Rock Creek students are: SPEED STACKERS
Jon House / Times Newspapers
Sabrina Wu practices her cup stacking at Rock Creek Elementary
Rock Creek Elementary School fourth-graders have caught the cup-stacking fever.
Students in Lori Meeks’ physical education classes have spent the last month honing their skills at stacking a set of regulation cups in predetermined pyramid formations and breaking them down in record times.
Monday morning they got their chance to put their cup-stacking skills to a timed test in front of judges to see if they had the speed, coordination and focus to compete for honors in the World Sport Stacking Association’s Oregon Sport Stacking Championships on Saturday.
The school’s gymnasium was buzzing with activity and excitement as students raced through three individual events – the 3-3-3, 3-6-3 and Cycle stack.
“My goal is to improve their ambidexterity and increase their brain function,” Meeks said about introducing the activity to her pupils as she watched the action unfold. “Being able to use both sides of the body helps students perform in both athletics and academics.
“And, for those kids who aren’t good at traditional sports, this is also an activity that gives them a chance to shine.”
Frank Tan, a volunteer instructor and competitive stacker who has been working with the kids, agreed.
“This is a sport where you don’t have to be big, strong or tall to excel – it levels the playing field,” Tan said.
Here’s what Rock Creek fourth-graders think about this growing competitive sport:
Perks of the sport
- “It helps you in basketball because you have to use both hands.” – Harley Jockers, age 9
- “It’s really fun and it helps me to write faster.” – Ben Fung, age 9
- “It helps me with my eye-hand coordination, and this is getting me ready for basketball, which is helping me a lot.” – Marissa Pogorelc, age 10
- “It’s a good training strategy for all sorts of sports like football and swimming, and I recommend it.” – Sean Hazenberg, age 9
Tips to beat your time
- “Keep the bottom of the cups touching each other so they won’t fall over.” – Harley Jockers
- “Put the cups down at the same time so that you’re faster.” – Ben Fung
- “I just focus on the cups and use my right and left hands.” – Marissa Pogorelc
- “My secret is upper-body strength and hand-eye coordination. I get my brain focused on what I’m doing and block everything else out.” – Sean Hazenberg
Favorite things about stacking
- “The best part is being able to compete against other people.” – Harley Jockers
- “I feel confident because I’m really good at cup stacking.” – Ben Fung
- “I like the color of the cups.” – Marissa Pogorelc
- “It makes me feel really good to know that I’ve been practicing and trying my best. I feel really proud that I keep beating my best times.” – Sean Hazenberg
Join the sport-stacking fun
It’s not too late to compete in the 2009 WSSA Oregon Sport Stacking Championships. Registration for the event is $30 at the door.
When: Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Village Baptist Church gym, 330 S.W. Murray Blvd.
Spectator admission: $2 for adults and $1 for children. Bring a nonperishable food donation and get $1 off your admission.
To learn more about the competition, visit www.oregonsportstacking.blogspot.com.