Four Warren athletes were in attendance: Lily White, Natalie Muntz, and sisters Neola and Eloise Harrington. The format for this qualifier was different from the season opener in Cincinnati a few weeks back. For this event, each category — based on age and gender — had a different set of four boulder problems (climbing challenges). This was made more difficult because each climber only had four minutes to climb each boulder.

For each boulder, athletes had to figure out how to do each climb, and execute the moves to earn points. There were three scoring holds per climb: a low zone worth 5 points, a zone worth 10 points, and the top [finish] worth 25 points. With this format, however, athletes also needed to be laser-focused — managing their attempts, energy and time. Often climbers would run out of time, or just need a little more rest to be able to execute the moves. In either case, their score would suffer. In addition, more attempts would result in a lower total as there was a 0.1 point deduction for failed attempts preceding a score.

The Warren athletes did not disappoint. They all climbed hard, and all four placed in the top 10. The Female U17 category presented four very hard climbs, and most of the field could not manage even one top. White, however, did secure a top, and scored on all four climbs earning her a second-place finish. For the Female U15 category, Muntz was able to secure a top, a zone, and a low zone, elevating her to a ninth-place finish. Sisters Neola and Eloise Harrington both had multiple tops and scored on all four of their boulders earning them a fourth and 10th place, respectively.

The purpose of these qualifying events is to earn a place at the USA Climbing Youth Regional Championships next spring. Athletes will be ranked according to their top two performances at qualifying events. Each of these four girls have scored exceptionally well for their first two events, and though it is much too early to tell, their efforts have put them in a very favorable position for earning a place at the regional championships.

Submitted photo Goat Fort Thundering Herd climber Lily White competed in a USA Climbing qualifying event in Mishawaka, Ind., on Saturday.

Goat Fort has a six-week break before the next qualifying event. The Goat Fort Thundering Herd will be back in action in Pittsburgh on Dec. 13.

Submitted photo Goat Fort Thundering Herd climber Natalie Muntz competed in a USA Climbing qualifying event in Mishawaka, Ind., on Saturday.

Submitted photo Goat Fort Thundering Herd climber Neola Harrington competed in a USA Climbing qualifying event in Mishawaka, Ind., on Saturday.