Posted
7-17-08
Denver Broncos Alumni, Cheerleaders and Miles the Mascot Visit Frontier Park
Saturday, July 19 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Oasis Area
Cheyenne (CFD) -- Cheyenne Frontier Days is pleased to announce that Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, Miles the Mascot and Denver Broncos alumni Randy Gradishar and Bill Thompson will make an appearance at Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 19. The alumni, cheerleaders and Miles will be signing autographs, posing for pictures and meeting with fans from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Frontier Park Oasis Area, just inside the main gate.
Cheerleaders appearing on Saturday will be Val Scott, Stefanie Buttars, Jessica Flores, Janelle Mangrum, Perry Jackman and Nicole Moore. The Denver Broncos Cheerleaders are entering their sixteenth season, and are considered to be one of the premier squads in the National Football League.
Randy Gradishar was the only Ring of Fame inductee in 1989, in recognition of a 10-year career at linebacker with the Broncos. During his career, Gradishar was a seven-time Pro Bowler, the most by any Bronco at the end of his career, and he is also the all-time leader in tackles for Denver, finishing with 2,049. Gradishar never missed a game, playing in 145 in a row. He accounted for 33 turnovers in his career (20 INTs and 13 fumble recoveries) and was voted the Defensive Player of the Year in 1978 by AP, UPI, Pro Football Weekly and NEA (George Halas Award). His teammates also voted him team defensive MVP in 1978 and 1980. While at Ohio State, Gradishar was referred to by his head coach -- the legendary Woody Hayes -- as "the best linebacker I ever coached at Ohio State." Randy was a three-year starter for the Buckeyes and was named to every All-America team following his senior season, as well as being an Academic All-America selection, graduating with a degree in distributive education. Gradishar was also the president of the Denver Broncos Youth Foundation from 1982-92. He was inducted in 1998 into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Billy Thompson, regarded by many as the best defensive back in Denver Broncos annals, was the only Ring of Fame inductee in 1987. He was the first player in team history to play 13 seasons with Denver, and he was the team captain for many years. Thompson, despite being retired for 18 seasons, still ranks second on the Broncos' all-time list for games started with 178, second in consecutive starts with 142, and sixth in games played with 179. He finished his career with 61 turnovers, (most in team history), 40 of which came via interceptions (third in team history). He holds two NFL records, one of which has stood for over two decades. As a rookie in 1969, Thompson became the only player in NFL history to lead the league in both kickoffs and punt returns in the same season. He is also one of only two players in NFL history to return four opponent fumbles for touchdowns. Thompson was a three-time Pro Bowl selection (1977, '78 and '81), and earned All-NFL honors twice (1977 and '78) and All-AFC honors four times (1977-79, '81). Billy also enjoyed a brilliant career at Maryland State (now Maryland-Eastern Shore), earning All-CIAA honors three times as a defensive back and being named team MVP as a senior. He also twice earned NAIA All-America honors. Thompson also made All-CIAA three times in baseball as a centerfielder.
Miles is entering his eighth season as the Denver Broncos mascot, and he continues to delight Broncos fans with his wacky antics. During home games, Miles is on the sidelines and in the stands entertaining the crowd at every turn.
A rodeo or concert ticket will allow admission to Frontier Park and access to this event. Without a rodeo or concert ticket, a $3.00 gate ticket must be purchased for admission to Frontier Park.
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