by Adam Gault
Members of the Essex Energizers Jump Rope Team hopped and skipped their way to the podium, as the team won medals in numerous categories at the Rope Skipping Canada National Championships, held at the St. Clair College SportsPlex over the Victoria Day weekend.
The Energizers competed in various single and team events throughout the course of the event, with the Energizers medaling in every team event in which they competed.
The competition was broken down by age category, including 10 and under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-29, and 30 plus, and included events such as individual rope, Double-Dutch, four speed power team, and freestyle events. While some athletes come from backgrounds in other sports such as gymnastics, many of the athletes at the national level are fully committed to the sport of rope skipping and preparing for competitions at this level is their sole athletic focus.
“Our team starts training in October. We train twice a week with about three to four hours of practice,” Energizer’s Head Coach Lindsay Nussio explained, adding the team had to qualify at the provincial level before advancing to the national championships. “Basically, lots of hard work, lots of stress, lots of blood, sweat, and tears, but we’re hoping for a good competition, and, so far, the kids are doing great.”
The success continued over the duration of the competition as the sub teams of the Essex Energizers made it to the podium in the following team events: In the Under 10 category, Awesome Energizers placed first, and the Skipping Squad placed second. In the 11-12 category, Ropin’ Rascals placed third. In the 13-14 category, Junior Pack placed firsts and the Thunder placed third. In the 15-17 category, Pink Ladies placed third. And, in the 30 plus category, Wolfpack placed first.
The Energizers also shined in singles competition, with the following team members making the podium in their respective categories: In the under 10 category, Elle Gendreau placed second, Elliot Moncur placed fourth, and Grace Broughton placed fifth. In the 13-14 category, Reagan Farough placed first and Peyton Gendreau placed second. In the 15-17 category, Reed Hewitt placed fourth. In the 18-29 category, Lucas Martin placed fourth.
While a great sport for those of a competitive and athletic nature, it is the bonds of friendship and teamwork that keeps the young athletes bonded well beyond their time together on the gymnasium floor.
“They become friends. They love relying on each other, competing with each other. They end up hanging out outside of school, you develop basically a lifelong relationship,” Nussio said. “The team that I’m on, we’ve been together for at least ten years now, well into our thirties, so it speaks to something that everyone is willing to commit to.”
Open tryouts for the next season of the Essex Energizers takes place in June, at the Essex Centre Sports Complex.
More information can be found on the team’s Facebook page, at Essex Energizers.
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