During last year’s event, in which Incarnation also participated, 276,053 stackers made the Guinness Book of World Records with their efforts.
This year, the record was set again, with more than 285,000 stackers verified as of Monday — 800 of them from Incarnation. The final tally will be released this week.
“We had them stack for 30 minutes when they came in for their P.E. class,” said Kristi Erickson, a physical education teacher at Incarnation. “There are five stations. It goes on pretty much the whole day.”
Erickson said the students at Incarnation have been doing speed stacking for about 10 years.
“I have written numerous grants to get more speed stacks because they are pretty expensive,” she said, noting that a stack of 12 costs about $15, and she can get 15 sets for about $300. “It is a great way, especially in the winter, to have the kids moving and keep them active.”
Erickson added that speed stacking teaches kids to use both sides of their bodies, since they have to use two hands, and helps with hand-eye coordination.
Nick Kreusch, 10, who was part of the event last year as well, said the competition forces you to push yourself. “I have been timing myself (in preparation),” said Nick, who said he would recommend the activity to other students. “Once you get used to them, they’re addicting.”
The school also is planning a speed stacking club, and has had students who have participated in speed stacking tournaments.
“It is fun to watch them start, to see how tentative they are,” Erickson said. “Their hands are doing different things. Once they (get it), they are really amazing to watch.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7325 or jikelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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