We can hardly believe it’s been a year since we first set out on this incredible journey to form Rampage Athletics! As we take a moment to reflect on our inaugural year, we’re excited to share the many upgrades and improvements we’ve made to create an even better experience for our athletes. This blog series will take you through our journey of growth and the changes we've implemented to ensure Rampage remains the premier training facility for cheerleading, tumbling, and dance.

Episode 1: Expansion into Units 31 & 32

Our journey actually began in the community rooms of the local library, where we hosted our very first clinics. For those who remember those early days, we had no idea just how far we would go! We initially planned to move into a facility in Independence, but an unexpected opportunity arose when we were approached by Speed and Sport about sharing their facility. It was almost a perfect fit, and we jumped at the chance!

Of course, we quickly learned that “perfect fit” came with its quirks. Who would have imagined that our mats would shift on the turf? Let me tell you, it became a running joke among our athletes. Each time the mats bubbled, we’d pause for a brief moment of extra conditioning to pull them back into place, making sure everyone stayed safe.

Starting with just dead mats and a few panel mats for tumbling, we officially moved into Units 29 and 30, sharing the space with Speed and Sport. The vibrant energy of our athletes transformed those spaces into a bustling training ground, filled with laughter, hard work, and determination.

When we started planning for the 2024-2025 cheer season, we envisioned working solely within the cozy confines of Units 29 and 30. As our teams began to grow, however, we quickly realized that fitting everyone into those two spaces was going to be tighter than a stunt group trying to land a pyramid! With more athletes joining our Rampage family by the day, we knew expansion was no longer just a dream—it was an absolute necessity.

Perfect Timing
The timing of our expansion couldn't have been more perfect. Initially, Morgan and I explored a facility in Grain Valley that could have offered the space we desperately needed. However, we quickly realized it wasn’t ideal for many families due to its location, and the price tag was significantly higher. Making that move would have forced us to reevaluate the pricing we had just announced for the 2024/2025 season—something we absolutely did not want to do!

After spending weeks touring countless spaces in search of the right fit, we were beyond excited when we discovered that the two units right next to our current home with Speed and Sport became available. It felt like fate! This opportunity allowed us to expand our footprint without compromising our values or the affordability of our programs. We were thrilled to be able to maintain the original pricing for our families while enhancing our facility and offering more opportunities for our athletes. With the added space we were hopeful to add additional programs to be able to take the burden of the additional expenses.

The Great Wall Decision

Now, let’s talk about the wall—yes, the infamous wall between Units 30 and 31. Initially, we had grand visions of tearing it down to create an open practice space where everyone could flow freely. However, as we crunched the numbers, we were hit with a staggering estimate of $4,000 to remove that barrier. Ouch!

At first, our staff was understandably skeptical. “A hole in the wall? Really?” they wondered. But we encouraged them to see the potential of this crazy idea! Instead of viewing this as a setback, we decided to embrace the wall and our unique vision for it.

In hindsight, that wall has turned out to be one of our best decisions. Not only does it provide a sturdy structure, but it also serves as an amazing sound barrier, allowing two teams to practice simultaneously without disturbing each other. Our staff grew to love the quirky charm of the wall, and it became a symbol of our resilience and adaptability.

Overall, the expansion into Units 31 and 32 (and the wall) has truly been a game-changer for Rampage Athletics. We’re beyond thrilled to see our athletes thriving in this newly organized space, and we can’t wait to watch them reach new heights!