Wildcat cheer wins at national camp

The 2009 Wildcat cheerleaders under the direction of new head coach Robin Gohn and new assistant coach Stephanie Striepeck geared up for another exciting season by attending a rigorous four-day National Cheerleaders Association Camp at Western Washington University July 5 to July 8.

Seven other schools also participated at this camp of jumping, tumbling, cheer motions, dancing and stunting. Each day started at 7 a.m. and finished up at 9 p.m. at night.

Thirty-one cheerleaders from Oak Harbor attended the camp, including both the varsity and junior varsity squads.

The junior varsity won Top Team in the Crowdleading division beating out other varsity teams.

The junior varsity also won the Herkimer Team Award plaque for best all-around team and the varsity team was awarded the Spirit Megaphone, an award voted on by the attending teams, plus the Most Improved trophy.

Both squads received superior certificates in stunting and safety, plus earned a bid to NCA Nationals.

Nine individuals were nominated for the celebrated All-American award: Meghan Rikard, Lauren Aguirre, Cassie Gianino, Beckie White, Jillian White, Elizabeth Adkins, Kylene Ayer, Karis Clark and RaeAnna Wynne.

Four of the Wildcats, Tracy Vessels, Josh Higbee, Courtney Tuttle and Briana Solokoski won the title.

Solokoski also was selected as the camp’s Top Cheerleader. Other members of the Wildcat cheer teams include Emily Hoyt, Chylah Bass, Rachel Cook, Desiree Dillaman, Amanda Fronckowiak, Sadie Strain, Jordan Trask, Omani Welch, Jade Brown, Skyla Christian, Amanda Coleman, Lauren Cook, Orenda Doughty, Josh Johnson, Felicia Unzuetta, Ariel Walsh, Ellie Williamson and Adam Goforth.

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