Simpson announces addition of acrobatics & tumbling

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Simpson College announced the addition of acrobatics & tumbling as the College's 26th varsity sport beginning in the 2024-25 academic year. Competition will begin in 2025-26.

"This is yet another major step forward for Simpson and Storm Athletics," said President Jay Byers. "Our continuing investment in program growth and facility enhancements is having a tremendous impact on recruitment and the overall value of the educational experience we provide Simpson students. The addition of acrobatics & tumbling certainly keeps our momentum rolling."

An NCAA emerging sport in all three divisions, acrobatics & tumbling is the evolution of different forms of gymnastics. The sport involves tumbling, tosses, acrobatic lifts, and pyramids. It is governed by the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA).

"Acrobatics & tumbling aligns quite well with the strategic vision for Storm Athletics," said director of athletics Marty Bell. "In addition to creating a new way for students to excel academically and athletically, the program is an ideal fit for institutions that sponsor gymnastics, cheer, and dance, all of which we already offer at Simpson. We are grateful to the PICTOR Group, the NCATA, and many others for their assistance in making this all come together."

Acrobatics & tumbling is currently sponsored by 54 colleges and universities across all levels of the NCAA, including 10 Division III institutions. Simpson will be the first NCATA program in Iowa and will begin official competition in 2025-26.

"We are excited to welcome Simpson College to the NCATA and the acrobatics and tumbling community," said Janell Cook, executive director of NCATA. "Marty Bell and other Simpson leaders have identified the unique opportunity to recruit new students from the deep pool of young women, and men, who train in the various disciplines of gymnastics."

Cook further praises Simpson for its commitment to providing wide-ranging opportunities for young women from gymnastics and cheer disciplines to accomplish their academic and competitive goals. "We are thankful for their example of this broad-based model of program implementation and all those who supported us throughout the process."

An announcement regarding Simpson's inaugural acrobatics & tumbling coach will be made this summer.

MORE ABOUT THE SPORT
Acrobatics & tumbling competes during the spring athletic season and traditionally recruits student-athletes from the sports of gymnastics, competitive cheerleading, and dance. Each meet is a contest between two to three teams, with 28 competitors on each team's gameday roster. The teams compete in six events throughout the meet, including compulsory, acro, pyramid, toss, tumbling, and team events.

Teams compete head-to-head in a total of 20 heats during a competition, with each scored on starting difficulty values and execution of declared skills. In a meet, a team can score up to 300 points. The team with the highest overall score is declared the winner.

The first NCATA National Championships took place in 2011 at the University of Oregon. Championships are held annually in April on an NCATA member campus with event and team championships.