Four Oak Harbor cheerleaders receive All-American honors at camp

Four members of the Oak Harbor High School cheer squad earned All-American honors at the National Cheerleaders Association camp recently held at Western Washington University in Bellingham.

Omani Welch, Rebecca White, Sadie Strain and Jillian White were named All American for the Wildcats.

The Oak Harbor cheerleaders also were awarded the S.P.O.T. safety award, a national bid, the "Spirit Stick" and on the final day evaluation the 2010 Champion Chant Award, bringing home a trophy.

Something new for NCA this year is a program entitled "America Needs Cheerleaders," a "pay it forward" acknowledgment for cheerleaders who stand out during their time at camp. Two Oak Harbor cheerleaders, Jillian White and Rebecca White, each received a special pin, awarded to them by fellow cheerleaders from different teams.

Despite some grueling temperatures and long hours, the OHHS Wildcat cheerleaders showed true teamwork and spirit, according to head coach Robin Gohn.

For four days, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m., the cheerleaders learned new material, consisting of chants, cheers, stunts, jumps, motivation and game-day ideas to help get the Oak Harbor Wildcat fans ready for the upcoming fall season, Gohn said.

Each team went through an evaluation process each evening on the material learned that day, preparing them for the final day evaluation and camp awards. Cheerleaders were also observed by the NCA staff during the camp, nominating certain campers in a variety of categories (leadership, jumps, stunting, tumbling, motions and dance) for NCA All American. Nine other Oak Harbor athletes were nominated for NCA All-American honors as well as the four winners.

Some other teams attending camp were Port Moody Secondary, Puyallup High School, Burlington-Edison High School and Meridian High School.

Gohn said, "The OHHS Wildcat cheerleaders are getting ready for an exciting fall season and encourage the people of Oak Harbor to come and support the athletes who wear the purple and gold."

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