The Wildkat roars as every sports team runs out of the big W at Meet the Kats. The cheerleaders are lined up shaking their pom poms, the stands are filled with loud claps and cheers, and everyone is valued and respected.
Meet the Kats was held at Berton A. Yates Stadium on Aug. 25 to bring together the school and community.
To get the event started, the band and cheerleaders worked together to create entertainment for everyone as they walked in and sat down in the stands. The band played their iconic band song and the cheerleaders added to it with their band dance.
“My favorite part of Meet the Kats was dancing and cheering with the band,” sophomore Emma Withers said. “That was definitely the best part because it gets everyone hyped up and excited.”
The reason behind Meet the Kats is to introduce all of the athletes of WHS. It gives the different sports a chance to meet each other and create friendships.
“I got to meet new people who are playing sports,” sophomore Alexi Ford said. “I liked how all of the sports came together and I hope we all get to watch each other play in action.”
Freshmen got to experience the event, but this time not in the stands – they got to be on the field and finally get recognized.
“It was really fun and eventful, I was kind of scared at first but it got a lot better,” freshman Macy Clark said. “My favorite part of it was definitely our cheer performance. Not just the band dance but when it was just us performing.”
For the senior athletes, this was their last time running through the big tunnel. This is one of their firsts of many lasts with their best friends and coaches by their side.
“Meet the Kats was very bittersweet this year,” senior Avery Wood said. “Especially because it was my last time being introduced with varsity volleyball and having my younger sister there with me.”
With hands held and heads bowed, the event ended with a display of faith with a community prayer led by the students.
“I love Meet the Kats because it brings the community together and it gives everyone a chance of meeting all of the athletes,” sophomore Maycie Dewailly said. “And the prayer is always so amazing, meaningful, and thoughtful.”
