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April 3, 2017

Bring ‘em out!

With this year’s auditions and training camp complete, we now know the women who will get Stamps fans on their feet.

The 2017 roster representing the Calgary Stampeders Outriders, presented by Century Downs, features 20 talented dancers who were recently named to the team following an extensive selection process.

Now eagerly anticipating the football season as well as numerous community appearances, Dana is back for yet another season on the sidelines to cheer on the Red and White.

“The off-season is always a time for a bit of a reset,” remarked Dana, one of the longest-serving members of the squad. “Coming back as a vet, you see lots of new talent and lots of amazing rookies. It really puts everything in perspective. You get a re-introduction into how amazing the club is and how amazing the team is and what an amazing opportunity this is be surrounded by such amazing women and be part of something so much bigger than ourselves.

“This is my seventh year on the team and it’s always really fun to jump in and dive right back into it.”

Dana’s years of experience were a definite advantage over first-year hopefuls as she fully understood all that was required to prepare for auditions in order to put her best foot forward.

“I wouldn’t say it’s hard (to start up again) because we’re all trained and we’re all professional dancers,” she explained. “I think the more you do it, the easier it gets. As a rookie coming into it, I remember my first year when I auditioned. It was a bit of a shock because you don’t realize all the things that go on behind the scenes. But I have an awareness of that now, so going into it again is less of a shock and less of a transition.”

In fact, a high-calibre group of candidates combined with a limited number of spots has resulted in a roster chock-full of veterans as opposed to any fresh faces. Four individuals recently decided to retire from the team while Bailee and Taylor W. return after taking a hiatus in 2016.

“It’s the first time in a really long time I think that we haven’t had the opportunity to take rookies,” offered Demi, back for her fourth season with The Outriders. “But I just think it speaks on behalf of our team that we have strong women on and off the field. We have definitely built a bond and it’s definitely a little family.  Hopefully next year we will get some new ones but we definitely have a really strong year ahead.”

Every member of the cheer team makes regular appearances in the community in addition to performing their remarkable routines whenever the Stamps take to the field at McMahon. In advance of Calgary’s pre-season game at home against the Lions on June 6, The Outriders will be attending a variety of local events while promoting the entire Stampeders organization.

“I love going to the Alberta Children’s Hospital,” Demi stated. “It’s always nice to get out in the community with that. I also like all the runs and the active things. Calgary is such an active community so it’s nice that we get to promote athleticism throughout the city and go to those different types of events – the runs and the marathons.”

As for Dana, some of her most memorable experiences as an Outrider have been supporting the Stampeders as she performs for the crowd right here in her hometown.

“Game days are my favourite,” expressed Dana. “There is really nothing that is better than a summer day or Friday night standing out in the middle of the field and having the fans and the energy. The Stamps have been doing really well over the past few seasons so it’s always sweet when we win. But there is just something about the CFL and the family aspect and the energy around games that is just addicting.”

The Outriders, presented by Century Downs, will include the following women in 2017:

  • Alexandra
  • Alyssa
  • Ashleigh
  • Breanna
  • Bailee
  • Chelsea
  • Cassandra
  • Dana
  • Demi
  • Drew
  • Jen
  • Kalie
  • Kaylea
  • Kendra
  • Madison
  • Megan
  • Raynie
  • Taylor D
  • Taylor W
  • Willow