When Oak Harbor High School football player Mark Johnston, the team’s kicker, found out the Wildcats were going to practice at the Seattle Seahawks’ training facility, he sent out a tweet “warning” Steven Hauschka, the Seahawks’ place kicker, his job was in jeopardy.

Johnston declared he was going to take Hauschka’s place once Seahawk head coach Pete Carroll saw him kick.

Soon after the Wildcats arrived at the Seahawks practice facility Tuesday, Nov. 4, Hauschka appeared, demanding to see “the kicker.”

Johnston was put at ease when Hauschka presented him with an autographed football and then helped him work on his kicking technique for the next 20 minutes.

“He was a really nice guy,” Johnston said. “He gave some good pointers and told me some stuff I didn’t know about.”

Johnston called the trip to the Seahawks facilities “awesome,” adding, “we really didn’t deserve it.”

The Seattle Seahawks were impressed with Oak Harbor’s act of sportsmanship in conceding the divisional title game to Marysville-Pilchuck after the tragic shooting at Marysville-Pilchuck High School the day of the game. The Seahawks then extended an invitation to both schools to use their practice facilities.

When Oak Harbor entered the facility Tuesday, they were greeted by the building’s personnel, who formed a tunnel and clapped for the Wildcats.

The Oak Harbor players and coaches mingled with Seahawk coaches and several players, including Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright.

Seattle General Manager John Schneider and Carroll addressed the team.

After congratulating the Wildcats on their act of sportsmanship, Carroll’s message became inspirational, Oak Harbor head coach Jay Turner said, challenging the Wildcats to “get their game faces on” and not let this opportunity “skate past.”

“It was great to see the energy Pete Carroll has,” Johnston said. “You see it on TV on Sunday’s; it was awesome to see in person.”

Wildcat Michael Laningham called the visit and Carroll’s talk “a huge confidence builder.”

The whole experience was “really fun and a good opportunity.”

Turner was impressed on how polite and personable the Seahawks were and enjoyed a one-on-one conversation with Carroll.

Oak Harbor also received a tour of the facilities, saw the Lombardi Trophy and “got a feel for where the Seahawks live during the season,” Turner said.

“They were all nice guys,” Turner said. “I applaud them for taking the time out of their busy schedule to spend time with us.”