Getting back to the state tournament is the primary goal of this winter’s Oak Harbor cheer team.

After years of being one of Washington’s top teams, Oak Harbor failed to qualify for the state finals the past two years.

“I feel like we can certainly qualify for state this year,” second-year coach Kimberly Cherry said. “We only missed it by a few points (last year), and I think the talent we have can bring us there. I love the progress we are making. We are starting out the season already further ahead of last year.”

Cherry’s optimism is buoyed by a wealth of returning athletes. Last year, the Wildcats featured only two veteran team members; this winter Cherry welcomes 10 letter winners from the fall: seniors Beca Tieger and Krista Alamo; juniors Hailey Bell, Tayler Canet, Jacklyn Curtis, Madison Gaber, Faith Lamb and Katie Schisler; sophomore Shyanne King; and freshman Avery Roberts.

Key newcomers, according to Cherry, are Zoe White and Magi Fink.

“We have a very talented varsity team this season,” Cherry said. “Everyone works well together.”

The team’s biggest weakness, Cherry said, is inexperience at the JV level, where many on the large squad are new to the sport.

Oak Harbor’s first competition is this weekend at Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma.