captain on the NLL's premier dance team, she works at two different jobs in addition to her role as a wife and a mother. As a Bandette, Meghan is far more than a dancer. Obviously, more often than not, cheerleaders and dance team members love the teams they cheer for but Meghan takes it a step further and over the past 4 seasons on the squad, she's become devoted to learning more and more about the Bandits, their history and stats, and the NLL as a whole. You can read more about Meghan at http://www.bandits.com/bandette-09-meghan.cfm and also, don't forget to check out her NLL Girl of the Week article on NLL.com posted last month. http://www.nll.com/article.php?id=3755

Buffalo Jill of The Week Kristin M

Continuing with the rookies, Kristin M is our latest Jill of The Week. This stunning blonde spent the season dancing on Nicole's line between Nicole and Katie K. Kristin is actually kind of quiet at first, but once she gets to know someone she's as open and friendly as anyone you could meet. She keeps herself pretty busy between work, school, and the Jills and even spent a few years as a dance teacher in addition to a few months a few years ago interning at Disney World, something she plans to do again, although hopefully not for at least a few more years. You can read more about Kristin at http://www.buffalojills.net/bios/kristinM.html and don't forget to check out her 97Rock photo album at http://www.97rock.com/article.asp?id=840825

Buffalo Jills tryouts getting close!

Ok, the actual workshop itself isn't for about another month but it isn't too early to get ready by any means. For one thing, the Jills are having audition prep classes on Saturday, Feb 28th from 4pm to 5:30 at Fusion Dance Studio. Class space is limited and registration is required to attend. Register by emailing: Stephanie.mateczun@citcomm.com Another class will be held on March 21st. Cost is $20 for one class or $35 for both. Get complete info at http://buffalojills.net/audition.html

If you're looking for tryout apparel to get you noticed at auditions, http://www.thelineupstore.com/ is offering a deal on outfits for anyone trying out for the Jills. Go to http://www.buffalojills.net/coupon.php for more details.

Also, this year's Photo shoot cruise will be on Carnival’s Imagination May 25 -29, 2009 and visiting Key West and Cozumel. This year, the public is invited to come along and see the making of the Buffalo Jills 2009-2010 swimsuit calendar. 

Priced From $539.00 per person

Price Includes:  4 Night Cruise, port charges, taxes & fees & gratuities.

You will receive a Buffalo Jill’s calendar once printed.

Join the Fun – Call Today!

Call Sue Smith at AAA, 325-453-5905

Air & transfers available on request!

http://www.buffalojills.net/cruise.php

Bandette of The Week Lauren

This week, we kick off the 2009 Bandette of The Week feature with one of our incredible rookies. On gamedays, Lauren is dancing on Meghan's line and she describes herself as very easy-going. Yet don't take that to mean she's a homebody or anything. While she does love getting to just relax and curl up to watch TV or whatever, she's also very outgoing and spontaneous and loves being active as well, whether it be dancing, roller-blading or jumping on a jet ski somewhere. Her friend Holly, a rookie member of the Buffalo Jills this past season, said that her best qualities were that she's super caring and super goofy and always knows how to put a smile on a friend's face. You can read more about Lauren at http://www.bandits.com/bandette-09-lauren.cfm (registration required)

Buffalo Jill of The Week Jennifer

This week, we take a look at quite possibly the most outgoing of all the 2009 rookie Buffalo Jills. That's saying quite a bit when you consider what kind of a rookie squad the Jills had this year. In the past several years of covering the Jills, I'd have to say this is the most close-knit group in a while and Jennifer has been a big part of why. The girls have had a lot of get-togethers this past season and despite the fact that she was "just a rookie," Jennifer was a part of getting those organized along with Ambassador Squad co-captain Danielle. On gamedays, we found her dancing on Nicole's line next to Katie K and Ayeshia and she was also one of the rookies regularly taking the stage at events this past season, including the Congratulatory Party this past April. Considering she's been cheering and dancing since the age of 3 as well as coaching cheerleaders during her college days, that should be no surprise. Since those were high schoolers she was coaching, maybe she'll have some of her proteges cheering alongside her in 2009! Read more about Jennifer at http://www.buffalojills.net/bios/jennifer.html

Jills in Iraq

As many know, the Jills are frequently involved in troop visits that take them all over the world. Recently, 8 of the Jills went over to Iraq to visit and perform for the troops and they'll be back within the next few days. Julie Dermansky, a photographer based out of New York, was also recently in Iraq and stayed just across the hall from the Jills. If anyone knows these girls, you know they love the camera and posed for some photos for Julie. Katie K, Valerie, Stefanie, Jill, Ayeshia, Stephanie Bu, Kristin B, and Lynn are featured in some of the photos on her blog and in her Flickr photo album. Check everything out at http://juliedermansky.blogspot.com/2009/02/jvb-hotel-luxury-left-over-in-baghdad.html

Bandettes page updated and the Bandette of The Week schedule

The Bandits updated the Buffalo Bandettes webpage today and you finally get a chance to get to know the 2009 Bandettes squad a little better. Click on the names of each girl or on the girls themselves to take you to their bios.

http://www.bandits.com/bandettes.cfm

registration is required to view the Bandettes webpage and bios

Also, now that we have the group photo up, the Bandette of The Week schedule is now ready to be determined. Like with the Jill of The Week feature, this is a little thing we do to give each of the ladies a chance to shine on her own.

• 2/21-2/27 Lauren
• 2/28-3-6 Meghan
• 3/7-3/13 Alexis
• 3/14-3/20 Karla
• 3/21-3/27 Amanda
• 3/28-4/3 Melissa
• 4/4-4/10 Erin Y
• 4/11-4/17 Denise
• 4/18-4/24 Erin M
• 4/25-5/1 Maggie
• 5/2-5/8 Justina
• 5/9-5/15 Danielle
• 5/16-5/22 Kirsten
• 5/23-5/29 Sarah
• 5/30-6/5 Jessica

Bandits-Rock pics

Coming off a championship season, expectations have been high for the 2009 Buffalo Bandits. A 5-0 start gave fans reason to believe before a loss in Philadelphia last week shattered hopes of an undefeated season. Back home for the first time in a month, the Bandits had to make a statement and were placed behind the 8-ball when the schedule-makers gave them a game against the Toronto Rock, a team that Buffalo has historically struggled to beat. However, fate, and a 17-point effort by fan favorite Mark Steenhuis as well as some stifling defense turned the 8-ball around as the Bandits jumped out to a 3-0 lead enroute to a 25-10 total domination of the visiting Rock.

The Bandits weren't all that was in dominating form as the NLL's premier dance squad, the Buffalo Bandettes put on a big show dancing to songs like Bon Jovi's "We Got It Going On" as well as a new routine that had guys in the stands close to fainting. The Bandettes put in a long day as they were at the Arena at midday to not only work on not only perfecting their own routines but to work with their Jr Bandettes to start getting them ready for their performance at the March 28th game against the New York Titans.

Coming up next, after the Bandits make a road trip to Toronto next week, the Bandits and Bandettes are back at HSBC Arena on February 28th to face off against the Swarm, a team they squeaked out a 10-9 win against in Minnesota last month. The Buffalo Bandettes will again be putting in a long day as they will again be working with their Jr Bandettes and then making it to the Arena for the game. Prior to the game, the 2009 Bandettes posters are expected to be available and if they are, we can expect to see the Bandettes at the top of the east bank of escalators ready to autograph them from shortly after 6pm until just before 7pm. Be sure to arrive early as the Bandettes will have to leave the autograph area by 7 so as to get ready for their pregame performance.

http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b87/bandettes/2009/Rock%20Game/

Jills fans should take special note. Besides former Pro Bowler Erin J leading the Bandettes and Karla and Denise in uniform, we had a visit from a member of the 2006 Buffalo Jills, who was selling 50-50 raffle tickets for the Sabres Foundation. The winner won over $3000!

Buffalo Jill of The Week Kelly

This week, we take a look at one of the long-time vets on the squad as our Jill of The Week. Kelly has been with the Jills Ambassador Squad since 2002 and captain of that squad since 2004. Unfortunately, we didn't see her at many games this year but she was still present at practices helping the squad prepare for games, events, and appearances. She's a former Air Force recruiter who won an award for being tops in her squadron. That should be no surprise for any of us who know her. She's got an extremely outgoing personality and besides being extremely easy on the eyes, she's even easier to get along with. But a big thing that made her an excellent recruiter and makes her an outstanding captain is her ability to know when to be serious. While she loves to have fun and loves her life, she's also very meticulous about her work and a bit of a perfectionist. You can read more about Kelly at http://www.buffalojills.net/bios/kellyH.html and don't forget to check out her 97Rock Photo Album at http://www.97rock.com/Article.asp?id=1076170&spid=21993

Buffalo Jills Audition Prep Classes!

Learn what it takes to make the squad!
Experience the Jills dance & cheer styles along with hair, make up and interview tips to make your audition stand out from the rest! All prep classes will be held at Fusion Dance Studio on Kenmore Ave. in Buffalo. www.fusiondancestudio.org

Saturday, February 28th, 4pm-5:30
Saturday, March 21st, 4pm-5:30.
Each class is $20 or $35 for both.
(Checks should be written out to: Citadel Broadcasting)
Must be a minimum of 10 per class.
Classes are limited. Additional classes will be added if necessary.
Register by emailing: Stephanie.mateczun@citcomm.com

Send your fee to:
Buffalo Jills Prep Class
50 James E. Casey Dr.
Buffalo, NY 14206

http://buffalojills.net/audition.html

Buffalo Jill of The Week Lynn

This week, we take a look at one of the rookies as our Jill of The Week. She was dancing on one end of Jamie's line alongside Shana and Jenica during the season and her dance ability is so strong that she was selected to dance at the Congratulatory Party just a month and a half after making the squad. In past years, the dancing at the Congratulatory Party was strictly for vets as the girls needed the time to learn the routines. This year, a group of rookies were selected to perform as well, including Lynn, Jennifer, Amelina, Jackie, Kristin M, Stephanie Br. You can take a look at the routine at http://s15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/buffalojills2005/2008/Congratulatory%20Party/?action=view&current=58.flv

Beyond that, Lynn is a very outgoing and independent young woman which makes sense. Lynn waited until she finished college to join the Jills, which has made things a lot easier for her to juggle things in her life so that she can make all the practices and appearances required as a Buffalo Jill. As far as the outgoing part, she was one of the Jills who participated as a bartender at Bayou for the Jills guest bartender night and she fit right in with the zany antics of Valerie, Danielle, Alecia, and Lisa. You can read more about Lynn at http://www.buffalojills.net/bios/lynn.html

2009 Junior Bandettes

There is still time to sign up for the 2009 Junior Bandettes Dance Team. The program features the opportunity to perform at halftime on March 28th as the Bandits take on the New York Titans. UPDATE (2/5/2009): The first Junior Bandettes practice on February 14th 12:30-3:30 has been moved to HSBC Arena. Please enter through the side security entrance for practice. We apologize for any inconvenience.

http://www.bandits.com/newsarchive.cfm?id=745

Registration form at http://www.bandits.com/content/documents\pdf\JuniorBandette2009.pdf

Jills Blog: Visiting the Troops in Afghanistan

Buffalo Jills Alison and Laura check in on their amazing journey to visit our Troops..

Hey, we just wanted to let you know what we were up to so far... Our flight from Buffalo to Philadelphia was canceled, so we flew into Boston and spent the night there. Our flight to Germany was the next day and we had about a six hour layover in Germany so we went into the City and had some breakfast.

We finally arrived in Doha, Qatar at about 11pm on Friday after about two days of traveling. We were picked up and brought to the base which was about an hours drive from the airport. Once we got on base (and made it through all the security check stops), they showed us our rooms and went right to bed, we were so tired!

more at http://www.97rock.com/Article.asp?id=1145365&spid=21993

Hall of Fame game something for 2009-2010 Jills to look forward to

On Saturday, January 31st, 2 announcements were made that are a big deal to Bills fans. First, the NFL's all-time sack leader, long-time Bills DE Bruce Smith, was announced to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame along with the only owner the Bills have ever had, Ralph Wilson. On August 8th, 2009, Bills nation will get to celebrate the accomplishments of two key figures in Bills history as they get inducted in Canton, Ohio. Bills nation will have more to celebrate than anyone else there, and not just because that 2 of the 6 inductees are Buffalo Bills. 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the American Football League and the season will kick off with the Hall of Fame game featuring the only 2 remaining teams still under the same owners. Bud Adams' Tennessee Titans will face off against Ralph Wilson Jr's Buffalo Bills under the lights at Fawcett Stadium the night after Hall of Fame inductions on Sunday, August 9th at 8pm.

In 2008, the Jills' 1st game appearance was in Toronto and they cheered at 10 total "home" games. In 2009, the Jills get to cheer at a total, barring a playoff appearance, of 11 games. In addition to the 2 preseason games at the Ralph, the 7 regular season games at the Ralph, and the 1 regular season game in Toronto, the 2009-2010 Buffalo Jills will be in Canton, Ohio for the Hall of Fame game along with all the fans. Since the Hall of Fame game is a neutral site game and close to the homes of the two teams participating in the game, we'll be able to see the cheerleading squads for both the Titans and the Bills on the sidelines at Fawcett Stadium.

Obviously, the 2009-2010 Buffalo Jills squad that will be at the Hall of Fame game hasn't been selected yet and if you're a woman who will be at or above the age of 18 by March 29th, 2009, you're invited to tryout for the Buffalo Jills squad. There are some requirements for becoming a Buffalo Jill and a pretty strong overview of what being a Buffalo Jill entails can be found at http://www.buffalojills.net/audition.html where you can get full details on how to try out for the 2009-2010 Buffalo Jills squad.

Sunday, March 29th, 2009. Auditions will be hosted at: Fusion Dance Studio, 1584 Kenmore Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216

Please be advised that all audition dates are closed to the public. While it can be nice to attend and root on your favorite prospective Buffalo Jill, odds are that you'll do more harm than good and distract her. Making the team can be fun for the girls but a lot of hard work goes into the whole process as well and the fewer distractions, the better.

For future info on Buffalo Jills auditions, stay tuned to www.BuffaloJills.net  , the Buffalo Pro Cheer Blog, and CW23, the official television station of Buffalo Jills auditions! Over the next two months, Lydia, CW23's spokesperson and an honorary Buffalo Jill, will be talking about auditions and what to expect of the 2009 squad. Be sure to tune in to CW23 to see what she has to say.