Friend Encounters: Coop, Jess Price and DiA'ndra Frye

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Today's feature goes back to the glory days of the Chicago Bliss. Playing in the Legends Football League, the Bliss had won consecutive league championships. Players Jess Price and DiA'ndra Frye were rookies in 2014.

Similarly, the Schaumburg Boomers had won championships in 2013 and '14. Founded in 2011, the Boomers gained a lot of success and fans early on. Brining in Jess and DiA'dra to toss a first pitch had to help. Had I known, I would have been there. I love my Bliss athletes!

The mascot of the Schaumburg Boomers is Coop, a prairie chicken. Legend states Coop was born in the shadows of Mt. Rushmore. Coop's ancestors are a variety of birds that used to live on prairies throughout the midwest. Greater Prairie Chickens are known for their dances. Coop took his dancing all over, eventually landing in Schaumburg, because he was attracted to the baseball hats featuring Greater Prairie Chickens.

While they weren't chickens, Coop seemed very happy to be surrounded by Jess and DiA'dra. I'm not sure how the pitch went, but I would bet the players did great. I know they wouldn't be afraid. If you've seen them on the football field, you know they were never chicken.

The Boomers open their season May 13. Go to BoomersBaseball.com for more info. Check back here for more recurring mascot fun.

Jess Price, Coop and DiA'ndra Frye in Schaumburg, IL-Summer 2014.

On the Beat with the Chicago Bliss-06/23/2014

At Monday's Chicago Bliss practice, we landed interviews with three rookies.  Bridget McDonnell and DiA'ndra Frye have appeared here before, but we also got Dana Lorraine, one of the newest members of the Bliss organization.

All three rookies gave us their thoughts on the upcoming game in Las Vegas.  Bridget even gave a little happy dance because she will be in uniform for the game.  Congrats to her.  It is well-deserved.

All three athletes gave predictions on the game.  Obviously they are calling for a Bliss win, but they also mentioned victory margins.  Okay, I might have pushed that a bit, but they all eventually put numbers to the predicted win.  For the record, I am calling for a 14 point win.  I'm thinking 28-14.

This isn't about me though.  It is about the tough and beautiful women of the Bliss.  After you watch these three interviews, check out the ladies on their various social media sources.  Also check out the whole team at LFLUS.com and LFL360.com.

On the Beat with DiA'ndra Frye of the Chicago Bliss

DiA'ndra Frye is the newest (and probably fastest) member of the Chicago Bliss.  Frye is listed as a defensive back-wide receiver, but so far she has only seen real action on defense.

They say you can't coach speed.  The speedy Frye does not need to be coached on speed.  She has plenty of it and is definitely ready to show it on both sides of the ball.  As much fun as it is to watch her on defense, I am really looking forward to her on offense.  On one hand she can drive opposing quarterbacks crazy with her blazing speed.  On the other, I am envisioning her shooting down the sidelines going after Heather Furr bombs!  Frye is just another weapon in the Bliss arsenal for other coaches to fear!

We caught up with Frye at a recent practice.  She talked to us about her athletic background, her positions and more.  After you watch the interview, check out the Chicago Bliss on Facebook and get tickets to their next game on June 13!