WHEELING – Is it a sport or not? That is a question central to cheerleading.

Regardless of the answer, the OVAC presents a cheering competition second to none. The 25th annual event plays out Saturday at WesBanco Arena.

The tourney is under the expert and meticulous direction of Libby Shepherd. She has done so for some 20 years.

Shepherd and cheerleading go hand-in-hand. She has been a longtime and passionate crusader in promoting cheering throughout the conference.

Shepherd was a cheerleader during her prep days at Wheeling High. She also has served as cheering coach at Wheeling Park High and Bridge Street Middle School.

“I really enjoy doing it (running the tournament). I have been involved in cheering for most of my life. I can’t imagine not doing it,” Shepherd said. “The toughest part of the event is the program. Getting all the photos and rosters in is the hardest part.

“Everything really runs smoothly the day of the championships. (OVAC Executive Secretary) Tom Rataiczak is a huge help. He works with me every step of the way,” she added. “I also have some dedicated staffers who really help make everything fall into place.”

Rataiczak knows better than anyone the quality work Shepherd brings to the cheering mat.

“For the past 19 years, Libby Shepherd has run the OVAC Cheering Championship with the utmost efficiency and organization. From start to finish, the event runs smoothly and on time,” Rataiczak said. “Libby works year-round doing cheering competitions throughout the Ohio Valley and the state of West Virginia. From PAC-8 to West Virginia Regionals to tryouts, she is always ready to assist with her knowledge and opinion.

“In addition to running the competition, Libby also produces the program which helps fund cheering scholarships. To date, this has awarded over $27,000 in scholarships. Not only that, but the junior high cheering competition has donated all their profits to help subsidize the Banquet of Champions, which affects every sport and school in the conference,” he added. “More than $50,000 has been turned over since the competition began. Libby is quick to offer ideas and assistance to other sports and directors whenever asked and is always one of the first to volunteer to help.”

Unlike a game, cheerleading judging is subjective. It can result in some unhappy campers.

“We always have some people upset. We have five judges selected at a committee meeting. The WVSSAC has a list of certified judges which we utilize. They are very qualified,” Shepherd said. “You have winners and losers in sports. People must accept that. My satisfaction comes when everything runs smoothly.”

Pulling off an event of such magnitude seamlessly is no easy task.

“You have to witness and watch closely a cheering competition at WesBanco to fully appreciate her efforts. More than 4,000 fans, 25-plus coaches, 300-plus cheerleaders, judges, meals, television, programs and souvenir sales, Libby constantly moves from spot to spot to make certain everything goes off as planned. I’m not certain she’s ever been able to watch an entire competition since she started,” Rataiczak said. “Unlike other championships, it’s one that everyone complains about but no one wants to run. Social networking has added huge concerns that were never thought of before its inception. So there’s a lot of parents, girls, schools and fans who have opinions as to the place finishers.

“Unlike a basketball game where you can walk out and point to the winner, few leave WesBanco Arena agreeing on the outcome. That is a huge burden that most directors don’t have to be concerned with,” he added. “I believe that people won’t really understand the job Libby’s done until she retires. She’s definitely one of the best directors I have ever worked with when it comes to running an event such as this. She takes immense pride in running a first-class championship.”