Wildcats place 2nd at state | Cheer

The Oak Harbor cheer squad proudly displays its second-place trophy from the state finals. Bottom left: Chylah Bass, Jember Jansen, Rebecca White (holding trophy), Angelique Williams, Jillian White and Raeanna Wynne. Middle left: Mariah Dozhier, Jade Brown, Aubrey Lock and Colby Lock. Top left: Micaiah Davis, Elizabeth Adkins and Tyler O
Photo by Robin Gohn
The Oak Harbor cheer squad proudly displays its second-place trophy from the state finals. Bottom left: Chylah Bass, Jember Jansen, Rebecca White (holding trophy), Angelique Williams, Jillian White and Raeanna Wynne. Middle left: Mariah Dozhier, Jade Brown, Aubrey Lock and Colby Lock. Top left: Micaiah Davis, Elizabeth Adkins and Tyler O'Dell.

By JIM WALLER
Whidbey News Times Sports editor
February 7, 2012 · Updated 8:05 AM 

Although the Oak Harbor High School cheer team performed a "beautiful routine," it was edged for the state title in its division by Sammamish's Eastlake High School at Everett's Comcast Arena Saturday, Feb. 4.

Wildcat coach Robin Gohn said, "We had a beautiful routine, almost flawless…It was one of the best, most precise performances that Oak Harbor has put on the mat in a long time: full of energy, technique, teamwork and heart."

The performance earned 239 points in the small division, which consists of 12 members and no more than one male.

Although Eastlake made several mistakes, it was awarded 246 points for a more difficult routine.

Gohn was pleased with her team's effort: "After some of the rough practices, our hopes were to get through the routine cleanly, without mistakes, and that's exactly what we did."

She added, "The coaches are so extremely proud how the Wildcats performed all season. They grew with each competition and tweaked their technique at every practice to prepare them for the routine they performed on Saturday."

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

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