Within the existing “Ridge Roamers” climbing club, a small dedicated group has formed the Competitive Climbing Club at MTU. As a club within a club, any active member of the Ridge Roamers Club can join, and students wishing to join the Competitive Climbing Club should first join the Ridge Roamers Club. The new group is focused specifically on competing in climbing competitions, as opposed to the existing club which has a more casual focus.
Members are not required to compete, but the eventual goal is to place in the USA Climbing Collegiate National Championships. The club is open to all skill levels, and practice is held four days a week, with participation at least three days a week required to stay in the club.
“[Sometimes] we have too much fun,” said Sawyer Dunbar, President and Head Coach of the new club, describing the environment the club fosters. Dunbar recognized the potential for a more dedicated group within the Ridge Roamers, saying, “The environment is there, we have a group of strong climbers.”
The club has already participated in competitions, like the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Bouldering Competition in October, and will be competing in the upcoming Bouldering Project’s Boulderfest this weekend. The group placed third overall in the aforementioned UWM Boulding Competition, while still in its first year of existence. Dubar emphasized the weight of this accomplishment: “[new members would] be joining something with a lot of momentum.”
