This weekend, Cincinnati's Ropin' Rockets will take the stage for the national jump-rope competition in Walt Disney World.

        But that didn't stop one of the Double Dutch teams from changing its routine this week.

        “Well, we do have the whole day to practice,” said team member Marcus Taylor as he shrugged off his coach's worries.

        The team, which left for Orlando, Fla., on Thursday is hoping the added flips will impress judges and land them a spot in Sunday's final events. The 20-member team is sending 11 students to the competition.

        This team is no stranger to competition. In April's regional competition in Indianapolis, the team placed first in several categories, and took the top four places in the boys single rope freestyle for ages 9-11 with performances by Carter Michael of Clifton, Sam Brown of Northside, Ian Watts of Evendale and Stewart Isaacs of Kennedy Heights.

        A first-grader, Stewart is the team's youngest member. Coach Chris Emerson says he told her the first day of tryouts, “I want to be a champion, Ms. Emerson.”She adds, “And he's doing great.”

        At last year's world competition in Seoul, South Korea, Marcus, a 16-year-old from North Avondale, earned the gold in the 30-second speed category and a bronze for his individual routine.

        “Each year, we have kids qualify for nationals; but every year, it's more kids,” said Ms. Emerson. “You see these kids start out with little skill level and watch them grow into athletes that perform these amazing routines.”

        The team, based at Cincinnati Public Schools' North Avondale Montessori, practices two to four times each week. The jumpers write their own routines, incorporating certain skills and dynamics that judges require.

        Team member Kimberly Ziccardi said that while her gymnastic skills help her develop the routines, it is her teammates who motivate her, especially in the Double Dutch competition.

        “There's three people instead of one, so everyone is driving you,” said the 12-year-old Paddock Hills resident.

        This weekend's competition costs each participant $800, including airfare and accommodations.

        But team members agree it is worth it.

        “It takes a lot of agility, endurance and strength to do this,” Ms. Emerson said of the team. “It takes absolutely everything.”

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