BY ARGOS CHEERLEADER JACKIE
Growing up in an active family, sports have been the centre of my world. From the age of 14 months to 12, I lived and breathed gymnastics. My weekdays consisted of 7:00 a.m. training for 2 hours before school. I would then eat dinner in the car at 5:30 p.m. and then rush right back to the gym for another 3-hour workout. My weekends were focused on fundraising as well as some special class training. When I wasn’t training, I was busy taking kickboxing or dance class. Upon the advice of one of my Russian coaches, I even took piano lessons all to help improve my rhythm and timing. With all that background, I still enjoy being active and using my past experience in gymnastics and dance as an Argos Cheerleader.
A little later in life, my parents went into business in sunny California. Of course they wanted my to join them in their new venture but I decided to stay back and finish up school here in Toronto and see where that would lead me. I attended York University, majoring in Kineisiology and completing a certificate in Sport Management. With all the pressures of university, I wanted to get involved in something fun to occasionally take my mind off of my studies. I heard on the radio about the 2005 Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders auditions and I thought, “why not, what do I have to lose?” I showed up at an open tryout early one April morning and was very anxious but excited to see what being a part of this team was all about. I was given a participant number and when it was finally my turn, I gave it my best shot. Soonafter, I found out that somehow, some way I actually made the team. I remember how proud I was when they called out my number in a room full of amazing girls. That was one of the best feelings I had ever felt. I also remember calling my parents to tell them first, that not only did I try out for the team but that I made it. I still remember their first words, “that’s great, we leave and now our daughter becomes a celebrity”. At first, this seemed funny to me but soon I learned that you really do become a celebrity to a degree. Even now when I walk downtown on the streets of Toronto, I constantly hear ARRGOOSS or my name being shouted; it seems everyone knows me, and what we stand for!!
The Toronto Argonauts are so much more than a football team. As part of the team, we reach out to all groups in our community. I am truly proud to say that I am a part of Toronto’s number one community team. I have been involved in so much charity work growing up and understand how important that is in binding a community together. On a personal note, being able to give something back to the city is very important to me. Working with this great organization has given me the opportunity to do just that in so many ways. Aside from our community work, I have also fortunate enough to attend many special events too. I worked together with Adriano Belli on the set of Canadian Idol. I helped present Jeremy Piven of the hit show Entourage as an Honourary Argo. I took part in fun MTV shows and have been on every television network in the city.
Then there is my Argos family. As for the girls on this team, I don’t even know where to begin. The team seems to attract amazing people. These girls are not just my new friends, they’re family. As for the guys, the players are my brothers. I have gotten to know them all and they all appreciate our efforts supporting the team. The way I see it, the guys are my big brothers and the girls are my sisters. The front office are like my parents making sure we accomplish our goals and all we set forth to do. Together we make an unstoppable family, not to mention quite a good-looking one at that!! We always try to support each other and really take team unity to a whole new level. We know that there is no I in the word team.
I have always been big football fan so being front row to every game is thrilling for me. The biggest celebration comes near the end of each season just before winter really takes control. The Grey Cup festivities for me are a dream come true. I remember watching the championship game with my dad on those cold Sunday afternoons when I was little. All the excitement and celebration of a game not just for the cities involved but also for our entire country.
Looking back, the past 5 years have truly been the best years of my life. This team has helped mould me the person that I am today. I live, breathe and sweat Argos. I try to represent the hard work and determination to be your best as our team does. I carry my “perma smile” with me everywhere after being on this team so many years!!! I look forward to the good memories I know are to come and will always cherish the great memories of the past. Wish us luck in our 2009 season, and hopefully you will be seeing my whole Double Blue family and I at the Grey Cup this year in Calgary.
GO ARGOOOOOOOS !!