By Marc Thaler
Sports Editor

On any other day, hanging out at the mall and blatantly rating pretty young women wouldn’t go over well with a few people, first and foremost my wife.

In line behind her, surely at least one husband, fiance or boyfriend would salivate at the chance to snap me like the pencil I used to vote.

But on this occasion, I had the ultimate Get Out Of Jail Free card – perhaps literally.

Temporary immunity from my beautiful bride – and, no doubt, several of these ladies’ significant others – was granted by the Manchester Wolves.

The defending Eastern Division champions of arenafootball2 asked me to serve as a celebrity judge on Saturday, Feb. 4. For a few fleeting hours at the Mall of New Hampshire, yours truly was a member of a Supreme Sports Court, asked to help select the 2006 Wolves dance team at the squad’s third annual tryout.

More articles • This is it • Nitwit nation • Closing argument • Patriots 102 • Show me the funny! • Tito has veto power • Impact was (mid) major • Patriots 101 • First-ever 'Noddies' • Pigs are flying • Coming to my senses • Farewell to this King • Preseason pressure • New blood • Beautiful day • Game may spark a Super discussion • Boy, his actions make me wonder • First night • Spill on a slippery slope • Groundhog Day on Yawkey Way • Saving the best for last • This Boss born to coach USA • Pa, it appears, still knows best • Giving thanks, gridiron style • Still not convinced they're Super • A costly lesson in time management • Unchallenged and unimpressive • Final thoughts on the '05 season • Story could have horrific ending • Man behind the Mike • Less than Wild about this finish • That's all, Foulke • Several holes in these Sox • Making a generous Pey-ment

It was an honor to play a small part in the selection process, considering the club prides itself on hiring hardworking, family-oriented folks, Wolves owner and Windham resident Tony Massahos said.

“Our club is geared toward families,” Massahos told me. “These girls are good girls from good families. That’s a really nice thing. It gives our organization that much more credibility since core family values are what we stand for.”

Thirty-two finalists, including local ladies from Auburn, Bedford, Concord, Goffstown, Pembroke and Weare, attempted to secure one of 23 coveted roster spots and a one-year deal to dance for the Wolves.

Don’t kid yourself, either. Every year, these spots are coveted. There’s no telling where working for the Wolves might lead.

Several team members, including choreographer Heidi Sullivan-Laroche, current coordinator Ronda Daly and former coordinator Patty Vilela, plus line captains Michelle Gagnon and Debbie Molloy, enjoyed successful stints with the New England Patriots dance team.

Just last year, local talent Quinn Kingston went from the Wolves to the New York Knicks dance squad.

The finalists auditioned at the mall’s Center Court in front of the panel of judges, while more than 200 spectators watched intently.

I was a fool thinking my job was tough. Without question, the task taking place behind the judges’ table was worlds easier than the challenge presented to the people in front of it.

Allowing yourself to be critiqued for trying your best to become part of this wolf pack? Now that’s pressure.

“It’s a difficult process. We were looking for girls with that overall look – physical fitness as well as talent,” said Sullivan-Laroche, a seven-year veteran of the Pats dance squad. “These girls practiced for a week, since last Saturday, to learn the routines. For some girls, this was their first time auditioning for a professional team.”

Each performer received scores in six categories. On a scale from one to 10, the participant was graded on how high she could kick; ability to do a split; knowledge of two intricate 30-second dance routines; appearance; and an overall assessment.

When all the scores were counted and deliberations done, the 2006 Wolves dance team was declared. The group included Auburn’s Jessica-Lynn Eisman; Bedford’s Kristyn Beique and Brianna Kounelas; Goffstown’s Brooke Bowlin, Shawna Crossman, Jessica Lencki and Kim Vallee; Pembroke’s Justine Barker; and Weare’s Amber Gamache.

“Those young ladies selected really represent (what) we’re looking for in our organization,” Massahos said. “Their hard work makes them examples to youths across the state. Now, they’ll have plenty of chances to give back to the community.”

Speaking of giving back, I was actually relieved to return my Get Out Of Jail Free card. After all, these eyes are suited for a special someone.

If you ask this judge, she’s the loveliest lady of them all.