At Monday’s first practice session, coach Pam Headridge politely informed approximately 40 candidates, both veterans and newcomers, that if they want to be a successful Oak Harbor High School cheerleader it will require dedication and commitment.

Headridge and her staff are conducting a week-long orientation session for the squad stressing the fundamentals the newcomers will need to learn and what it takes academically and personally to be member of the highly successful Wildcats’ team.

“If you don’t want to commit, let me know,” Headridge said. “We do a lot of fun things, but commitment is most important.”

The Wildcats repeated as state champions in the large Co-Ed Varsity division at the 2007 Washington Dairy Farmer’s championships March 22 in Yakima, and followed that performance up with a third-place finish in the Advanced Small Co-Ed Varsity Division at the nationals in Anaheim, Calif.

Headridge threw down the gauntlet Monday, issuing a challenge to the team.

“We have 10 seniors that are leaving and one of the challenges for the new kids is to come up to the level of those seniors who are graduating,” she said.

Unlike some other teams, being a Wildcat cheerleader involves a lot more than just standing on the sidelines at a football or basketball game looking pretty and clapping.

“You have to have a willingness to stunt, tumble, jump, dance and cheer,” Headridge said. “I realize that there are some things you just can’t do, but you have to have a willingness and just keep trying.”

The Wildcats have two cheer teams, Purple and Gold.

The Purple team cheers at all varsity football games and home varsity volleyball games, and the Gold squad cheers at all home football games, home soccer games and at all junior varsity football games.

Headridge said coaches select the squads based on attitude, commitment, skills, willingness to work hard and perseverance.

Several eighth-graders were at the meeting and all of them were excited about their prospects when they attend high school as freshmen in the fall.

Katlyn Stone said although she has never done it before, she has wanted to be a high school cheerleader since the sixth grade.

“It looks like it would be a lot of fun. My best friend’s sister is a cheerleader,” she said.

Also an incoming freshman, Dori Nydam has cousins who attend Oak Harbor High School.

“I think it will be exciting to be a cheerleader. I’ve never done it before, but I have done gymnastics,” she said.

Shelby Kirk, Nydam’s friend and fellow gymnast, said she thought cheerleading will be a fun experience. “I can’t wait to cheer in the new stadium,” she said.

Headridge said this year will be an exciting one for everyone.

“You are going to be the first cheerleaders performing in the new stadium,” she said.

The awards just keep on coming for the Oak Harbor cheerleaders.

At the Washington State Cheerleading Coaches Association’s annual conference April 27 to 29 at Green River Community College, the team was honored at the Saturday evening awards banquet for their outstanding service and excellence in the cheerleading arena.

Praised for their outstanding service and camaraderie, the Wildcat cheerleaders received the WSCCA Sportsmanship Award.

Members of the team donated time to other squads supporting them at local and national competitions as well as teaching them dances and stunting throughout the season.

Seniors Tyler Theriault and Andrew Shumate, junior Ashley Parish and freshman Megan Rikard were present to accept the award.

Also, Headridge was inducted into the Washington State Cheerleading Coaches Hall of Fame.

She was honored for her 17 years of coaching as well as her many years promoting the safety side of cheerleading.

Headridge founded the WSCCA in accordance with the Washington State Coaches Association and spearheaded the WIAA Stunt Certification Program, writing the manual and now travels the state certifying cheer coaches.

Theriault received an $800 scholarship from the organization for his excellence in academics.

Congratulations to the cheerleading team, their coach and Tyler for representing Oak Harbor High School with their commitment and achievement.