Want to see some of the best bouldering athletes from around the state compete in a winner-take-all event? Now’s your chance as Utah students will converge on Westminster College in a fierce climbing competition to find out who is the “Best Boulderer” in the state. Schools from all over Utah will be represented at the 4th annual Intercollegiate Climbing Competition, including the University of Utah, Utah State, BYU, Weber State and Salt Lake Community College.
The climbing battle will happen on Westminster College’s 46-foot tall climbing wall as competitors use their balance and strength to pull themselves 15 feet up the wall via bouldering problems. Scores will be based on points earned on the difficulty of routes ascended by the climbers and the number of falls taken.
According to Westminster College, rock climbing has become extremely popular on college campuses around Utah with competitive teams even forming at Westminster and Weber State. In this particular competition, a friendly rivalry has started between University of Utah students and other schools as the Utes have taken the top spot in both the men’s and women’s competition the past three years.
Liz Rogers, director of Westminster’s outdoor recreation program, says, “It’s an exciting event and great opportunity for student climbers to showcase the physical and mental strength gained through climbing.”
The 4th Annual Intercollegiate Climbing Competition happens on Tuesday, November 15 at the Dolores Dore Eccles Health, Wellness, and Athletic Center. The event is free and the public is welcome to come and watch the action unfold. Qualifying rounds will begin at 5 p.m. After the initial round, the highest scoring climbers will proceed to the finals, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.
For more flavor, check out this video from Park City Television covering a previous competition:
For more information, visit www.westminstercollege.edu