Swampscott Resident Ready To Cheer for Patriots

The NFL lockout lasted 18 weeks and four days, but Michelle Nigro was optimistic that it would come to an end.

It's a good thing, too, because Nigro has been practicing to make her debut this season as a Patriots cheerleader.

A resident of Swampscott, she was one of the 31 women chosen from 300 hopefuls for this season's cheerleading squad.

This is Nigro's second year on the team. 

"I'm not a rookie anymore," Nigro said. "I'm a veteran on the team."

Not only does the squad have to cheer at home games, but they're also responsible for promotional appearances throughout the season, including a week-long shoot for a calendar.

"I enjoy all of it," Nigro said, "I love dancing and I'm excited to do it again."

Nigro has been dancing since she was three and was part of her high school dance team.

"I've always liked to move to the music," she said.

Patriots cheerleaders practice twice a week, during the summer and football season. 

Nigro, a senior at Emerson College in Boston, has been very productive this summer.

She works a part-time job, babysits, interns at WCVB Channel 5 and cheerleads. 

At Emerson, Nigro is studying journalism. She hopes to one day work as a reporter or producer for a news channel. 

"I'm not a professional dancer so optimally my career path is to go into journalism," Nigro said. "Cheerleading is a hobby I take seriously."

For Nigro, the most exciting part is being able to cheer for one of her favorite teams.

"Nothing is better than being on the field when patriots win at home and 70,000 fans go crazy and celebrate," Nigro said. "It's a good feeling." 

The Patriots will play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a preseason game on Aug. 11.