Just to add my two cents to this as one of their biggest fans ;)
Cheer Extreme Senior Elite is honestly one of the most inspiring teams. Everything they face, they can overcome because together, they are a more than a team. These girls are truly a family, and I can only imagine how tough it is on them. NOT that they got 3rd at Worlds, but that their journey together this year has come to an end. Compared to what I am feeling for them, I can't even imagine what they are feeling themselves! These girls had an incredible season, and not an easy one at all. Before Worlds, they were undefeated in a very tough division! People can argue all they want and say, "well half the time they weren't going against anyone" or "well their competition had a stunt fall so thats why they won...", but facts are facts. After numerous injuries, they would STILL come out at competitions and hit near perfect routines. Who can do that?! Not many teams, that's for sure. Watching this team accomplish so many things, and face so many obstacles has been quite a ride, and I'm only watching this ride... I'm not even part of it. Although those 13 seniors did not end the season the way they wanted it to end, they should still be happy. Senior Elite this year was one of the most inspiring teams to watch this year. I honestly cannot watch their routine without tearing up. As weird as that sounds, it's true. They finally uploaded the finals video on VOD, so between writing a few sentences, I play it over and over. Instead of watching the routine, I watch Courtney and the other coaches reactions. I honestly just start crying. I don't even know how to explain the emotions I feel.
In the end - I'm honestly so proud to be a CEA fan. I'm extremely happy for them no matter what color medal they went home with. World Cup deserved 2nd, and F5 deserved the gold. It is that simple. Senior Elite will be back next year, and I'll be right along with them, supporting them (through my computer screen) on their next journey.