This weekend held and holds the competition that they've been working towards. Connor chose four events and Rowen chose three to compete in. Last night, both boys were competing in the Alaskan high kick where they have to keep one hand on the floor, hold one foot in the other hand, and kick a hanging ball with the other foot, landing with that foot and balancing on the one hand and one foot. Rowen made it past the starting height and Connor managed to place 5th in the entire 1st-6th grade boys group.
Today lasted much longer than expected. Both boys competed in the arm pull, a double-elimination competition where two people sit and lock an arm and then pull until one lets go or is lifted off the mat. Rowen won about four times, but was eliminated by much larger boys. Connor managed to place 3rd. After getting lunch at Arby's (2 for $6 mix and match!), Connor competed in the stick pull. Again, two people face each other, grasp a stick, and pull until the other person lets go. This time, Connor was undefeated and won 1st place. He really enjoyed hearing everyone cheer as his name was called to mount the podium. His final event was the one-foot kick. True to its name, the goal is to kick a hanging ball and land on the foot that kicked it. Connor did quite well, but did not place in the top 5.
Tomorrow, is Rowen's final (and favorite) event: the wrist carry. I haven't seen this one yet, but I think the goal is to lock a wrist on top of a stick and see how long you can hold it there while hanging from it. Considering how often he hangs on us and his brothers, this sport is almost custom made for him.
It was quite a long day, but the boys had a blast. Connor wants to go to the state competition in Anchorage next month, and both boys want to keep training after school. I certainly think it has been worth the time.