Bucs begin search for this season's cheerleaders

Twenty seconds is all the time Faith Decker had to make a first impression. Decker was one of several women who auditioned for a spot on the 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleading squad.

Two at a time, the hopefuls shuffled through auditorium inside One Buc Place to face a panel of judges.

After a quick introduction, the fresh-faced candidates danced freestyle for only twenty seconds.

"You really get your one chance to prove yourself. You know, I think I did well," Decker said.

There are six open call sessions for women to audition for an eventual cheerleading slot. Bucs Cheerleading Manager Catherine Boyd says roughly 70 women danced for her Monday. Boyd believes about 60 to 70, in all, will receive notice to move-on in the auditioning process.

"We're looking at their natural movement, are they able to keep a beat," Boyd noted in what she and the other judges are critiquing. "Maybe they're not the most technical dancer, but something we're maybe able to work with."

Those who receive a callback will face another audition this Saturday. Instead of freestyle, the cheerleading hopefuls will learn a choreographed routine. For those who master the dance moves, they face another challenge. They will square off against veteran Bucs cheerleaders. The seasoned cheerleaders bypassed the open call round but will be vying for a spot on the 2010 squad starting this weekend. Final auditions will be held Thursday, April 1st. Team officials say up to 34 cheerleaders will be selected for the final squad.

Decker is not looking ahead to the weekend. She hopes her performance today will lead to a reward on Tuesday.

"I will be absolutely ecstatic. I cannot wait. I'm going to be on the computer all day, clicking refresh on the internet," Decker said. "I will be so grateful for the opportunity to come back."