Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Members of the Kimball Cobras Tumbling and Trampoline team gather before their most recent meet in Lafayette, Colo. The girls, from Kimball, have a nicely equipped practice facility in the old Kimball High School gym.
The competitive side of Kimball Cobras Tumbling and Trampoline members comes with the talent and hardware to prove that they can do the flips.
With two competitions under their belt, including meets at Gering and Lafayette, Colo., the girls have all brought home medals and proven themselves in their age group.
The leader and most experienced gymnast of the Cobras is 11-year-old Breckyn Keifer. Breckyn is in her fifth year of gymnastics. For the two-hour practice, Breckyn spends much of her time on her favorite event – floor. The event is performed on an elevated spring runway.
Breckyn said, "I like doing back full and backflips."
Cashlyn Culek, Tempe Griebel and Shaylee Markum like the floor event the best.
Tempe said, "I like the floor because I likeddoing back handsprings." Cashlynn said she "likes doing handsprings and the passes," while Shaylee noted, "the second pass, I like doing back tuck."
Previously associated with the Carpenter Center in Scottsbluff, the Cobras have now organized their 501C3 nonprofit LLC with a three-member board making all the decisions. The Cobras are a hometown organization with all the equipment necessary for practices, including springboard, trampoline, and double mini-tramp.
The old Kimball High School gym, which they rent from the Plains Historical Society, has been transformed into a real tumbling and trampoline gym; it is packed full of their equipment that they raised money to purchase.
The 5- to 11-year-olds on the competitive side of the Cobras like a variety of events. Both Delayni and Kira Enevoldsen like the tramp best. Their favorite thing to do is the backflip on the tramp. Jemma Widener said she also likes the tramp "because I love the backflips and the passes."
Brynlee Culek's favorite event is the double mini, where she "likes to do flips."
Coaches Riley McNeese and Brooke Keifer have created a supportive yet structured atmosphere. The Cobra teammates constantly cheer or clap for one another in practice and competitions. They are truly excited when they see their teammate has accomplished a task.
The Cobras were asked this question: "Are you afraid when you are flipping threw the air?"
In unison the girls cried out, "NOOO" and one yelled out, "I have fallen on my face lots."
In addition to the competitive program, beginner classes are held with youth from Kimball and other area towns.
