Charleston Wv Civic Center

National athletes take flight in events

Toes pointed, head tucked, fingers straight and hold the three-second landing.

That, plus months of training, balance and experience creates a recipe for success at the U.S. Tumbling & Trampoline Association Nationals, taking place through Saturday at the Charleston Civic Center.

More than 1,300 male and female athletes, ranging from 2 years old to college level, are competing in three events: the trampoline, double mini and power tumbling.

There are 802 females competing in the Double Mini, 782 on the trampoline, and 2,712 in power tumbling. In the male category, 150 will compete on the double mini, 158 on the trampoline and 460 in tumbling.

Athletes can compete in one, two or all three events.

"It has really progressed our athletes much faster because they have an outlet to keep which keeps them interested in the sport," said Debbie Moser, USTA president. "They enjoy the thrill of the competition. Not only are you competing, but you learn life lessons."

On the trampolines, athletes must perform 10 tricks in a row. Five people judge them - four on aesthetics and one on difficulty.

Competitors make a running start for the double mini. They have two attempts to try for the best score. Four people judge their aesthetics, one judges difficulty and one stands on the floor to look for major deductions, such as both hands hitting the ground.

For power tumbling, athletes have three chances to take the best score.

Athletes are broken into "flights," which are groupings that categorize them by age and skill level. Coaches determine participants' skill levels. Judges rank competitors within their flights.

All athletes receive participation awards. Athletes who rank in the first through 10th place individually receive awards. Those scores are calculated into team scores. The top 10 teams will also win awards.

"It encompasses all age levels, all ability levels," said Debbie Barber, secretary of USTA.

Events include beginners, advanced and elite levels. Tumbling also has a sub-beginner level.

For each event, athletes can perform their tricks, including flips and twists, in a straight position, tuck position or pike position, with their legs in front of them.

The competition is open to the public. A five-day pass is $25 and $11 for one day.

Moser said USTA is open to anyone interested in power tumbling, trampoline or the double mini. Many interested in gymnastics, cheerleading and dance schools join the organization.

Civic Center hosts national gymnastics ... - The Charleston Gazette

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- "The last time I counted, I had about 70 medals and 80 trophies -- that's not counting ribbons and plaques," said Madison Burklow, 18, who has been named the Illinois State Champion for Tumbling and Trampoline more than 10 times.

She's a member of the U.S. Trampoline and Tumbling Association , which is meeting at the Charleston Civic Center this week for its national competition.

More than 110 teams from across the nation will compete for the national titles, with a total of 1,300 gymnasts ages 3 to 30 participating in events such as power tumbling and double-mini trampoline competitions.

For Burklow, the competition means a lot more to her than winning. When her best friend and fellow gymnast, Ryan Brown, died in a car crash when he was 14 in 2003, she decided to join the national team in honor of him.

"We buried him with his nationals leotard. He was so great at what he did, and he kept our gym alive. So, I wanted to join for him, and I'm glad I did. I think of him every time I'm on the trampoline," Burklow said.

As an award-winning athlete since she was 2, Burklow has made the transition from athlete to coach this year, and said though the feeling is bittersweet, she's thankful for the opportunity to teach others what she's learned along the way.

"This sport is all about intensity, and it's a power-drive form of expression. I feel good about myself every time I leave the gym. It's made me a perfectionist in all aspects of life," she said. "When the younger athletes watch you fail, they're learning a lesson. I hope to teach them determination, persistence and humility. I love being a role model."

Trampoline and Tumbling Association Director Patti Lingenfelter said the event is a great opportunity to expose young athletes to a new, lesser-known sport.

"Everyone has a backyard trampoline, but this a lot more exciting. In some of these events, athletes are jumping as high as 20 feet in the air, so it's fun to watch," Lingenfelter said. "The main thing we focus on is structured coaching and movement control."

 Lingenfelter said the USTA, based in Springfield, Ill., is one of the oldest organizations of its kind, and has steadily evolved since it got its start in 1971.

 "We've came a long way since then. We started out with only 200 events, and now we have more than 3,300 events. So, it's a time to celebrate," she said. "It's become more and more popular because it is a form of artistic gymnastics that's not as time-consuming or expensive.

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