World Cup 1 started off with a bang. Five groups of nine athletes balanced, swung, carried, built and pushed their way through some tough mental and physical challenges. I was at the Triangle Traverse and witnessed some balance moves that could have rivaled some circuses. I also saw some great teamwork among the groups, which paid off with very successful and speedy times.
Right before dinner we had our first Counselor VS Camper race and the Counselors came out on top with a near-perfect run through the Obstacle Course. Campers learned first hand how important inspection is when some of their racers got lost on course and paid dearly. The top move of the day was by Connor on the Log Squats with fantastic form, strength and speed. Top crash was from Counselor Demi with a head over heels dismount off the Marine Wall… but, in true ELITEAM style she popped up and kept going to finish strong.
After a big dinner of spaghetti with lots of broccoli on the side, it was more action out on the field. Agility is king here at ELITEAM and the campers strutted their stuff. Always a tester is the High-knee Butt-kick move. One camper described it as – “Imagine if the ground was electrified while you were skipping on it. That is a little like what the move looks like.”
8 Foot Plastic poles were also part of the fun and training. Andy and Connor won the partner challenge while the girls dominated the boys in the Pole challenge. And, there were some impressive contortion moves by some of the campers when trying Megan’s technical “Eliteam Pretzel”.
TRIANGLE TRAVERSE – “Each person had a unique way of helping the others get across the wire to the finish. And each person was able to share their own strategies on how to complete it. I had to balance and help for a long time.” – James
NITRO – “The key was for everyone to hug together and stand on their toes on the edge. Then you all pull everyone in so you can fit. We sent the bigger kids first since they have stronger toes.” – Zane
SPIDER WEB – “Claire and I were able to squeak through the side of the spider while the lighter people were carried over the top. It was important to take your time, go slow and listen to your team.” – Chad
SLOSH PIPES- “They’re heavier than they look and I found out I don’t have as much muscle as I thought I did. How much do those things weigh?” – Kristina
Tomorrow is a huge day of working on the mental side with Ropes Course high elements in the AM, and leg burning agility all afternoon. We’re going to have some sore campers after day 2.