The team from Goat Fort in Warren traveled to Iron City Boulders in Pittsburgh to test their skills against the wall, and the other competitors in USA Climbing Region 62.

“We are still a very young team — in only our second season,” Coach Dana Harrington said. “Many of the climbers competing in these events have years of experience, and some have been climbing most of their lives. We met one twelve year old who has been climbing since he was five. And with over two hundred athletes competing, it can be very intimidating.

“Early nerves gripped some of our first-year climbers, but once they got a few attempts under their belts the butterflies settled,” Harrington said. “And just like that, they started finishing climbs. It was a full day of strategy and effort, and our athletes were mentally and physically exhausted. We are so proud of our team, and the results were fantastic.”

The team, in its second season of competition, sent 10 climbers to Pittsburgh. It was the first of five Region 62 qualifying events. A climber’s top two scores determine his or her ranking and whether or not that climber is invited to the Regional Championships. Region 62 includes a swath of the U.S. from Indianapolis to Morgantown, including Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Detroit.

Elodie Criswell finds her footing while climbing the wall. Photo submitted to Times Observer

Those who are ranked in the top 26 in their categories at the end of the season will be invited to regionals.

“After this first competition, our athletes are ranked as follows: Adelaide Keeports and Isaac Sheldon — 22, Henry Gillies — 14, Atreyu Laska — 13, Grant and Elodie Criswell — 12, Audrey Gillies – 10, Natalie Muntz — 9, Chase Long — 4, and Lily White — 1,” Harrington said. “Granted, this is only the first of five qualifying events and some of the region’s young athletes have not yet completed. Nevertheless, this is a fantastic result.”

Chase Long stretches out to ascend the wall. Photo submitted to Times Observer