First Detroit Lions cheer squad in 40 years draws hundreds

Posted June 25, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) - About 300 women have auditioned for the first Detroit Lions cheerleading squad in more than 40 years.

The hopefuls came Saturday for a chance to show their moves and otherwise impress judges at the Lions' home of Ford Field. The audition process continues until Monday, and a squad of about 25 members will be announced in August in time for a Sept. 18 debut.

Rebecca Smoker, the team's director of cheerleading, says the goal is to find people with talent, confidence and enthusiasm. Judges include Kelly Stafford, wife of quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The team hasn't had its own cheerleaders since the 1974 season, though high school cheerleaders have performed.

Twenty-six-year-old Tiara Felder, who plans to become a dentist, says she gave the audition her all and had fun.

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