Gold Rush Cheerleader Audition All the Right Moves and the Whole Package Baby

Lovely Maki is from Japan who made the Gold Rush team last year and is also trying out to be a 2nd year veteran. Maki did some cheerleading in Japan for 7 years for a football team called the Silver Lock Heels, but always had the passion to be an NFL cheerleader. "The Gold Rush is well known all over the world and have a good reputation about them", said Maki. "This also inspired me to try out for them." Maki went to the 49er website and signed up on line. She found herself flying over seas and sporting a Gold Rush uniform. Maki says she wants to return back to Japan to tell everyone how great it is being a 49er Gold Rush and all the great things the Gold Rush does for the community.

There was no stunning football star by the name of Tom Cruise sporting a Varsity Letterman Jacket dancing and smiling as he did in the 1983 hit with All the Right Moves, but indisputably, there were plenty of stunning, talented and educated females dancing and trying their best to make all right moves.

The day Saturday April 1, 2007 started off by greeting Gold Rush Director Erin Homestead. Erin as always-greeted Bay Area Sports Drive with a warmhearted beautiful smile, and as usual her eyes and smile glistened with enthusiasm.

Roughly 500 girls showed up for the preliminary tryouts at Stanford in the Maples Pavilion gym. The stage was set and the girls were already performing to the music “Man Eater.” They were getting the feel, rhythm, posture, and making sure they had all the right moves. All girls made sure to try their best, to give the 49er Gold Rush signature smile that lights up the coliseum comes game day. Not only game day but as they socialize in the community, whether it be with the fanatics and all special events that’s obligatory to attend.

Elena #62 is from Sacramento California. Elena tried out last year and made the team as a Gold Rush. Elena is trying out again for a second stint. Although she is a one-year veteran, Elena still has to try out just like all the other girls every single year. “Erin gives everybody an opportunity every year to experience what it’s like to be as a Gold Rush. My family and I are also 49er fans,” says Elena. Elena also is attending college to become a nurse and is a mother of two twins. Elena gives thanks to Erin Director of Gold Rush. “Erin is an amazing woman. I admire her as a person and as a director. She is very professional and has a great heart. She has taught me so much by inspiring me, and she is so very encouraging.”

Making the squad is not an easy task. Yes, what girl wouldn’t want to be a Gold Rush Cheerleader? Dressed in a dazzling 49er Gold Rush uniform, the lime light with media exposure, performing in front of thousands of fans and helping those in need in the community. But the work doesn’t conclude there, it continues with practices of new dance routines, learning new choruses …since the girls do many community appearances, they also have to make sure their communication skills are of parity. Elena, a one-year veteran Gold Rush girl says, “There are so many reasons why I want to return to the team. When I first tried out I really wanted to give back to the community. I wanted to represent all women-mothers, since I am a mother and for little girls I want to be a role model on the Gold Rush team.” Elena is humble and grateful for being given the opportunity, “I have so many more reasons for wanting to be on the team. I want to give back so much, and more has been given back to me as well. I benefited a lot more than I’ve expected." Even when not in uniform, they must always respectively carry themselves with pride and dignity, whether it be shopping or dinning out. When she makes the squad, she now represents the San Francisco 49ers Organization. It’s not just one individual tha

t makes it happen, but all and sundry as team players. Just like the San Francisco 49ers that play to win, in order to achieve success it takes team effort.

By the time the electronic digit struck 4:00 pm, most of the girls were feeling fatigued from the long day of strutting to “Man Eater”. But they kept in good spirits to the very end. As Gold Rush Director Erin (photo right) concluded the results by number, she expressed her gratitude to the girls for showing up and making an effort. She also made sure that the girls keep faith and try again next year as many have and became successful during their second and third attempt. The finalists that survived will have another week to prepare for a dream come true.

So remember, to be a 49er Gold Rush Cheerleader, it’s just not having all the right moves, but the whole package baby.

This Monday, more interviews and photos here at Bay Area Sports Drive!
A very special thanks to Director Erin of Gold Rush Cheerleaders for making this story and interview possible.