The action built throughout the day, with suspenseful sends and a few near misses. One of the standout moments came when Adam Fox, a regular JC climber and this semester’s Open winner, finally topped out on route #26, one of the most challenging climbs of the day. After several attempts and some quick refueling, he nailed it. “I’m feeling great, a lot better than I did before. I just needed food,” he joked after his successful climb.
Before the competition, Fox said he was most excited for “all the new routes and the energy the comp brings. We have new setters, new opportunities, I think it’s gonna be a good one.”
Voices from the Wall
Jordan Beaty, a semi-regular climber, came out after encouragement from staff:
“I’ve been to a climbing comp before and really enjoyed it. I think the staff spent a lot of time setting routes this year, and there’s so much versatility, it makes it fun. I really loved Leah’s routes.”
Spectator Robert Whelan, who came to support his daughter’s boyfriend, shared:
“This is my first time seeing a competition, it’s a lot more fun than just watching people practice. There are climbers of all different abilities here. You just need to go to the wall and send it.”
New staff members Colton Boyer and Brian Lin reflected on being on the other side of the competition this semester:
“The biggest transition was going from participating to now being able to give that opportunity to others,” said Lin.
Boyer added, “Working with new climbers at all levels has been super cool. Seeing people cheer when someone makes a big climb, it’s awesome.”Long-time staff members Carmie Lilly and Josh Stepner agreed this semester’s event was especially meaningful:
“It’s really fun to see climbers I’ve watched go from never climbing before to sending some of the hardest stuff on the wall,” said Lilly.
Stepner, who has worked six competitions, added, “I’m sad I won’t be here for the new wall opening, but I’m proud of the culture we’ve built, it’s ready for what’s next.”
