The Goat Fort Thundering Herd Climbing Team competed Rock Mill Climbing in Akron, Ohio, on Saturday, Nov. 20, with several climbers finishing in the top eight in their divisions.

“Eleven young athletes were in attendance,” Coach Dana Harrington said. “This was their last competition of the regular season.”

Good results could win climbers invitations to the Regional Championships.

“Our athletes have been steadily improving this season, and this was our best result yet.”

Photo submitted to Times Observer Adelaide Keeports of the Goat Fort Thundering Herd Climbing Teams tackles a problem at Rock Mill Climbing in Akron, Ohio.

Marshall and Neola Harrington were competing for the first time.

“Marshall (20th — male youth D) and Neola (fifth — female youth D) tackled their boulders with confidence and achieved a great first result,” Harrington said. “In only their second competition, Kinzlea Chase (24th — female youth B) and Eloise Harrington (eighth — female youth D) both improved upon their first outing.”

“Our veteran climbers: Isaac Sheldon, Lily ‘Smalls’ White, Chase Long, Natalie Muntz, and Henry and Audrey Gillies, who have already posted great results this season, were on form,” he said. “Finally, Adelaide Keeports, in her first year of competition climbing, provided the highlight of the weekend. Adelaide made quick work of her first two boulders, earning two tops in only three tries. Then, she faced a difficult climb that many other climbers had struggled with. Unlike most of the other climbers, Adelaide climbed it on her first try. This rocketed her up the rankings. She nearly topped a fourth boulder and ultimately earned an 8th place finish – by far her best finish to date.”

Harrington said he hopes the results earn Keeports, Sheldon (ninth — male youth A), White (fifth — female youth C), Long (seventh — male youth D), Muntz (sixth — female youth D), Audrey Gillies (fourth — female youth D), and Henry Gillies (12th — male youth C) spots at regionals.

The Herd, which practices at Goat Fort Indoor Climbing in Warren, will watch for results from the final regular season event Saturday, Dec. 3, in Chicago, to see final standings.

“The Goat Fort Team has performed well this season and we expect to be sending most of The Herd to the Regional Championships in January,” Harrington said.