Ben-Gals Blogs

Posted: May 5, 2009, 4:40 p.m.

Farewell, Ben-Gals

Thank you Bengals Fans for an AMAZING journey. It was 10 years ago when I came trembling through the hallowed portals of Cinergy Field. As a Rookie Ben-Gal I had no idea what a roller coaster ride I was in for. There was so much to learn that first day of practice and the veterans were so beautiful and intimidating I thought many times of turning around and walking back out the front door. ... Well, I’m glad I didn’t.

Some 100 games later, I’ve created a lifetime of memories, lasting friendships, and accomplishments. In addition to working my way through the ranks to become Head Captain in 2006, I became choreographer for the team in 2003, choreographer for the 2008 Ben-Gal Jr. Pro Program, and was selected as the 2007 Pro Bowl Cheerleader representative in Honolulu, HI. I was also selected to appear in the team’s cheerleader calendar and I’ve traveled to Bosnia, Kosovo, Iceland, Korea, Italy and Egypt to boost morale and entertain the United States Troops.

The crowning moment of my career as a Ben-Gal occurred October 1, 2006. It was my first season as Head Captain and on this day we were playing the New England Patriots at Paul Brown Stadium. I remember like it was yesterday – It was business as usual while we were in the locker room getting ready to go out on the field. My director, Charlotte, comes in and tells everyone to go out to the tunnel because “the Browns have a special guest that they want us to greet.” The team and I fluff our hair, fix our makeup and grab our pom poms and head out to the tunnel where we found my mom and husband pushing my father in a wheel chair. I instantly began to cry.

I only mentioned in passing to one of my teammates, Shannon L., that in the seven years of my being on the squad, my father had never seen me cheer. The stadium didn’t provide enough handicap access and the walking was too much for his heart. Between Shannon, Charlotte, and the Bengals Organization, they arranged for my father to have VIP treatment that day and he was able to watch his baby girl as an NFL cheerleader for the first time.

Sadly, one month later on November 1, 2006, my father passed away of a heart attack. My Ben-Gal sisters stood by me, attended the funeral and made sure I was never alone. They presented me with a picture of my dad with the team from that most memorable game. A keepsake that I will treasure forever.

To my directors and coaches, my time learning from you was truly special – not just the business side, but the fun and laughter we’ve shared – to say nothing of the long nights laboring away at last minute changes and details. Your patience, understanding and insight will prove to be useful tools as I embark on this next chapter of my life – motherhood.

To my former teammates, I am leaving but I will be watching your progress with interest and I am always here for you if you need me. If my legacy to you was time spent building this team up, your legacy to me is one of sisterhood, faith in teamwork and an abiding passion for locker room “Dance-Offs”!

And finally, to the best football fans in the league, I thank you for being there through our teams ups and downs, through sunshine, rain, sleet, or snow. I now raise my glass to you and say farewell.

Cheers!
Deanna