Dozens of power tumbling teams from across the United States were in Madison, Wis. recently - all vying to earn the coveted title of power tumbling champions.
And when the dust settled, the Marshalltown Area Tumbling club was crowned champion.
The five-day event in late June - sponsored by the U.S. Trampoline and Tumbling Association - attracted more than 5,000 athletes to the Alliant Energy Center with boys and girls age three and older competing for national championship titles in tumbling, trampoline and double-mini trampoline.
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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY MEG BESTELL-EIDE
Samantha Trowbridge of State Center and the Marshalltown Area Tumbling club is shown performing a double-back tuck before judges at the U.S. Trampoline and Tumbling national championships in Madison, Wisc. recently.
The championship was not a new experience for Head Coach Ron Brooks, assistant coaches, parents and members.
The club - made up of Central Iowa athletes - earned a similar title in 2010.
MAT earned other top honors in tumbling and trampoline in Madison.
"We took third place in the overall top advanced team and captured a second place in advanced beginner tumbling and third in sub-novice tumbling," Brooks said. "We earned a first in advanced girls' tumbling, a first in girls' elite tumbling, second in double-mini trampoline and first in trampoline intermediate. It was an excellent showing for our team in all events. Most everyone placed well individually."
Echoing Brooks' comments was Kimberly Trowbridge of the State Center area.
Daughters Allison and Samantha Trowbridge, 11, competed in several of the tumbling events.
"The entire team was extremely excited to learn we had won the championship," Kimberly Trowbridge said. "It was quite an accomplishment and well worth all of the time practicing. Many of the club members started practicing for state and nationals five or six days a week back in April."
Brooks said he and other coaches set goals to prepare for state and national championship events.
"Positive goal setting is one method we used," Brooks said. "We worked to keep everyone challenged by changing things up consistently throughout the entire gym at all levels. We are committed to maintaining high intensity and enthusiasm."
Samantha Trowbridge, who will enter sixth grade this fall, used another tool.
"When I was on the mat and my name was called to perform (at nationals) I wanted to do my best," she said.
Allison offered her approach at nationals.
"I practiced all year and I wanted to be successful," she said.
A major highlight, according to Brooks, was that four MAT members earned United States Tumbling Association National Team honors.
They were Morgann Eide, of Newton, Madison Rickett, of Marshalltown, and the Trowbridges.
Kimberly Trowbridge said the club is successful because coaches, parents and athletes are committed.
She singled out Brooks.
"Coach Brooks really goes above and beyond" ... she said. "He'll work with an athlete extra hours to make sure they have their routine down and he or she is comfortable in competition."