Jonét Nichelle Visits Section 36!

Photo Credit: Robert Hare Photography

Section 36 Patriots has its first visitor! I'm sure you're aware of all the MAO titleholders who have visited with Section 36 to discuss the Red Sox. But, it made much more sense to post this visit here. Jonét Nichelle is the current Miss Litchfield County (CT). She is also in her rookie season as a member of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders! I’m so excited that she was willing to take the time out of her schedule to talk about those topics, and a few more. I'm sure you'll love reading everything she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Jonét Nichelle visits Section 36!

Why did you decide to try out for the New England Patriots Cheerleaders team?
I’ve always been part of a team. I began dancing at the age of two and at the age of five, I was competing at dance competitions. By middle school I  became a student athlete and continued running track on the collegiate level as well. As my track and field career was coming to an end, my mom and I began researching other routes for me to take and we came across the New England Patriots Cheerleaders Auditions. It was from that simple google search that I became determined to earn a spot on the team.

How did it feel the first time you all got together as a team?
During bootcamp, I  had the pleasure of become extremely close with just about each and every young lady vying for a spot on the squad; so much so it already felt like we were already on the team! The first time we were all together (vets and rookies) I felt beyond welcomed – as if every woman in that room was more than a teammate.      

What are you most looking forward to about your rookie season?
There’s honestly so much to look forward to.  Just putting on the uniform is an exciting feeling! I’m especially excited to travel to St. Maarten for our calendar trip and video shoot this July. 

What is your personal fitness routine? 
I  am a personal trainer and as my mom calls me, “a gym rat”.  I always begin, or try to incorporate, some sort of cardio into my workouts. Lately I have a newfound interest in the stair master. 

Photo Credit: Catherine Fiehn Photography

You were crowned Miss Litchfield County earlier this year. How did you celebrate winning that title?
I  won my title back in January. It was a last minute decision to compete, so when I  actually won I couldn't believe it. I  didn’t invite many people. Just my mom, godfather and best friend attended. After the pageant, we went to a diner and had a huge feast and discussed my goals and plans to prepare for Miss Connecticut. 

What has surprised you about your time as Miss Litchfield County?
I  can’t say anything has really surprised me during my reign, however I always love to watch a little girl’s face light up with I let her try on my crown and sash!  

How did you select your platform?
My platform is something that is extremely near and dear to my heart; something that I plan to continue to develop and work on even after my “crown days” are over. My platform is “This is Her, She Is ME - finding the strength to walk away” came about after I was fortunate enough to leave a domestic violence relationship. Through my recovery period, I  became more open to sharing my story and trying to help other victims while volunteering with different programs. I  believe your platform should be something you're very passionate about and for me I  wanted to use my voice to reach a bigger audience and help those going through something similar to myself find the proper resources. 

What’s the best part about performing your talent on stage?
My talent for Miss Connecticut was a tap dance to “Don Quixote,

Photo Credit: Dwight Darian

Man Of La Mancha”. I loved my costume but I  think the best part of my talent was getting into character. I’ve performed this dance before,but this year I  really got into character. To me, the song is about overcoming obstacles and conquering the day. When I put my tap shoes on and put the rose in my hair, I  became “Don”, a strong woman who has no fears. 

How did the Miss Connecticut competition compare to NEPC tryouts?
I  went in to Miss Connecticut and NEPC tryouts with the same mindset. I  was going to give my blood, sweat, and tears, but also keep in mind that if the journey is meant for me, it will not pass me up. While there was only one crown at the end of the week and only 34 spots on the team, I  learned so much about myself during Miss CT week as I did during tryouts with the Patriots. I  learned that I was more than capable to achieve every dream I have. 

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That is a great lesson to learn!

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Jonét for doing this interview. As I mentioned, she was the first NEPC to visit Section 36, and I'm flattered that she agreed. I also want to thank her for providing so many amazing pictures to accompany the interview. They went along perfectly with the interview.

As Jonét continues her time as Miss Litchfield County, I encourage you to follow her on the official Miss Litchfield County Facebook page. 

And, as the Patriots start the 2018 season, be sure to check out the New England Patriots Cheerleaders website, and Jonét's own NEPC bio page, and follow her as she cheers on the best team in football!

Thanks again Jonét!

Patriot Pride - by Troy Brown with Mike Reiss

Troy Brown needs no introduction. The Patriot Hall of Famer is pretty much the blueprint for the ideal Patriot. On over-achieving

late round draft pick. He played well at all phases of the game, whatever the coach needed from him. he was a star receiver. He played on special teams. He even played on defense when the team needed him to. His story covers the end of the pre-Brady years, and the beginning of the Patriots dynasty. It was an interesting period for the team, and Brown looked to cover it from the inside.

This was a good book, but a bit more limited than I was hoping for. There was some great insight into his early years. Growing up, and moving on to college. You can see the formations of the player he would come. The Patriots years, though, felt more like a retelling of newspaper reports than any real behind the scenes information. I heard myself saying "Oh yeah, I remember that" more than I said "oh really". It's the sort of book I would expect from a reporter, or someone outside the team. A collection of the Patriots records over the years, and the game by game retelling. It still made for a fun read, but I expected more from an autobiography. If Mike Reiss had written this on his own, I feel like I would have enjoyed it more because my expectations would have been different. But, you should feel free to give it a try and see if you feel the same way. You will still enjoy the book.

Rating: 3 quarters.