Buffalo Jill of The Week Kelly

This week, we take a look at rookie dancer Kelly as our Buffalo Jill of The Week. She spent her gamedays on Valerie's line next to Valerie and Gabrielle and after earning her BS in Speech-Language Pathology, she's currently working on her Master's as well. Her future plans are to work with special needs children. The girls are asked a number of interesting questions in their bios including what 3 things they would need with them on a deserted island. Well, Kelly left out the word "practical" as a word to describe herself as evidenced by her answer. Instead of  sticking with a cell phone, a book, or another answer. Kelly mentioned food and someone to share the experience with. Of course she did also mention an iPod as well for some entertainment. You can read more about Kelly at http://www.buffalojills.net/article.asp?id=2347975 Kelly's secondary photo is from the Kid's Day preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was taken as the girls were getting set to head out for pregame. Shown posing for the camera are Kelly, Jenny, Gina, and Beth.

Kelly, Jenny, Gina, and Beth

Take a look at Kelly's tryout video (she's on the right) from 1st cuts at the Fieldhouse.

More pics from Saturday's Home Finale!

From the AP, courtesy the Charlotte Observer, comes a nice-sized batch of photos

Jenny, Christina, and Gina

Murissa

Myesha and Lindsey

Murissa

Christina

Jenny

Christina

Jaclyn

Christina's line

Gabrielle and Kristina

Melissa

Jaclyn, Briana, and Lindsey

Christina's line and Sara with some fans in Lot C

See them all full-size at http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/12/24/2874574/nfl-holiday-cheerleaders.html?spill=1

Also, from CNN/SI comes a batch of photos at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1112/nfl-cheerleaders-week-16/content.43.html

Valerie

Jaclyn

Jaclyn

Pregame shot

another pregame shot

The Jills at the Bills' Home Finale

After a promising start, the Bills' season came off the tracks with a 7-game losing streak that helped cause 3 straight blackouts for the final slate of home games. On Christmas Eve, the Bills played host to the Denver Broncos and clearly remembered some of the cheap shots that happened in the preseason meeting between the two teams as they came out more fired up than they had in weeks. Behind CJ Spiller's 1st career 100-yd rushing game and 4 int's of Tim Tebow, the Bills routed the Broncos by a score of 40-14. Being Christmas Eve, it was a special game for the Buffalo Jills as they wore their Santa outfits and danced to Christmas music during the game.

Shannon and Reena with Santa

After finishing up at my tailgate party, it was time for me to make my rounds and, as usual, made my first stop inside the Healthy Zone Fieldhouse. Reena and Shannon were inside posing with the fans and Santa for photos.

Courteney, Laura, Rebecca, and Amanda F

My next stop was at the 97Rock Tailgate party in Lot 2, a lot that got a lot less use this season with the ill-advised Disney-style parking the Bills implemented. There selling and signing calendars were Amanda F, Courteney, Rebecca, and soon-to-be CW23 girl Laura, whose already busy schedule is going to get a lot busier with her duties at WNLO-TV in Buffalo, which will be more demanding than her duties as the co-captain of the Buffalo Jills Ambassadors were this season.

Jill

After talking with them for a while and taking some photos, it was off to the Shredd and Ragan Tailgate party in Lot C where the Jills had a special treat for the fans...Jill!! 2010's gymnastic dynamo sprained her ankles in a summer practice and was finally able to join her squadmates for the final game of the season, albeit as a non-dancer. She told me she'll be seeing a doctor next week to get clearance to resume full activity and plans to be full go for tryouts this spring. Let's all keep our fingers crossed on her behalf.

Jessica, Sara, Keisha, Jeff Fisher of FCI (Jills' official photographers), Jill, and Miranda

She joined Keisha, Miranda, Jessica, and Sara in posing for photos and selling calendars to the many fans who visited Lot C getting some last-minute Christmas gifts and were there to see the Jills dancers, in the form of Christina's line, put on a performance.

Valerie introduced as Jills' Pro Bowler

Before the Jills put on their Christmas pregame performance, the Bills introduced Valerie to the crowd as the Jills' representative to the Pro Bowl, something that loyal Buffalo Pro Cheer Blog readers have known about for the past month.

Val's line at the end of the game

See all the pics at http://buffaloprocheerbuffalojills.shutterfly.com/pictures/28462

While this was the final game for the 2011 Buffalo Jills, they are by no means finished with their season. Besides the fact they still have appearances on a frequent basis, they'll all, except for Valerie who will be in Hawaii, be at the Tralf on January 28th for their annual Comedy Show which will once again feature hypnotist Jerry Valley. Get all the details at http://buffalojills.net/Article.asp?id=2348861 Doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 8!

Buffalo Jill of The Week Shannon

Alyssa, Krystin, Kelly, and Shannon

This week's Buffalo Jill of The Week is rookie Ambassador Squad member Shannon. She's spending her rookie season as a Jill on the Ambassador Squad after graduating university with degrees in psychology and thanatology. Obviously I said university instead of college because Shannon hails from Canada. She's planning on a nursing career working with children, either dealing with high-risk newborns or with children with cancer. Frequently, some girls try out for dance but miss the cut yet get invited to try out for Ambassador. Not all of them take that opportunity but thankfully Shannon was one of those that did and even took the chance, once given to her, to dance along with several other ambassadors, the dancers, and well over 100 Jills alumni when the Jills put on a HUGE pregame performance before the Eagles game on October 9th. We'll see this spring if she chooses to return to the Ambassador Squad in 2012 or if she follows other former ambassadors like Nicole and Gina to dance. You can read more about Shannon at http://www.buffalojills.net/article.asp?id=2348140 Shannon's secondary photo comes from the 9th Annual Buffalo Jills Golf Tournament held at Westwood Country Club in Williamsville and was taken when the golfers were just arriving for dinner. Shown posing for the camera are Alyssa, Krystin, Kelly, and Shannon.

The Jills at the Bills-Fish game

For the 1st time this season, the Bills held a home game under less-than-ideal weather conditions but for the 7th straight time, sent Bills fans home disappointed. After finishing up at my tailgate party, I started off the rest of my day in the Healthy Zone Fieldhouse were Laura and Alyssa were just getting set to join quizmaster Dennis George with some games with the fans.

Laura and Alyssa

After spending some time watching the games, it was off to the 97Rock Tailgate Party where Keisha, Miranda, and Rebecca were selling and signing calendars for the fans.

Miranda, Keisha, and Rebecca

I talked with Keisha for a while, including sharing a few stories with her about Miranda that her father had shared with me at an appearance over the summer before heading over to the Shredd and Ragan Tailgate Party where a few very special guests were on hand visiting.

Amanda F and Dr Amanda (2007-08)

Jills alumnus Dr Amanda, a beloved veterinarian who spent 2 seasons on the Jills before getting a job offer out of state just before 2009 tryouts, visited with old friends like Amanda F before taking in the 11:30 Lot C performance put on by her former captain, Omarlla, and her line.

Sara, Shannon, Andre Reed, and Ruby

Also on hand was future HOF WR Andre Reed, who had his picture taken with Sara, Shannon, and Ruby after appearing on Shredd and Ragan's radio show

Briana, Emily, Kristina, and Myesha

Kelly and Melissa

See all the pics at http://buffaloprocheerbuffalojills.shutterfly.com/pictures/28272

Next up, the Jills finish off their regular season in the Bills' home finale when Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos come to town complete with ex-Bill and Buffalo-hater Willis McGahee on Christmas Eve.

The Bandettes at the Open Practice and Meet and Greet

With the struggles of the Bills and Sabres in Buffalo in regards to winning consistently, it's nice for the city to have one team they can count on to not only deliver consistent playoff appearances, but the occasional championship as well. The Buffalo Bandits, in their 21st year of existence, held their annual Open Practice on Saturday at the First Niagara Center and introduced the fans to the 2012 Buffalo Bandettes! This year's squad comes with a lot of changes. Gone are long-time vets Melissa and Beth, currently with the Jills, and Jessica H, Justina, and Lauren S, all retired. 4th year vet Kirsten is now the longest-tenured vet on the squad and is now a full-fledged captain along with 3rd year vet Lauren B. They've also added a small promotional squad this year. 3rd year vet Ashley is joined by rookies Ria and Amanda to fill out that squad which will be onhand at pregame parties and in suite appearances during the games.

Ria and Amanda

Lauren B's line

While the Bandits went through the 1st portion of their practice, Ria and Amanda circulated through the stands selling tickets to their Meet and Greet to be held that evening. When the team took a short break, the dancers came out and put on 2 performances for the fans, including their tryout performance.


Afterwards they joined Ria, Amanda, and Ashley in greeting fans and posing for photos in the stands and in the concourses of the arena. See all the pics at http://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/4189
In the evening, the Bandettes invaded Cobblestone, the home of the Bandits post-game parties for a Meet and Greet fundraiser to help with uniform costs. Joining them were several players from the Bandits, including fan favorites like Johnny Tavares and Mark Steenhuis, and several Bandettes alumni. Showing up to support their younger sisters were former coach Erin J, Jenni (2001), Leeanne (2004), Erin H (2004-08), Kimberly (2004-08), Korinne (2003,08), Lauren S, (2009-11), and Meghan (2006-10).

Alumni together

Several members of the current squad

The 2012 Buffalo Bandettes (minus Ria, Amanda, Kirsten and Danielle)

The Bandettes sold tickets for a 50-50 raffle, Chinese Auction items, and a TV set to help support the cause. They even had a special Bandette-ini drink that was available for purchase on this special night. See all the pics at http://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/4203
Next up for the Bandettes, they'll be in action for game action the first time in 2012 when the Bandits open the season on January 14th against the Toronto Rock!

Buffalo Jill of The Week Valerie

Valerie's line

This week, we take a look at 6th-year vet Valerie as our Buffalo Jill of The Week. This season, Val takes on the role of captain, dancing next to Kelly and Melissa this season. Val's had a pretty strong career thus far and is definitely popular with the fans, and those are even the ones who haven't gotten to know her. For a few years, 97Rock held a Take A Jill To The Prom contest and Val was the chosen Jill, even when the contest winners were given a choice of 5 other Jills to take instead of her. She's one of those girls who is always there for her friends and loves sharing in the joys of their lives, including former squadmate Angelina's baby. She's also a photographer's dream as, besides obviously being so photogenic, she also enjoys posing for the camera, and not always just the basic poses. She's even able to talk her squadmates into joining her in a particular pose. That can be in the case of just another squadmate or two, or in the case of an entire line. In her 2nd season on the squad, Aimee's line, with Valerie a part of it, actually lined up to blow kisses at the camera. Last season, another line did the same thing...the line that Valerie was heading up with Omarlla out of town. Kinda doubting it was a coincidence...lol. This year, Valerie gets to finish off her season in Hawaii as, while her squadmates are at the Jills Comedy Show at the Tralf, she'll be getting set to represent the squad in the Pro Bowl! You can read more about Valerie at http://buffalojills.net/article.asp?id=1961282 Valerie's secondary photo was taken at the Bills' preseason finale against the Detroit Lions. Shown posing for the camera before heading out to the sidelines is Valerie's line. From left to right we see Gabrielle, Kelly, Valerie, Melissa, Loren, Krystin, and Murissa.

Buffalo Jill of The Week Loren

This week, we take a look at 3rd year vet Loren as our Buffalo Jill of The Week. Spending her gamedays dancing on Valerie's line next to Melissa and Krystin, Loren takes on the responsibilities of being a co-captain this season. This was no big surprise to me in the least that she would get the job, either. At the Jills' Open Practice last November, while Kelli was going over some stuff with the captains, it was Loren who led everyone else through stretching exercises to get them ready for practice. Part of what made her a great fit for the job is the fact that she spent 16 years in competitive dance and she's also used to leading and setting an example for others. She's a proud big sister of a brother and a sister and seems to be willing, from what I've noticed, to do anything for her little sister especially. I wouldn't be surprised to see her sister follow Loren in her footsteps in another decade and a half or so because of how much she looks up to her. Since becoming a Buffalo Jill, she's become a much more confident and mature young lady and was one of the girls who took not one, but two trips to the Middle East last year to visit the troops. You can read more about Loren at http://buffalojills.net/article.asp?id=1961222 Loren's secondary photo is from the Bills Home Opener against the Raiders. Some of the Jills were posing for photos in the tunnel before heading out for pregame. Shown here are Myesha, Loren, and Valerie.

Myesha, Loren, and Valerie

As a co-captain, Loren didn't need to tryout so instead we'll put up a look back at her tryout video from last season when she and Gabrielle performed together at 1st cuts!

Comedy Show coming up and pics from Washington DC

First up, we have an announcement to make as the Jills are holding their Annual Comedy Show this January and once again will feature International Hypnotist Jerry Valley. The Show will be held on January 28th and the Tralf Music Hall on Main Street in Buffalo with the doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 8pm. Tickets can be bought in advance through the Buffalo Jills or through Ticketmaster at http://www.ticketmaster.com/Nfl-Buffalo-Jills-Cheerleaders-Comedy-Show-tickets/artist/1667770 for $25 in advance. Tickets will also be available at the door for $30.
See all the details at http://buffalojills.net/Article.asp?id=2348861







Secondly, Omarlla, Valerie and Lisa are currently in Washington DC along with representatives from several other NFL Cheer squads to join the Beach Boys in a performance for the US Troops at the Kennedy Center
They've sent back a bunch of photos of them with the other cheerleaders as well as with some of the other entertainers. See them all at http://buffalojills.net/Article.asp?id=2350756

Valerie, Lisa, Mike Love of The Beach Boys, Omarlla

The Jills at the Bills-Titans game

After a 4-game losing streak, with the final 3 of those games being on the road, the Bills returned home to a less-than-sellout crowd on a 50-degree day at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Joining me at this game vs the Tennessee Titans was a friend of a friend. There are 27 dance squads in the NFL and only 2 of those have their own major fan site. This one, the Buffalo Pro Cheer Blog is dedicated to the Buffalo Jills as well as the Buffalo Bandettes. David Tyau runs a site dedicated to the Charger Girls http://thehottestdanceteam.wordpress.com/ and a friend of his who does some excellent photography on his own joined me at the game and has several of his own photos we'll be sharing later.

Amanda F and Miranda

I started off the day, after some tailgating, with a visit to the Healthy Zone Fieldhouse where Jills Ambassadors Amanda F and Miranda were posing for photos with the fans. Amanda has been with the squad for 5 seasons now while Miranda is a rookie on the squad this year.

Contest winners with the Jills

This past Tuesday, CB Drayton Florence held a trivia contest at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Hamburg and a part of the prize for the winner was a private photo shoot with the Buffalo Jills.

Shannon, Sara, Laura, Courteney, and Jessica

Following that, it was off to the 97Rock tailgate party where the newest CW23 star, Laura, a 5th year vet and co-captain of the Jills Ambassador Squad was on hand with Shannon, Sara, Courteney, and Jessica as they sold and signed the 2011-2012 Buffalo Jills Swimsuit Calendar and posed for photos with the fans.

Rebecca, Keisha, Reena, Stephanie, Ruby, and Alyssa

Over at the Shredd and Ragan Tailgate, Rebecca, Keisha, Reena, Ruby, and Alyssa held court while Valerie's line came out to put on a dance performance for the fans without their captain. This season, when the Buffalo Bills have suffered injuries, the team has employed the philosophy of "Next man up" to fill the open slot. In the case of the Jills, when gymnastic star Jill was lost to injury, some other girls stepped in to fill the void. Well, in this case, it's not a case of filling a void due to injury but Valerie, Omarlla, and Lisa went to Washington DC to join girls from several other NFL squads and the Beach Boys in a performance for the US troops at the Kennedy Center. To fill in their roles, Loren stepped up to captain Valerie's line while Natalie filled in as captain for Christina's line while Christina handled Omarlla's line. Natalie told me afterwards that it was a little stressful at first captaining a line all on her own but enjoyed it and is looking forward to captaining her own line one of these days. It was actually a big game for Natalie in another way as well as she was named the Jill of The Game and introduced to the fans before the game.

Natalie being introduced to the fans

Nicole, Jami, Gina, Natalie, Jenny, Amanda V, and Beth

Murissa, Krystin, Loren, Melissa, Gabrielle, and Kelly

Myesha, Lindsey, Briana, Christina, Kristina, Emily, and Jaclyn

See all the pics at http://buffaloprocheerbuffalojills.shutterfly.com/pictures/28048 and stay tuned for more from Max as well. 

Next up for the Jills, after a week where the Bills are on the road again, they'll be back at home on December 18th when the Bills play host to the hated Miami Dolphins before finishing off the regular season's slate of home games on Christmas Eve when the Denver Broncos come to town