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Feeling the Heartbeat: Local jump rope team heads to national competition

Posted at 7:37 PM, Mar 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-17 20:17:00-04

The Heartbeats are a competitive jump rope team in Northeast Ohio.

"They are probably in better shape than most athletes out there," Heartbeats coach Pam Evans explained."

The team is 25 years old and currently, they are trying to qualify for nationals in Disney World. And they are no strangers to success. 

"We were national champions a number of times," Evans said. "Heartbeats have always won the gold when it comes to team show… we have also medaled at world when it comes to our team show."

The athletes told News 5 that the sport gives them much more than a good workout. It's landed them a strong mentality as they navigate their way through life. 

"I think I definitely learned to never give up. Have great determination and really focus on skills," varsity jumper Morgan Parker explained.  

Varsity jumper Jake Karsons added, "I think the best lessons I have learned is leadership, to not give up on myself and to give my best effort in everything." 

For many participants, the sport is not only raising their heartbeats but also becoming the beat of their hearts. 
 
"There is so much interaction and so many great memories you have with people," Karsons said.  

"The atmosphere when you come in you can just be yourself."