Stacking and unstacking cups on a table as fast as you can might not sound like an athletic activity. But for the World Sport Stacking Association, stacking is a sport that requires skill, precision and lots and lots of cups.
The WSSA filled a Peoria Civic Center space with about 130 stackers Saturday during the Illinois state championships. That’s about 50 more participants than last year. WSSA Director Mark Lingle said the uptick in participation wasn’t surprising because the sport is growing at a fast pace.
Sport stacking involves stacking plastic cups in predetermined sequences in as little time as possible. Sounds simple – but the WSSA’s rulebook says otherwise.
Special cups with hole-punched bottoms to allow air flow are required for competition. Regulation mats are used at tournaments for stacking surfaces, and specially developed timers are necessary for competition. Stackers can compete in individual or doubles events or can be part of a relay team. False starts or fumbles can foul up a stacker’s attempt at a record time.
But for all the sport-like sides of stacking, the main reason it’s growing is its accessibility.
“Anyone can do it,” Lingle said. “We have competitors from (ages) 4 to 87 worldwide. It doesn’t matter your age, if you are disabled or (your) ability. Kids that struggle with traditional sports often excel in stacking.”
Sport stacking requires working the left and right sides of the brain and improves ambidexterity and bilateral proficiency, which is why teachers love it.
Ken Mansell teaches at Ellington Elementary School in Quincy and implemented a stacking program about three years ago.
“Self-esteem is everything,” he said. “It helps with their concentration and focus. It challenges every kid.”
Kennady Fleer, 8, attends Ellington and won first place Saturday in her division for cycle stacking.
“Some people just sit in front of the TV,” she said. “But I’m active, and I like to stack. It helps with other sports, too.”
Emily and Chase Werfel, 13 and 10, siblings and members of Team USA, said stacking lets them challenge themselves.
“I like how fast you can go and seeing how good you can get,” Emily Werfel said.
Chase Werfel, who owns a few division world records, said traveling to competitions across the country is his favorite part of the sport.
The Werfels said they practice almost every day, as mandated by their coaches.
Fleer said she doesn’t think of stacking as practice but more as playtime.
“We have the cups set up in the basement,” said Fleer’s mother, Brenda. “When I saw her do it at school for the first time, I was just blown away. It’s amazing.”
Lauren Rees can be reached at 686-3251 or [email protected].
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