Always looking up
Local juggling club mixes talent with risk
By Matt “It’s MillerTime” Miller
Their records can be set with clubs, rings, balls, chainsaws and flaming torches, but for jugglers, being the best doesn’t always matter. Their goal is to entertain the masses while pushing the envelope to create new and jaw-dropping tricks. And for Eric Doll and others, it’s something that comes with just the flick of the wrist.
“One of the aspects I enjoy about juggling is that people are looking at me because I stand out,” said Doll, a Des Moines native who is currently president of the Juggling and Unicycling Club at Iowa State University. “I can be myself and know that people are enjoying what I do.”
As president, Doll is in charge of “juggling” many aspects, such as organizing community events, practices and spreading the word about what he considers one of his favorite hobbies. Approximately 10 members, all males ranging from freshmen to senior, make up the organization, but that wasn’t always so. Just last year, an ISU juggling club didn’t exist. But thanks to Doll’s vigor to start anew, the club is thriving.
Juggling has been recorded in many early cultures including Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman and Chinese civilizations. The International Jugglers Association was founded in June 1947 in Pittsburgh, Pa. This year’s World Juggling Day was June 20, and according to www.juggle.org, 213 jugglers from 21 countries registered to participate. The IJA holds championships each year, including Davenport in 2005. Clubs are spread throughout Iowa in cities like Ames, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Des Moines and Grinnell. Juggling has even transferred into road races. In April 2006, two “jogglers” competed and finished the first marathon on record. Zach Warren finished in 2:58.23, and Michal Kapral finished in 3:06.45.
While juggling can be frustrating, it can be just as dangerous, too. There have been many incidents where jugglers have been injured due to flying objects. The club says thankfully nothing too bad has happened yet.
“You can juggle a number of things, but one of the most challenging objects I’ve juggled is fire,” said Charlie Phillips, a senior at ISU and a three-year member of the club. “You can’t really see the handles because of the flames. I’ve been lucky enough not get seriously injured.”
Doll also added that good teamwork is key to having a successful show.
“When you juggle, your mind has to be clear,” he said. “When we perform, we are very relaxed, but everyone needs to stay focused. We have trigger words like ‘hup,’ along with facial expressions when we’re passing. If you can’t communicate, you won’t be able to juggle.”
Since the startup of the club last year, the organization has performed at campus events, YMCAs and area schools. The group also performed in front of approximately 2,000 people at the Special Olympics at Jack Trice Stadium this past spring.
“I really like reaching out to the community,” said Spencer Sneller, club treasurer. “It’s fun to see the children’s reaction and to see their expressions as their minds try to figure everything that is going on.”
Phillips agrees.
“Volunteering is definitely the best part,” Phillips said. “It’s rewarding to see the children smile. The next challenge for us is continuing to get better and learning new tricks.”
Locker Room note: The Iowa State Fairgrounds 5K Race will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. The event raises money for the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Race day registration is $30. The 5K is open to all age groups, and awards will be given to the top three male/female winners for each division. Call 262-3111 ext. 671 or visit www.blueribbonfoundation.org. CV
The Juggling and Unicycling Club at Iowa State risks life and limb juggling fire. Photo courtesy of Charlie Phillips
