March 29, 2024

Local tumblers place first in state, qualify for national competition

Local tumblers from the Upper Level Tumbling Team at Leslie’s Dance and Tumbling recently competed in the United States Trampoline and Tumbling Association Iowa State Championships in Marshalltown. Winners of this competition are eligible to represent the state and their clubs at the national competition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in June.

The tumblers who qualified for the national competition are Halli Abildtrup, Allison Adams, Kolbey Bailey, Payton Burg, Emily Engdahl, Brooke Hanson and Olivia Saylor, all from Creston, and Kelby Greenland, Kinsley Greenwell, Bethany Lazano and Jesus Lazanom, all from Mount Ayr.

In addition to qualifying for the national competition, Halli Abildtrup, Payton Burg and Jesus Lazano were also named state champions in their respective classes.

This is the second year tumblers from Upper Level Tumbling have qualified for national competition. Last year, the first year of the team, four out of 16 members of the team qualified for the national competition. This year, 11 of the 17 members qualified.

The team is coached by head coach Kalian Smith and assistant coaches, Jeremiah Johnson, David Smith and Leslie Tyler.

The team will be performing at Leslie’s Dance and Tumbling “Rainforest” recital being held 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Creston High School. Tickets are available at the door. The team will have fundraising activities to help with the costs of the trip to Florida. All donations will be appreciated.

Upper Level Tumbling Team is open to all area tumblers and aspiring tumblers ages 5 and up. For information, contact Leslie’s Dance and Tumbling at 641-782-7617.