School spirit shines bright at Brock University.
The strength of Brock's cheerleading team will be on display when they represent Canada at the FISU World University Cheerleading Championship in Lodz, Poland from Oct. 5-6.
In May, the Badgers were notified they were selected by Cheer Canada to represent U SPORTS in the All-Girl Premier Division. They've been hard at work training three times a week collectively as a team, including individual stunt group practices.
"Team strengths are their versatility, adaptability and team bond," said head coach Tara Savoie. "Many of the athletes excel in other activities such as singing, figure skating, gymnastics and dance."
This squad has competed at the ICU Championships for the past five seasons and at the Universal Cheerleaders Association College Nationals Game Day Championship where they placed eighth among the 10 North American schools, and second among international institutions.
The sport of cheerleading continues to evolve and land victories.
"The past couple of years have been very exciting in the cheer world, it received provisional sport status by the IOC as well as recognition by Global Association of International Sports Federations," said Savoie. "I have always wanted to provide amazing opportunities for the Brock athletes."
Being selected to represent Canada is an important milestone for the Brock Badgers cheer program.
"I would like the athletes to look back at this experience with pride knowing that they are the first athletes to represent Canada at a FISU World cheerleading Championship," said Savoie. "Also for them to cherish the team bond, and friendships that they have made over the years at Brock as a student athlete. It truly is a special group of athletes who are motivated and determined to strive for excellence."
The Badgers' cheer team consist of a veteran 21-member team with 16 returning athletes. The core of the squad consists of athletes who helped Brock win a bronze medal at the International Cheer Union World Championship.
The team consists of Abigail Morris, Alexandra Moffatt, Aliesha Goulbourne, Emillea Ratskos, Holly Herbert, Jaymie Wilkinson, Jena Berndt, Lauryn Hackel, Leah Weidner, Lianne Major, Mackenzie Craig, Melissa Yeo, Natalie Bruno, Natasha Fortuna, Paige Shewfelt, Peri Goodman, Rachel Yukiko Takashima, Sabrina Trolio, Tatiana Gonzalez, Tiffany Byron and Tricia Doma.
Coaches include Savoie, Madison Bell, Lorna Cerar-Holland and Henry Holland.
