Chris Keating - Reporter READ ALL OF CHRIS' BLOGS EMAIL CHRIS READ BIO

So you think you have what it takes to be a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader...listen to what cheerleader Ashley tells us and you might change your mind. Can you handle a second job? Work on Sundays? Appearances?  34 women on the Metrodome sidelines on Sundays do it.

Here's a chance to get to know Ashley and hear what it's like.

Chris:  Are you still in college?

Ashley:  I am a senior at St. Cloud State University currently studying radiology.  I'm originally from White Bear Lake.   It is very busy schedule but it's a requirment from the Vikings to either be a student or have a full time job.   We consider it to be a part time job.

Chris:  What are the obligations beside gamedays?

Ashley:  We have practices three times a week, three and a half hours each on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays during away games.  Also, we have workouts, a mandatory training session once a week outside of practice and a lot of appearances. You can have three to four a weekend."  (Note:  the MVCs perform 300 appearances a year).

Chris:  How intense are the workouts?

Ashley:  I think people would be surprised at how hard we work out. People think we're just girls who look pretty on the sideline. Every practice we start with a three mile run and our trainers push us hard. Sprints, pushups, pullups - yeah, it's pretty intense. And there's the Power Team.  That includes a 5K run, 100 yard dash, 200 yard dash with weights, 50 yard bear crawl, killer sprints, wall hang, wall sit, situps, pushups, splits. There are four tests throughout the season. All of it has to be done in a certain time.

Chris: I've watched the NFL Network's show about the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders.  There's a lot of stress, weight watching and tears.  Is it much the same at Vikings camp?

Ashley:  There are open auditions and the judges make three rounds of cuts that day, and if you make it past those three rounds, you get asked to training camp. It's a month long...2 to 3 times a week. At the end we have a final audition at the Mall of America.  It is stressful but it's more fun than anything. Our training camp lasts only a month while the Cowboys is three months long. There are constant critiques being made just to help you. The coaches are always watching. You always have to give your best.

Chris:  How did you get into this?

Ashley:  Through college I got to know a couple of girls who've been on the Vikings and just loved it and couldn't say enough good things about it and it really sparked my interest. One of my best friends, Jessica, is on the team.

Chris:  What does your family think?

Ashley:  I grew up in a Vikings-obsessed family. Going to a game was a big deal, so once I made it, my family freaked out and loved it. We get two seasons tickets, which they really like.

Chris:  How long do women generally stay on the team?

Ashley:  I would say the team average is two years.  I can't wait for next year but I'll be graduating from college and you never know if I have to move or what. But I definitely plan to come back next year if I make it. Everybody has to try out again.

Chris:  What is Sunday like for you?

Ashley:  Game day is so much fun. It's something I'll never forget. We get there five hours before the game starts. We get there before the players, rehearse run-through dances, talk team goals, get pumped up.  We do pregame appearances on the concourse,  visit tailgaters.  But when we run out of the tunnel, that is my favorite part.  It is so much fun! There is so much energy and from then on it's like a rollercoaster.

Chris:  And beside game day, what's your favorite part?

Ashley:  I would say the appearances - getting out and meeting all the fans. We put our whole lives into this team. We're not just there on Sunday.  I just love talking sports.

Chris:  Thanks Ashley.  See you Sunday.