The Oak Harbor High School cheer team has developed into one of the state’s elite programs, and with a large and talented senior class, this year’s version should hold that status.

Returning are 12 senior letter winners: Elizabeth Adkins, Racheal Balasa, Jade Brown, Alisha Coe, Micaiah Davis, Orenda Doughty, Jenny Landingin, Molly Murdock, Tyler O’Dell, Brianna Quinn, Ellie Williamson and Cristey Wolniakowski.

Coach Robin Gohn said, “These seniors have worked together for a number of years and are ready to prove their Wildcat spirit at every event, on and off the field. Their knowledge will play a vital role in guiding the underclassmen of the ways of the Wildcat.”

The seniors will be joined by junior letter winners Gina Jaeger and Kaitlyn Marcus and sophomores Juliet Aspery, Jadie Groebli, Angel Williams and Hailey Williamson.

Among the newcomers is senior Cierra Mioduski.

Oak Harbor had a strong summer, dominating the awards stand at the University of Washington National Cheerleader Association camp. Adkins, Aspery, Brown, Davis, Landingin, Marcus, O’Dell, Quinn and Williams were all nominated for all-American status.

Gohn said, “Expectations this year are high” and the keys to success are “experience and dedication.”

The junior varsity squad has one returnee and eight new members, and the seniors, Gohn said, are mentoring them “to build a strong Wildcat cheer squad for the future.”

Gohn said her team worked hard this summer fundraising and gathering donations to purchase something new that will be unveiled at the first varsity football game.

The team continues to fundraise, selling Wildcat garden flags it hopes they will adorn the city and help promote and support Oak Harbor student-athletes, Gohn said.

Gohn added, “We anticipate great involvement and support from the student body, faculty and city of Oak Harbor and are hoping to see a lot of purple and gold on game days.”