One of the joys of youth activities is meeting kids where they are. Pairing interests with competition in order to teach life long lessons is a key element of these youth activities.

After dance just didn’t click with Desiray Popelka, a re-evaluation was made, and the Popelka family was off into the venture that is Tumbling and Trampoline. Being taken to MAT Tumbling and Trampoline in Marshalltown, Desiray loved the new activity and took to it at a high level. The next year, brother and sister Alyssa and Luke chose to try and then the following year sister Destiny joined. With interest growing the Popelka family went from practice twice a week to now being in the gym four days during the week.

Coach Ron Brooks and his staff keep a close team dynamic where athletes are excited to see peers compete. Keeping his students motivated has led to high level performances from athletes of all ability levels.

Last week the 2023 United States Tumbling and Trampoline National Championships were held in Springfield, Ill. From June 19-24, athletes competed in different age groups and throughout different disciplines in the USTA sanctioned event.

After qualifying out of the state competition, multiple STC Students represented MAT Tumbling and Trampoline out of Marshalltown.

For interested athletes, next season starts in August. However, registration happens year round.

STC MAT Tumbling and Trampoline Participants include Malia Slack, Guadalupe Barajas, Nichole Harriman, Desiray Popelka, Destiny “George” Popelka, Alyssa Popelka and Lukas “Luke” Popelka.