Cheers My Dears! Claymores Pick Squad for 2003 Campaign
The 2003 Scottish Claymores Cheerleaders were selected over the weekend after one of the toughest tryouts in the squad's history.The 36 young ladies handpicked to represent the Claymores in World Bowl year were amongst 51 finalists hoping to impress the judging panel.
They won through to the finals, held at the Lomond Suite at Hampden Stadium on Sunday, after beating off competition from over 100 dancers, singers and entertainers at the open tryout, held the previous weekend at the Gorbals Leisure Centre in Glasgow.
Hampden judges included Scots businesswoman Michelle Mone, TV's Fred MacAulay, River City actress Libby McArthur and BBC Scotland Sports duo Rhona McLeod and Kheredine Idessane.
They were also joined by Claymores operations director Kenny Falconer, Randall Rickabaugh of Enterprise Rent-A-Car and fan representative David Stretch.
The finalists had to perform two dance routines learned during the week and then put on a two-minute talent presentation to show off their entertainment skills. Candidates sang, tap danced and acted for the judging panel, hoping it would be enough to earn them one of the coveted places on the squad.
Competition was fierce and it took the judges almost an hour to decide on the final squad selection.
Cheerleading manager Debbie Jackson said: "It was very difficult to agree on the final squad. In the end we had to turn away talented performers to get to our final number, which was sad.
"Once again the girls shone in their performances and showed an amazing amount of talent.
"We have a fantastic new squad and are raring to go for season 2003 and World Bowl."
Squad members will now embark on a busy training schedule to get in top shape for the new season.
* Check www.claymores.co.uk later this week for full pics and bios of the 2003 cheerleader squad.
14 Oct, 02 | 5:55 pm