SBNation.com User Blog: Zach Eckels

Winner Announced in MHR's 2nd Annual Fan Favorite Denver Broncos Cheerleader Tournament

Zach Eckels — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 15:09:55 -0000

Ashley

First of all, I think we all have to give a big thank you to my beautiful and wonderful wife who spent last night searching the Broncos website for the above photos of Ashley. (She also found a bunch on the cheerleaders facebook page, which I strongly recommend viewing to any fans of our cheerleaders!)

And congratulations to everyone who voted for Ashley and my sympathies again to everyone who was going for Patricia. This vote was as hard as it gets. Both of these beautiful women embody what being a Bronco fan means to all of us, and like the rest of the squad, have an amazing life outside of the uniform. I'm sure many of you were like me and had to nitpick the finest details in order to make your decision in this championship, and that's the way it should be. Once again a new champion has been crowned and we can all start looking forward to next year!

A look at the numbers

brought to you by bronco4ever15

And here's a look at our finalized bracket. As always, if you can't see the whole thing, just click on the picture and it should take you to the source image:

Remember:

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.

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

Zach Eckels — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:51:14 -0000

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:

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.

Championship: Patricia vs. Ashley

Patricia

This is Patricia's second season cheering for us. She's a graduate of CSU, majoring in Apparel and Merchandising with a minor in business and is currently working as a Sales Assistant. She also happens to be last year's winner. She beat Kim in the first round, Becky in the second round, Katie W. in the quarterfinals, Toni in the semifinals, before taking down fan favorite Nikki in the final round. She's now two wins away from a repeat performance. Can she do it again?

So far this year, after her first round bye, Patricia defeated Michelle by a wide margin in the second round. She was able to repeat that performance against Amanda in the quarterfinals. And she beat the eventual third place winner, Heather, in her semifinal match.

Fan Since:
I can remember! I was raised a bronco fan. I can't imagine rooting for any other team.

Alma Mater:
CSU

Degree:
Apparel and Merchandising with a minor in business

Occupation and how does Broncos affect your work?
I am a full time student and work at ace hardware as a cashier and sales floor assistant. Adding Broncos into my life definitely makes my schedule packed and always busy, but I like it that way I'm not one to want to sit at home I like being out of my home being involved in whatever I can.

What is the most important attribute of a Denver Broncos cheerleader?
Being involved in the community and also giving back to it as well. There is only so much one person can do for a charity and being a part of an organization where everyone is involved and out there giving back to those who really need help is something I absolutely love about the organization. I also love being part or a team where everyone has the same passion for dance that I also have as well.

Most memorable experience?
So far ... The Broncos Bunch promotion. There was this little girl that came up to Tristan, Michelle and I and handed us a picture her brother had drawn of a cheerleader cheering at a game. It made me realize that we are role models to a lot of young kids and that brought the biggest smile to my face when they gave that picture to us ... We made them sign it later as well.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
As cliché as this sounds, my mom is definitely my greatest inspiration. She died when I was only 12 years old and she was a very successful woman who sadly died at a very young age. So whenever I say I want to do something or set a goal for myself I always am reminded of my mom and how her life ended very suddenly, and if I ever want to accomplish a goal in my life I need to work towards it every day with absolutely no regrets or telling myself I should have done something different. You only have one life and you need to make the most of it before it’s too late and your looking back saying what you should have done differently, my motto is to always look forward toward the future at what you can do instead of looking backward at what you should have done.

What is one thing about being a DBC that most people don't know?
How hard you have to work on the team. Being a DBC means carrying a Legacy on your shoulders of all the DBC’s before you. Every year the standards are higher and it takes a lot of work to meet those standards.

Best advice to kids?
Never say, "I can’t!" Because if you work hard and set your mind to achieve something you can do whatever you want!

What sports do you enjoy watching or playing?
I love watching football and basketball, and I love playing beach volley ball.

What top three things do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
1. Work for Ralph Lauren Corp. In New York City, Its my dream job.
2. Own my own fashion apparel boutique and open it in multiple cities
3. Have my own company where I contract out hairstylists and makeup artist for various shows and special events.

What do you value most in your life?
My family and all the people I have met and become friends with. They all play a huge role in my life and I would not be the person I am today without all the encounters I have had with my friends and family. They make me want to be the best person I can possibly be not only for myself but for them as well.

Place you would most like to visit and why?
Europe. I went to Spain after high school and my mind was blown away by the culture and the history that lies in every stone of that country. The US is so young compared to Europe and I just want to learn so much more about the different cultures there.

Who do you admire most in the sports industry?
What a magnificent show they put on for their fans. Sports would not be the same without the fans that go to every game and cheer on every team they are the ones that really bring a sporting event to life and that’s what I admire the most.

What is the best thing about Broncos fans?
They know how to bleed blue and orange especially when the raiders come to town! Not only that but they stay loyal no matter what. The broncos have had it tough the past couple of years but the fans are still there cheering them on. When things gets rough they are there to support the broncos and help them get through the season. But when the broncos are having a great season the bronco fans aren’t going to jump on the band wagon they are going to cheer on the broncos all the way to the playoffs and the super bowl if they make it!

What book are you currently reading?
Water for Elephants. Its amazing, Im really trying not to go see the movie!

In what charities or community service organizations are you most involved and why?
CSU unity. It is a community service program that goes through our school and one day during the school year all the students at CSU volunteer to help someone in the community. It’s a great program because it brings our school together as well as the whole fort Collins community.

What is something about you that fans might not know?
I am allergic to everything it seems like. Dust, nuts, sunflower seeds, dogs, cats, the list goes on and on.

What makes you laugh?
Little kids! The things they say and ask are so random and creative. Every time I have a conversation with a child under ten years old it brings a smile to my face and constant laughter.

How do you challenge yourself?
Through dance actually. I go to the studio at my school everyday and try to learn a new technical trick. I work on it everyday until it is perfect, and then I move on to another one. It keeps me motivated and always working towards achieving my personal goals and of course it make me a better dancer.

How do you spend your time in the offseason?
I have no offseason! I am constantly working on something. It is either in work, school, or dance. But when I do have free time I try and spend it with my friends and family by going on trips or just hanging out with them at concerts or parks.

In what area of your life have you achieved the most success?
In dance. I was never formally trained, except for in Irish dancing, and I had to learn a lot of technique on my own. My had work definitely paid off. I was captain of my high school dance team, danced for CSU for three years on the Golden Poms, and now I am DBC. I am very proud of everything I have achieved in my dancing carrier and could ask for anything more.

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. And she defeated fan favorite Candace in her semifinal 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 a hard decision Bronco fans. Will Patricia repeat her championship performance? Or will Ashley win in her first year as our cheerleader? They both deserve it, so 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
Patricia	Ashley

brought to you by Gelder

Poll

Who is your favorite cheerleader?

Patricia

220 votes

Ashley

301 votes

521 votes | Poll has closed

Winner Announced in 3rd Place Match of MHR's 2nd Annual Fan Favorite Denver Broncos Cheerleader Tournament

Zach Eckels — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 15:44:39 -0000

Heather

So congratulations to everyone who voted for Heather and my sympathies again to everyone who was going for Candace. It wasn't an easy choice by any means, and as much as you can say Heather deserves the win, it's still impossible to say Candace didn't. We're very lucky to have such a great squad, even if it leads to such difficult votes. Luckily for us though, we only have one more decision to make. Unfortunately, it looks like it's going to be the toughest one of all... the championship. Be sure to check in next week and make your voice heard. As always, the vote will start some time Wednesday and run through Friday. This is one you won't want to miss!

A look at the numbers

brought to you by bronco4ever15

And here's a quick peek at our updated bracket. As always, if you can't see the whole thing, just click on the picture and it should take you to the source image:

Remember:

A look at next week's championship match up
Patricia	Ashley

2nd Annual Fan Favorite Denver Broncos Cheerleader Tournament — 3rd Place Match

Zach Eckels — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 05:12:38 -0000

Remember the main rule:

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.

Third Place Match: Heather vs. Candace

Heather

I believe this is Heather's third season cheering for us. While her official profile on www.denverbroncos.com says it's her second, it said the same thing last year. So, we'll just stick with it being her third. She kept her profile short and to the point this year, so unfortunately we don't have a lot to go on. But, as always with our vets, we can look back to her answers from last year to find out a little more about her. This special education teacher from Englewood had a very unlucky draw in last year's contest, facing semifinalist and fan favorite Nikki in the very first round of the tournament. Despite the epic match up so early in our tournament, she managed to get 45 percent of the vote, and very easily could have drastically changed the end results of our first year. You can see her last year's bio and that match up here.

So far in this year's tournament, she found a way to defeat Kisato in the first round. In the second round, she easily beat Lauren H and in the quarterfinals, she beat Katie W. And, of course, she fell to make it to the championship by losing to Patricia in her semifinal match.

Her answers to her bio page on denverbroncos.com:

What is the best thing about being a Broncos Cheerleader?
Having the opportunity to work with such incredible women and an exceptional coaching staff. These women have become my close friends and the sisters I've never had. We share an incredible bond. Besides my teammies, I absolutely love the thrill of game day, getting to cheer for my hometown team, and perform for the greatest fans in the NFL!

What is your most memorable experience/game?
The 2011 season was a very special and memorable season with many thanks to Tim Tebow. Although there were many great moments, I will always remember that magical throw Tebow made to Demaryius Thomas to win the game in overtime against the Steelers in the AFC Wild Card game. I've never felt such emotion from a crowd of people like that in my life. I had tears of pure joy. I didn't want to leave the field that night. It was an amazing moment in Bronco's history that I'm forever grateful to have been apart of.

What is you're favorite book?
"Oh, the Places You'll Go" By Dr. Seuss. It's a timeless book and I love reading it to my students.

What are your favorite things to do in Denver?
Maybe I'm a little bias because I'm a native, but I absolutely love the city of Denver. The scenery is beautiful and there is always something to do. I love attending local sporting events, eating out downtown, hanging out in Wash Park, or riding my new cruiser around (I'm a little obsessed!).

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. And, of course, she fell to make it to the championship by losing to Ashley in her semifinal match.

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.

This is an important one Bronco fans. Only one will be remembered whenever we look back on our contests as being in the top 3. 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
Heather	Candace

brought to you by Gelder

Poll

Who is your favorite cheerleader?

Heather

132 votes

Candace

114 votes

246 votes | Poll has closed

Winner Announced in 2nd Semifinal Match of MHR's 2nd Annual Fan Favorite Denver Broncos Cheerleader Tournament

Zach Eckels — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 15:26:35 -0000

Ashley

So congratulations to everyone who voted for Ashley and my sympathies again to everyone who was going for Candace. Just win it looked like Patricia was going to have the clear support to win back-to-back championships, Ashley showed that she has just as much, if not more backing from Bronco fans by blowing past fan favorite Candace. This will be a championship match to remember. But don't overlook next week's third place match either. Heather versus Candace will be a fight of the blonde bombshells that shouldn't be missed. I don't know about you, but I'm excited.

A look at the numbers

brought to you by bronco4ever15

And here's a quick peek at our updated bracket. As always, if you can't see the whole thing, just click on the picture and it should take you to the source image:

Remember:

A look at next week's third place match up
Heather	Candace

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

Zach Eckels — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:01:31 -0000

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.

Remember the main rule:

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

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 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

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.

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.

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.

Ashley

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.