Heading into the USA Nationals, the Oak Harbor cheerleaders had one goal: best their previous high national finish of fourth.

The team did that and a whole lot more Sunday afternoon at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.

For the first time in 10 consecutive trips to the event, the Wildcats claimed a national title in intermediate Co-Ed, beating out Oxnard, Calif., for the top spot.

“When Oak Harbor finished their routine, the Oxnard coach turned to me and said great performance, then extended his hand and said congratulations and nodded as if to say you won,” OHHS head coach Pam Headridge said. “At that moment I could not have been prouder of my team.”

The assumed championship was verified moments later and pandemonium ensued.

“They were so excited that they were throwing water on each other in celebration,” Headridge said. “They knew they executed a championship performance.”

The USA Nationals had 234 teams from Washington, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, California and British Columbia. Oak Harbor out-flipped and out-stunted nine teams in its division Saturday to move on to Sunday’s finals.

Asked what put Oak Harbor over the top this year, Headridge credited “elite partner stunting, precision tumbling and high energy throughout the routine.”

Upon their return to Oak Harbor Monday night, the cheerleaders were welcomed with a police escort from city limits to the high school. Congratulatory signs were placed throughout the town and people with banners and presents awaited at the high school.

This year’s history-making team is undefeated in regional competitions and wraps up its season Saturday, March 25 at the Washington State Championships at the University of Washington.

Members of the competitive Co-Ed team are Hannah Berry, Samantha Culver, Natalie Lumbo, Tiffany Bourlet, Daniel Vandiver, CJ Wong, Denon Lammatao, BreAnna Stanek, Andrew Shumate, Tyler Theriault, Jordan Carlson, Marissa Price, Briana Gaskill, Toni Leyden, Lausanne Pacheco, Jen Ratliff, Ashley Parish, Ashley Aldana, Lauren Aldana, Alora Price, Amanda Wadinski, Mark Evans, Niki Sanders, Kiri Sanders, Janelle Ruefa, Tyson Boon, Ashlie Robinson and Kerrie Brady.