The red, white and blue building that is Frank’s Place was a sea of purple and gold Monday afternoon.

Frank Pulu, owner of the patriot-themed restaurant, wanted to congratulate the Oak Harbor Wildcats for their 21-14 state championship victory against Bothell.

He did that by serving a free hamburger and hot dog lunch Monday afternoon. Dozens of Wildcat football players crammed into the business and signed a jersey that will be on display among the military memorabilia on the restaurant’s walls.

As the football players scarfed down their food, assistant coaches Jay Turner and Mike Fisher enjoyed the sumo burger, a pound-and-a-half hamburger that they had to eat in under half an hour. Once they finished, a certificate in their name was placed on the wall.

Eating at Frank’s Place has been somewhat of a tradition for team members. They eat breakfast or dinner before every game.

“They just connected during the season,” coach Dave Ward said. “They really liked Frank.”

While at Frank’s, each team member signed a Wildcat jersey that Frank will hang on the wall of his restaurant for posterity.

Monday’s meal shows the pride residents have in the Wildcats, who brought home Oak Harbor’s first-ever football championship.

Students will show their appreciation Friday with an assembly that afternoon.

A joyous student body will see the trophy, hopefully see the banner that will line the gym’s wall unveiled and speeches from players and coaches.

“We haven’t got it all in place yet,” said Principal Dwight Lundstrom on Tuesday, adding the assembly won’t be so much a pep rally but a chance to recognize the athletes and their championship.

While the football team’s state championship will highlight the assembly, several other students will be recognized for the nationwide and statewide recognition in the past year. The culinary arts team earned first place in a state championship last spring, and two automotive students won a national competition last summer.

The assembly will highlight the accomplishments of the students and provide encouragement to keep up the good work.

“I want to close it with ‘keep up with the good things you’re doing,’” Lundstrom said.

Seen as a victory for the community, residents will have a chance to thank the Wildcats Saturday during the annual holiday parade that starts near Midway Boulevard and winds its way through downtown beginning at 11 a.m.