Thundering Herd Competes in USA Climbing Qualifying Event in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Ten Goat Fort Thundering Herd climbers competed at a USA Climbing qualifying event in Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Half of them came away with a top-10 finish in their division. The competition featured climbers from Indianapolis to Morgantown.

“The day was exhausting, but I am so proud of our team–their effort and determination,” Goat Fort’s Dana Harrington said. “Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they scored well. Several were in the top ten of their respective categories, and I am certain that we will have more than a few qualify for the USA Climbing Regional Championships this season.”

Photos submitted.

The day was split into two separate 3-hour sessions where climbers had to master six different boulder problems or routes. Harrington pointed out that “about half” of the Thundering Herd’s climbers are competing in their first season. He specifically mentioned Owen and Connor Ash for having strong showings. Connor finished 9th, and Owen 13th in their respective divisions.

“These challenges are designed to be both mentally and physically demanding,” Harrington said. “It is quite difficult to know how to squeeze, pull, press, or sometimes even jump your way up the boulder. Plus, there were roughly 75 climbers in each session vying for time on a limited number of boulders. Managing time and making the most out of every try was critical. Athletes are not guaranteed a certain number of tries or time on each climb. Every miscalculation, each slip, was costly. Still, each triumph was exhilarating.”

Here are the official results:

Male Youth D: