by Mandy Leggio
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Although Houston's future football team has no players on its roster, 35 women have secured their spots on the Houston Texans cheerleading team.

Behind all the glitz and glamour, these women won their positions to represent Houston's football team with sweat and hard work. As candidates, they competed in a two-day try-out process.

Each potential cheerleader memorized a short routine, and in groups of approximately 100, performed in front of 60 judges.

There were five actual try-outs in this manner, and then the last group of finalists underwent formal interviews and background checks.

There were two interview questions, one testing each nominee's football knowledge, and the other more of a beauty pageant- oriented question.

"We worked so hard and were so stressed out; it seemed impossible to have even made the first cut out of 1,600 talented girls," said Tiffany Chambers, a Houston Texans cheerleader.

"When we got down to the last cut, I wanted it so bad; I was determined to give it my all. There were so many strict stipulations just to try out, but a background check seemed so serious."

Although the cheerleaders practice year around, it is a part-time job. The team consists of students, moms and career-oriented women.

According to Chambers, professionalism and image consciousness are important attributes for professional cheerleaders.

In order to avoid a superficial appearance, they are trained to walk, talk and manage their public image. Special attention is also given to media relations and public speaking. Away from the public eye and behind closed doors, the cheerleading practices are physically demanding. Team members practice nine hours a week.

When the season starts, practice will increase to 12 hours a week. In order to meet the physical requirements, each cheerleader goes through a continuous regiment of extensive workouts.

Outside the gym, the squad takes an active approach to community involvement. Under their current contract, which ends March 2003, the cheerleaders are required to attend a minimum of 35 charity events.

Volunteer work or fund raising are two examples of accepted events.

"It is important that we start showing our spirit now and prepare Houston for our upcoming football team," said Chambers, also a student at Alvin Community College. "This is strenuous and time-consuming as a student, but it is fun and rewarding."

According to Chambers, pay for their per-game performances has yet to be established. On average, cheerleaders throughout the NFL are paid $35 to $55 per game.

The cheerleaders are paid to dance and entertain. Another squad is chosen to boost the enthusiasm of the crowd and lead cheers. Cheerleaders hope to gain future prospects by spotlighting their talent.

"Although the pay is not the best and school is made more challenging, I am very happy to have earned this position on the squad and look forward to representing our Houston Texans," Chambers said.

For information, go to the Texans cheerleaders' Web site at www.houstontexans.com. For ticket information call (877) NFL-2002.

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