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Goat Fort climbers compete in Akron, Ohio

Submitted photo Elodie Criswell was one of the 12 Goat Fort Thundering Herd climbers who competed in Akron, Ohio, last weekend.

Twelve climbers from The Goat Fort Thundering Herd Climbing Team in Warren traveled to Akron, Ohio, this weekend to compete in their first USA Climbing competition of the fall bouldering season.

The goal of the qualifying season is to earn a spot at the regional championships in January.

This first event at Rock Mill in Akron was in the classic redpoint format. There were nearly 50 boulder problems. They varied in style and difficulty, and each was assigned a point value. Points were only earned if the boulder was completed. There was no partial credit. There were three hours to climb, and each athlete’s total score was the sum of their top five highest boulders that they completed. This type of competition is fun as there are so many climbs to choose from. However, it can also be overwhelming. With so many options it can be difficult to know when to spend their limited time and energy.

Experience was key this weekend. Goat Fort veterans Lily White, Natalie Muntz, Grant Criswell, Coleman Miller, Elodie Criswell and Nina Harrington all finished in the top 10. Coleman Miller finished seventh, Nina Harrington was eighth and Natalie Muntz was 10th. The other three athletes finished in the top three earning a place on the podium: Grant Criswell was first, and Elodie Criswell and Lily White were both third.

A top-10 finish bodes well for their chances to qualify for regionals, so these climbers are off to a good start.

Submitted photo Lane Morrison was one of the 12 Goat Fort Thundering Herd climbers who competed in Akron, Ohio, last weekend.

The Herd is back on the road this Saturday. This time they are heading to Iron City Boulders in Pittsburgh for another USAC Qualifier. This is an important event. Athletes are ranked based on their top two qualifying scores and with only three events on the calendar our athletes have limited opportunities to improve their ranking.

Natalie Muntz was one of the 12 Goat Fort Thundering Herd climbers who competed in Akron, Ohio, last weekend.

Submitted photo Alivia Glotz competed with the Goat Fort Thundering Herd climbers in Akron, Ohio, this weekend.

Submitted photo Nina Harrington competed with the Goat Fort Thundering Herd climbers in Akron, Ohio, this weekend.

Submitted photo Owen Ash competed with the Goat Fort Thundering Herd climbers in Akron, Ohio, this weekend.

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