Nelson’s Rhythm Ropers travelled to Victoria for the skipping provincials recently. They have a small but strong club this year. Each of the three teams within the club placed first in team events and brought home gold. The teams were:
• Doubleback Ropers 10 and under: Aaron Spurge, Angelia Thomson, Nadine Lehr, Jessica Fitchett, and Sophia Peloso;
• Rhythm Ropers 2.0 11-12 girls: Kaitlyn Fitchett, Heather Bridle, Willa Morrison, Amy Schellenberg, Maya Pierson;
• Complicated Ropers 15-17: Bradley Spurge, Kalina Spurge, Michelle Oudeman, Emily Schellenberg, Alicia Montpellier.
In the individual events everyone also had a good tournament with several personal bests and several notable top five finishes.
30 second speed
Maya Pierson first in 10 and under, followed by Jessica Fitchett in third and Sophia Peloso in fifth;
• Aaron Spurge first in boys 11-12;
• Heather Bridle first in 11-12 followed by Nadine Lehr in second;
• Kalina Spurge took second in 15-17 girls and her brother Bradley took first in boys 15 and up. Emily Musa was fourth in 18 and up.
Endurance Skip
• Two minute speed: Maya Pierson placed first and set a new record for 10 and under;
• Three minute speed: Aaron Spurge was first in the boys division for 11-12 while Heather Bridle was fifth in the girls;
• Three minute speed 13-14: Michelle Oudeman was fourth;
• Three minute speed endurance: Kalina Spurge was third. In 18 and up, Emily Musa placed fourth.
Power
• Maya Pierson was second in 10 and under;
• In 11-12, Willa Morrison was second followed by Nadine in third. Kaitlyn Fitchett was fourth and Heather Bridle fifth;
• Michelle Oudeman was second in 13-14;
• Kalina Spurge was third in 15-17 girls and Bradley was second in 15-17 boys;
• Emily Musa was fourth in 18 and up girls;
Freestyle
• Angelia Thomson was first in 10 and under followed by Maya Pierson in second;
• Aaron Spurge was first in 11-12 boys;
• In girls 11-12 Heather Bridle was second, Willa Morrison was third Amy Schellenberg was fourth and they were all within 0.7 of each other;
• In 18-plus girls, Emily Musa was second
• In 15 and up boys, Bradley Spurge was first.
Overall Rankings
• Maya Pierson top 10 and under girl;
• Heather Bridle top 11-12 girl and Willa Morrison third overall;
• Aaron Spurge top 11-12 boy
• Kalina Spurge third overall in 15-17 girls
• Bradley Spurge top 15 and up boy
As well the team competed in the large group synchronization with the junior jumpers 11 and under placing first and the 12 and up competed in the 18-plus category and placed second overall.
“Great competition after a year of hard work,” said head coach Brenda Reid.
The team followed up the provincials with a two day circuit of shows for Jump Rope for Heart in Vancouver. They did 12 shows in two days. Then came back to Nelson and performed at the Rotary Convention.
Come and see them be superheroes and the stars of the Rhythm Roper Big Show this weekend at L.V. Rogers. There are actually two shows: Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available from any Rhythm Roper or can be purchased at the door.
“Thanks to all the businesses and individuals who supported us during the season,” Reid said. “It takes a village to raise a child and a supportive community to field teams.”