The Game Is Here- Super Bowl XLVI Britney Gordon
Of course, we can’t deny it. The Colts didn’t make the Super Bowl this year. But for the past few months, Indianapolis has successfully accentuated the positive by pouring every ounce of the city’s efforts into hosting Super Bowl XLVI, sure to be one of the most talked-about Super Bowls in history. Certainly, the coming of the Super Bowl has helped further transform a city that, in part, has relied on sports for decades to make its mark on the world. Football energizes its fans with nail-biting passes and jaw-dropping touchdown runs; but come halftime, it’s a football team’s cheerleaders that put smiles on the crowd’s face and allow fans to give their fingernails a rest. Meet Britney Gordon, one of the many beautiful and talented young women on the Colts cheerleading squad, and this month’s activelife in the spotlight.
A student in dental hygiene at IUPUI, this is Britney’s second year as a Colts cheerleader. “I love every second of it!” she says with an infectious, bubbly smile. “We are all very excited for the Super Bowl to be in Indy this year and can’t wait to be involved in many of those exciting events!” By “we,” Britney is, of course, referring to the other 40+ members of the Colts cheerleading team. “Our squad is very close, and I have definitely made friends that I’m sure I will keep forever,” Britney tells me.
Making the Cut
A quick scan of the cheerleaders’ homepage on the Colts website reveals row after row of beautiful faces, flowing hair and gorgeous smiles. (It’s a little overwhelming.) I asked Britney how she got to be a part of this incredible team, and she makes it quite clear that it takes more than a pretty smile. The audition process, she tells me, lasts about a month. “Auditions are nerve-wracking! We learn dances and perform them in front of the judges, who make cuts once a week for three to four weeks.” If you’re lucky enough to make it that far, you’ll go on to the final audition—a fashion show. “We have an interview the week before, and then at the show, there’s a swimwear, evening gown and dance portion,” Britney says. The judges look for poise, personality, a fit body, strong dancing skills and a pretty smile in their cheerleaders. Britney says she gets more nervous each year she tries out. “If I don’t make it, I know what I’m missing!”
Born for This!
Britney has been active her whole life. “I always try to do something every day,” she says, “whether it’s running, biking, rollerblading or dancing.” Growing up, she played almost every sport known to man, started dancing when she was 2, and has been cheerleading since the 4th grade. And you Glee fans will like this: “I was in show choir in high school, which is more physical than one might think!” she says. Britney is grateful to have grown up with parents who appreciate a healthy, active life. “They taught us how to ride a bike, played outside with us as children, and still rollerblade with us,” Britney says. “My mom has also always cooked healthy foods for our family to make sure we get the proper nutrients to stay fit!” Parents, take a lesson from this Colts cheerleader. It starts at home.
As a high-profile cheerleader, Britney must watch what she eats. “I eat foods that are protein packed, and I like to fill up on lots of fruits and vegetables,” she tells me. “Whenever I have a craving for something sweet, I eat some type of fruit. It stops the craving, and it’s nutritious!” Britney also does her best to avoid too much liquid energy. “A good morning workout allows me to skip the coffee,” she says. (I wish it were that simple for your humble correspondent. But then again, I’m not a Colts cheerleader.)
Giving Back
Cheerleading for the Colts is a point of pride for Britney, but it also brings a great reward. “We have a lot of appearances at hospitals, nursing homes and schools,” she says. “Some of the children we see are very sick, and seeing the smiles on their faces makes my day. It’s such a good feeling to know we are bringing a little joy to these people.” On the more exotic side, Britney says the squad sometimes tours to destinations such as Mexico, Japan and London. “We get to perform for military troops and at other events,” she says. “Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten the opportunity to do this!” There’s always next year, Britney.
And what advice does a Colts cheerleader have for someone looking to get fit? “You don’t have to jump into a major workout right away,” Britney says. “Start off small with just a short walk. Every day, go a little further and add other things in. And slowly replace junk food with healthy snacks.” She wants everyone to know that anyone can make improvements. “It just takes a good attitude and a little faith in yourself!”
I ask Britney for her final thoughts on her role as a Colts cheerleader. “The Indianapolis Colts’ mission is to make the community a better place and to unite the city,” she says. “We want every person to feel as if they’re a part of the team, because they are. What would a football game be without the fans!?”
So “Keep Calm and Carry On.” Enjoy the revelry of Super Bowl XLVI, and keep the hope alive for 2013!
