Andy Close
PITTSBURGH – The Goat Fort Thundering competed at the USA Climbing Region 62 Championships in Pittsburgh this past Saturday.
The regional event marked the end of season number two for the Thundering Herd, as they had seven athletes compete in the event, up from four from last season.
Three Thundering Herd athletes returned to the event for the second time, and as a team, they improved from 10th place last season to eighth this season.
Lily White had an eighth-place finish last year and moved up a category to Youth C and still managed to finish in the top 15. Natalie Muntz and Chase Long, both in Youth D, improved from 11th to ninth, and ninth to fourth respectively.
The Goat Fort team also had several climbers who were new to this event. Adelaide Keeports finished 26th; Atreyu Laska finished 16th; and Elodie and Grant Criswell who finished 13th and 16th respectively.
This regional event saw the best young climbers from West Virginia to Indiana, including teams from Indianapolis, Detriot, Columbus, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh competing in an onsite competition.
The format was different from qualifying events, with athletes restricted to an isolation area away from the climbs, not being allowed to watch anyone else climb, and no coaching. When it is their turn, they are escorted to the climbing area where they are tested on four different boulder problems. These climbs are timed, and athletes are only allowed four minutes to solve and climb each challenge, all without any assistance. It is very similar to the bouldering format in the Olympics.
“We are so excited to see our young athletes improve and to see this program grow,” said Dana Harrington. “Our USA Climbing bouldering season has come to an end. However, there is already excitement for our local competition at the Goat Fort this June.”
