Story by Kayla Nguyen, CHC Communications
Photos by Jasper Zhou, CHC Communications

Shouts of encouragement echo around Matthew Knight Arena’s cavernous east practice court as Clark Honors College freshman Morgan Sweeney carefully balances her teammate on her hands. Keeping her eyes trained on her partner, Sweeney’s hands tremble slightly but remain steady. They have practiced this exercise more times than Sweeney can count. It’s tricky, but she’s got it. This hand-to-hand drill is only one of many that Sweeney performs as a member of the University of Oregon Acrobatics and Tumbling team.

“I started acrobatic gymnastics at age 7,” Sweeney said. “I was taking recreational ballet classes, and I saw the acro (acrobatics) team practicing next door. I thought it looked like fun and wanted to try it. I quickly fell in love with the sport and continued through high school and now college.”

Sweeney’s flips and tumbles seem effortless as she cuts through the air. In reality, acrobatics and tumbling demand constant and grueling flexibility. Despite the sports’ physical and mental hardships, she says that “being part of such a supportive team” stabilizes her.

“It’s incredible to feel the encouragement of my teammates when I get a new skill and to cheer everybody on when they accomplish their goals, as well,” she said.

The UO Acrobatics and Tumbling team practices five days out of the week for three hours. Due to the rigor of their practice schedule, Sweeney’s coach has high expectations for agility.

“I would say that the hardest part of acrobatics and tumbling is building the physical strength required to succeed in the sport,” Sweeney said. “To gain muscle, we lift in the weight room two to three times per week. It can be difficult to persevere through each lift and improve each time.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though Sweeney found her passion for acrobatic gymnastics at an early age, acrobatics and tumbling applies a specific technique that is altogether contrary to gymnastics. Like many on the team, she did not start training in acrobatics and tumbling until college.

“Some misconceptions about the sport are that it’s the same as cheerleading or stunt, even though it is a separate sport entirely,” she said. “The team is made of retired artistic gymnasts, competitive all-star cheerleaders, and acrobatic gymnasts which are all completely different sports than acrobatics and tumbling.”

Off the practice mat, Sweeney works just as hard to achieve her ambitions. Majoring in education foundations, she strives to maintain a healthy balance between practice, school, and her other responsibilities.

“Acrobatics and tumbling have taught me so much about perseverance, patience, and teamwork,” Sweeney said. “I want to become a special needs teacher which requires patience as all students learn at their own pace. It also requires perseverance as each student learns in a unique way and teamwork as I will work with students, parents, and other teachers. In addition, the team has a valuable ‘can-do’ mindset that I plan to apply not just in my future teaching career,but the rest of my college experience as well.”