I am frequently asked how I became interested in Speed Stacking and whether twelve cups and a timer mat can really equate to fun! Quite fascinated by the cups when I was introduced to them in 2009, I was impressed at how quickly very young children (and even an ageing Mr. Burr) could master 3-3-3, 3-6-3 and the cycle routines. I was addicted!
So when I introduced Speed Stacking at BISC Lincoln Park in September, I was eager to visit classrooms to promote my club as I knew that students of all ages could experience success remarkably quickly. I soon discovered that many students were eager to stack and see who could stack the fastest! A new club was born.
I have witnessed how much physical exertion can be expended with a simple set of 12 cups and a highly motivated mindset. At the request of the students, a BISC Lincoln Park ‘leaderboard’ (top of the stairs on the second floor) was added to create an element of healthy competition. At my club there is not only the thrill of being the ‘fastest’ stacker, but also genuine admiration for anyone who stacks a personal best – we encourage high fives and plenty of cheering!
Our recent participation at the Wisconsin State Junior Olympics Qualifier highlighted to our students how determination, focus, and practice often leads to success. Our students’ commitment, in a short space of time, was rewarded as we left our first competition with an impressive array of medals, ribbons and most importantly, personal best times and individual world rankings! Congratulations to our inaugural team: Vitor C, Davi C, Charlotte K, Chloe L, Luis P and Murray G. We are already counting down to the Illinois State Speed Stacking Championship in May.
Visit www.speedstacks.com to find out more.
Happy Stacking!
Mr. Burr is the Deputy Headteacher at BISC Lincoln Park.