The Unsung Heroes of WHS Sports

The History of
​Bernie the Blue Jay

by Faith, Tess, Jon, and Megan
Just like macaroni needs cheese and peanut butter needs jelly, Washington High School needs Bernie the Blue Jay. Many people know about Washington’s mascot, but what they may not realize is how Bernie came to be. Bernie’s story goes way back. 

Washington High School alumni, Kenneth Mook, created Bernie in 2014 during his senior year. His younger sister, Alex Mook, who is also a former Bernie mascot, remembers it well.

"My brother was the one who blew Bernie out of the water and gave him his name. All of the credit for the huge Bernie popularity spike goes to Kenneth,” Mook said. “Being Bernie was the first time he ever was a mascot and he fell in love with it.” 

​​After Kenneth graduated from WHS, Alex tried being the mascot that her brother created. It wasn’t long until she realized that she had a passion for putting on the costume.

“My favorite part is taking the pictures with people. People run up to you with excitement and hug you. In the end, you’re making someone’s day. I loved hearing them say, ‘Oh my God, I just got a picture with Bernie!’”

Most current students do not remember Bernie's rise to fame. Actually, there has been trouble finding someone to wear the costume. Some students assume it is too much work. Despite those opinions, Alex believes that the feeling of being Bernie trumps any negative aspects
"I’ve heard people say, ‘you must deal with so many annoying people,’ when it’s actually a lot of fun," Alex said.

The fun doesn't have to stop after high school. Ever since Kenneth gave life to Bernie, he has been determined to continue being a mascot. In fact, it's become his career. 

“He was actually working with the NFL helping with Rampage the Ram and now he has been hired by the St. Louis Cardinals. He is going to be helping out as Fredbird,” Alex said.

So, the next time you’re at a game, be sure to get a picture with Bernie. If you feel inspired, consider becoming Bernie. WHS Cheerleading Coach Katelyn Huber is looking for more people to wear the costume. See her if you are interested in this opportunity. 

Meet the Managers

Photos and Interviews ​by Austin, Jade, Emma, and Dylan
​Emma Jones
"Managing wrestling has been a great experience for me. I've had the pleasure of getting to know many new people and become closer friends with others. I am mainly in charge of filming matches, but other times I just enjoy cheering for the boys during their matches."
Nathan Crump
"I didn't make the team this year, but when the basketball coaches told me that I had a chance to be with the players and help the team, I knew it was the perfect opportunity. I love to watch the game of basketball, and be apart of the team."

Be a Part of the Action
Manage a Sports Team

PSA by Autumn, Jared, Morgan, and Molly E
Clementine Hamai
"My brothers all wrestled. I thought it would be fun because I managed track last year. At the meets we record the matches and take stats. It's always good to be a put into different environments and be able to adapt.  We are all like a family, so it's kind of fun." 
Brock Laughlin
"I liked Coach King as a coach and I thought it would be fun to manage for the Lady Jays Softball team. I got to go to Springfield with them (for State Championship). I take care of the stats during the game."
Jessica Frick
"I got to meet and socialize with a lot of new people I probably wouldn't have met otherwise. I have been managing Boys Baseball and Girls Varsity Basketball since Sophomore year."
Tess Marquart
"Even though I don't play, I still feel like I'm on the team. Jess and I just get to have fun cheering for our Girls Varsity team. It's super fun to watch these girls because not only are they amazing at what they do, but a lot of them are actually my close friends."

Cheer and Dance Teams Want
R E S P E C T 

by Haley, Ellie, Jaden, and Molly L
Cheers, stunts, and dance moves bring school spirit to football and basketball games. The WHS Cheerleaders and Jaywalkers Dance Team bring school spirit to athletic activities, but most people do not see the hours, months, and years of preparation each cheerleader and dancer puts into her sport.

“With dance I’ve put in way more of my time; not to my own benefit or pleasure, but for the benefit and in support of the other athletes at our school,”  Jaywalker Meghan Maudlin said.

Both teams hold grueling week-long tryouts in March. Their year-round season and regular practices begin shortly after. The teams practice an average of eight hours a week, every week, until February, which adds up to approximately 352 hours in one season. This does not include games they perform at, competitions, extra practices, children's clinics, camps, and working tournaments. Yet, several of the women feel their efforts go unnoticed. 

“I feel like at the games we put so much time and effort into some of our stunts and nobody pays attention,” cheerleader Moira Carney said.

Both teams support WHS athletes in more than one way. Cheerleaders are individually responsible for getting a small gift for a senior football player at every home football game. The Jaywalkers make the banner for the football team to run through at every home game. They also make a banner for every state qualifying team's pep assembly. Additionally, the cheerleaders and dancers dress out to support teams at pep assemblies. Behind the scenes, cheerleaders and dancers put in a lot of effort to keep the spirit strong at WHS, but they feel undervalued.

"We dedicate our time to make sure the other sports teams are well represented and always supported, whether it’s in the fall, winter, or spring. We make posters. We do sidelines at games. We cheer them on while they play their sport, only to be unappreciated for ours," Mauldin said. 
Some dancers and cheerleaders are frustrated with the lack of support they are given by the student body, even on social media.

“It’s hard sometimes when it comes time for us to go to a competition or nationals, we don’t even get a tweet from 6th Man or Blue Jay Athletics," Jaywalker Sarah Hoemann said, 

Jaywalker Campbell Hamai adds, “The dance team dedicates a large part of their lives to improve themselves as dancers and as supportive classmates. Despite this, the Jaywalkers are continuously forgotten and neglected, even when producing favorable results including various first place trophies.  When was the last time that the dance team’s hard work and accomplishments have been freely and willingly acknowledged by the student body?”

The next time you are at a game or pep assembly, take a look at the performances that both WHS Cheerleading and Jaywalkers put on in support of Blue Jay Athletics. Think about all of the work they put in behind the scenes. ​​They would appreciate your support. ​