It was a third place finish for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Cheer squad at the annual Sea to Sky International Cheerleading competition in Vancouver. The WolfPack, competing for their second straight year at this event were third in the Open Level 4 Division. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="333"] Taryn Polson co head coach-WolfPack cheer squad (Andrew Snucins)[/caption] “We are incredibily happy with what we brought to the competition this year,” said co head coach Taryn Polson. “ We are very proud of all our athletes for coming as far as they did this year.  It takes a huge amount of commitment, trust and drive to get where they did in such a short amount of time.’ [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="373"] Tatianna Landry with her medal (photo by Shannon Blakely)[/caption] The WolfPack started off the three day competition with one of their athletes—Tatianna Landry competing in the Senior Individual event.  She captured the gold medal.  [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="281"] Shannon Blakely co-head coach of TRU Cheer squad (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] “She had a good showing of support from her teammates, team parents, friends and members of the Kamloops Gymnastic and Tumbling Club Outlaws,” added TRU co head coach Shannon Blakely.  “ Only 6.5 point separated first from last place.  “ She put a lot of hard work into her routine over the last month and it showed in her performance that night. It brought a  lot of recognition to Thompson Rivers University and the WolfPack name in the cheerleading community, especially as she was a first time competitor.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] WolfPack Cheer Squad in action at Sea to Sky (GTFX Photography)[/caption] When it came to the team competition on Saturday (April 6),  Polson said that the team had to overcome some nerves.  “ Many of our athletes had never competed on a raised stage or with theatre style spotlights before. There were approximately 850 to 1200 people in the audience at any given time.” She added that after some tumbling troubles in the warm up, the team went onto the mat and pulled out the best performance that the coaches had seen all year.  “ The adrenaline must have been pumping because they looked amazing. We received compliments and congratulations from other athletes and coaches who had either seen us earlier this year in Edmonton or at last year’s Sea to Sky.  They said how much they were impressed with our improvement as a team.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="333"] Lindsay Durrant (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] The WolfPack’s second performance on Sunday was witnessed by a number of alumni.  “ Our supporters included four former head coaches,” stated Blakely.  “ Mari Steinmann, Lindsay Durrant, Aly Nuyens and Michelle Hopkins were all there to see how the team had progressed since they passed on the reigns of the team to the next coaching staff.  It really meant a lot to us that they came out to support us. We know it’s hard moving on from the team and we always love it when we are able to bring them back to the WolfPack, if only for a short time.” Blakely stated: “ In many other gyms, athletes spend years working their way up from levels 1 through five.  Our athletes train with the goal of hitting level 4 stunts within eight months with the help and guidance of the coaches and returning/experienced team members.” The WolfPack plan to host a showecase evening before the end of the month to show the public their competition routines.