The format was modified redpoint. In this competition, climbers attempted to climb 10 different boulder problems. Each problem was a climbing puzzle consisting of a unique array of modular holds arranged on a variety of differently angled walls, some of which force the athletes to literally climb on the ceiling.

Each problem was marked with scoring holds called “zones,” along with “tops,” which were used to score each climber’s progress. There was a great deal of physical and mental gymnastics involved. Climbers had to figure out where to place their hands and feet, and how to maneuver their bodies to not only stay on the wall, but also to make progress.

Competitors were allowed to retry each of the problems in an attempt to gain the most tops and zones as possible. However, there were nearly 100 athletes in each of the two sessions, all vying for their turn on each, so there was just as much strategy involved in deciding which climbs to try, how many times, and when.

Each climber had a three-hour window to climb, which is a long time to be at your best. They were physically and mentally exhausted. Following are the results:

Submitted Photo Lily Lindel

Male Youth A, Isaac Sheldon, 22nd, and Atreyu Laska 19th; Male Youth C, Henry Gillies, 21st; Male Youth D, Chase Long, 8th; Female Junior, Lily Lindel, 4th; Female Youth A, Sara Sokolski, 20th; Female Youth D, Lily White,12th, Natalie Muntz, 9th, and Audrey Gillies, 8th.

Some of the local competitors are positioned to qualify for the USA Climbing Regional competition this January.