Buffalo Jill of The Week Ayeshia

This week, we take a look at 3rd year vet Ayeshia as our Jill of The Week. This ebony beauty spent the season dancing on one end Christina's line next to Jennifer. She's only been dancing since the age of 11 but you couldn't tell by watching her. You'd think she was dancing a lot earlier with all the energy and ability she puts into her performances. The most noteworthy thing you remember about her after talking to her is her personality. She's known for her sharp wit and fun-loving demeanor and while it could really be said about anyone on the squad, she's extremely well-liked by her squadmates. While she'll never be confused with being rude, she does have opinions and isn't afraid to be vocal about them in most situations. That honesty is taken as a positive, because she always lets people know where they stand with her. Beyond that, this college graduate was member of Morgan State University’s marching band as a dancer as well as a part of SUNY Plattburgh's kickline. Finally, despite the fact that she still loves a few junk foods at times, she is still one of the most physically fit girls on the roster and has been so her entire 3-year Jills career thus far. You can read more about Ayeshia at http://buffalojills.net/roster/Ayeshia.php

2 appearances in Northern Chautauqua County

A couple different locations were the setting as the Jills went south from Erie County into the county that used to host Bills Training Camp and was the birthplace of Bills 50th Anniversary team LB Shane Conlan.

First off was the Tailgate Party in TJ Maxx Plaza in Dunkirk which was put together by DFT Technology Plus, a local internet and DirecTV provider. The attendees, of which there were many, got free hot dogs and registered for prizes like a flat screen TV or a Terrell Owens autographed jersey. Put together as a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County, DFT brought in former Bills LS Adam Lingner as well as Jill, Jessica, Angelina, and Joya of the Buffalo Jills to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

Next up was Septemberfest at Merritt Estate Winery, an official sponsor of the Buffalo Jills and the maker of Buffalo Jills Wine. As a fundraiser for Camp Good Days, they held a silent auction with dozens of prizes including autographed Buffalo Sabres photos and memorabilia. Merritt Winery brought in former Sabres winger Danny Gare and ex-boxer Baby Joe Mesi along with several members of the Buffalo Jills to sign autographs and pose for photos while live music played all day long.

With 2 events going on at once, I was able to make it out to Merritt Winery in time to talk to and get some photos of Ayeshia and Jennifer of the Buffalo Jills before their shift ended.

Check all the photos out at http://s15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/buffalojills2005/2009/091209/

The Jills aren't done in Chautauqua County this weekend by any means, though as Septemberfest is going on Sunday as well so you can still check out some live bands, tour the winery, and meet some of the Buffalo Jills then. http://www.merrittestatewinery.com/page/53/calendar.aspx

Also, Shawbucks in Jamestown, in the southern part of the county, is hosting a benefit for a Marine who was critically injured in Afghanistan. The event goes from 1pm-7pm (or 10pm depending on the website) and costs $10 at the door which goes to benefit his family and his recovery. You can read more about the young man's situation at http://www.truehero.us/ Live music is included throughout the day, Shawbucks' kitchen will be open for business and a few of the Buffalo Jills will be on hand to lend their support as well.

After all this, it'll be time for the Jills to get set for the season with a pep rally in downtown Buffalo at Fountain Plaza Monday at noon and then a number of them will be heading across the Peace Bridge to hang out with Bills fans for Monday Night Football at Kelsay's Restaurant on Garrison Road in Fort Erie.

Be sure to stay tuned to http://buffalojills.net/appearances/index.php and the Buffalo Pro Cheer Blog for more info on Jills future appearances!

Buffalo Jill of The Week Ayeshia

Continuing our look at some of the now-3rd year vets, we come to Ayeshia. The first thing most people notice about her is very likely her hair. With all the curls, she really stands out but after you get to know her a little, it's the last thing you think about with her. She says she's sarcastic and funny among other things and around the squad, she's known for her sharp wit more than anything else. She spent her 2nd year on the squad dancing on Nicole's line between Jennifer and Holly and actually didn't start dancing until late, when she was about 11 years old. But as anyone who's seen her the last few years can attest, a late start didn't hurt her any as she loves to perform on gamedays, especially when she gets to dance alongside girls who've become some of her closest friends like Jennifer. You can read more about Ayeshia at http://buffalojills.net/roster/Ayeshia.php

Buffalo Jills and Bandettes Photos of The Week

This week's Jills pictures come from the recent Buffalo Jills Golf Tournament that took place at Fox Valley Country Club on July 21st. The first pic was taken near the end of the actual golfing at the 15th tee while waiting for the last group of golfers to make it to the hole. It features Kristin B and Holly, a pair of rookies we'll see dancing on Nicole's line this fall. Kristin is a teacher when not cheering while Holly is working through college with plans of becoming a world-class surgeon.

The second pic was taken back in the clubhouse as the golfers were arriving from the course and features 3 of our second-year vets. Ayeshia is generally regarded as one of the fittest of the Jills by her squadmates while Jill D, probably her best bud on the squad is known for being a bit on the goofy side as well as her easy-going demeanor. Amanda K, known as Dr. Amanda, isn't someone you'll find operating on you unless your name is Fido or Lassie or something. She's a veterinarian and great at her job judging from her fan base of satisfied pet owners.

The Bandettes pic these week comes from the February matchup against the Philadelphia Wings. In a pic taken early in the 4th quarter, we have Melissa, Sarah, and Karla posing for the camera. Melissa was a 4th year vet this year who showed off her journalistic skills a few times for NLL.com and Bandits.com. Sarah, also a 4th year vet is best known as someone with an eye for the camera lens as she poses for more shots than anyone. Karla, a 6th year vet, actually took 2 seasons off after spending the 2001-2005 seasons on the Bandettes...and also the 2000-2002 seasons with the Jills.

Buffalo Jill of The Week Ayeshia

In Arabic, the name Ayeshia means alive and our Jill of The Week certainly fits that description. She's been dancing since 1995 and is constantly striving to be her very best in everything she does, whether it be dance, work, or school. She's already completed her degree but has plans to go back to further her education in the pharmaceutical field. On gamedays, this rookie dancer can be seen on Aimee's line between Valerie and Autumn and is loving every minute of it. She says that one of her biggest qualities is how outgoing she is and this is an aspect of her personality that's come out a lot more since she joined the Jills. It's not that she wasn't outgoing or that she was painfully shy beforehand but if one were to have met her in the spring and then see what she's like now, the difference seems rather noticeable. You can read more about Ayeshia at http://buffalojills.net/bios/ayeshia.html