Neff Zone Column

Print Edition: July 1, 2006

CADILLAC NEEDS TO GET STACKED

Once in a while I run across something that is so fascinating it just captures my imagination. Such was the case with a USA Today article about the new sport of Sport Stacking. Never heard of it? Well, neither had I, but upon learning that 11,000 schools have added Sport Stacking to their physical education programs and that the World Sport Stacking Championships will be covered by ESPN in August I was intrigued to say the least.

Simply put, according to www.speedstacks.com, "Sport stacking is an exciting individual and team sport where participants stack and unstack 12 specially designed plastic cups in pre-determined sequences." Visualize, if you will, one of the basic "stacks," the 3-6-3: a stack of three cups, a stack of six, and another stack of three. The object is to make a pyramid of each stack in succession and then retrace your steps undoing each pyramid and placing the cups back into their original stacks. (The speedstacks website has an animated example of this sequence.)

Think it’s easy? Before you try it you might like to know that the world record is held by a 14 year-old who did this in 2.72 seconds. The 4-under record is 7.40 seconds. Conversely, when I tried this my attempt could have been timed with a sundial. You can see the world record holder do her stuff in a video on the website www.superhandz.com. You can also give an online version of stacking a try at www.novelgames.com/flashgames/game.php?id=5.

Now I know what you’re thinking, that Neff has gone around the bend yet another time. What could this weird "sport" possibly have to do with Cadillac? Ah, but there’s a method to my madness.

The more I researched this sport the more potential I saw. First of all, scientific studies have been conducted that indicate that sport stacking increases hand-eye coordination and translates to other activities. Stackers do better in math because they have to think in fractions. They do better in music because stacking forces them to develop coordination in both hands and all ten fingers. Coaches report that the improved hand-eye coordination results in better athletic skills, particularly with something like catching a ball.

Second, it’s a wonderful activity for physical education classes because every student can participate. Plus, it’s a perfect fit for those rainy days when outdoor sports (or recess periods) are not an option. Need I point out this would apply to parents looking for a something for the kids to do on a soggy vacation day?

Third, Sport Stacking isn’t just for kids. I can see this being a hoot for senior citizens, sports teams of every age group, as an activity at civic gatherings, and even a bunch of fun at a backyard barbeque or family reunion.

Last, but not least, Sport Stacking lends itself to tournaments and contests. Think about it, you don’t need a lot of space or gear, you can play it inside or outside, it’s weatherproof, and you can set up as many age groups or divisions as the mood strikes you. See how tourneys are run at www.worldsportstackingassociation.org.

Here’s where Cadillac comes in, and I bet you never thought I’d finally get to the point of this article’s headline. I can see Sport Stacking as a great addition to events like the Festival of the Arts, Lakeside Days, or the North American Snowmobile Festival. I can see tournaments between elementary schools. I can see sports teams, bands, clubs, and physical education classes within a high school challenging each other to duels. I can see the Cadillac Senior Center taking on the Manton Senior Center in a friendly rivalry. You get the picture.

Now that you know about Sport Stacking, I invite you to keep an eye out for it, which will prove to you that this unique activity is about to sweep America. Major chain stores are already selling stacker gear – cups with holes in the bottoms (so there’s less air pressure) and the rubber mats upon which to place the cups. E-Bay has stacker gear up for bid. And you know that fast food chains will be putting their logos on cups and giving them away as soon as they realize the marketing potential.

Right now, according to the World Sport Stacking Association, there is only one school in the 49601 zip code currently engaged in stacking, so the local "playing field" is ready for development. I say, let the clackety-clack of cups be heard throughout the town.

Jim Neff is a local columnist. Comments to neffzone@gmail.com. Read Neff Zone columns online at www.neffzone.com/cadillacnews.