In the past, the regional championships were held on the second weekend in January. USAC has extended the 2025-26 season. Climbers are used to wrapping up early in January. However, this year, they are nearing the end of January and still in the thick of the qualifiers. With four qualifying events in the books there are still two left to determine the athletes that have earned their place at the regional championships later this March.

This past Saturday, the Thundering Herd traveled to Akron, Ohio, to compete. The event was packed. Some categories had over 30 competitors, and due to the nature of the ranking, the more climbers in a group the harder it was to earn ranking points. The goal for this event was a top-10 finish. Competition was fierce as many of the region’s top athletes were in attendance. Nevertheless, it was another successful outing. Six of Goat Fort’s climbers were in the top 10 and one not far behind in 15th.

Lily White and Elodie Criswell placed fourth, Natalie Muntz was seventh, Grant Criswell and Eloise Harrington were ninth, Neola Harrington was 10th and Coleman Miller was 15th.

Most of the team can relax a bit as they have unofficially almost certainly secured their invite to the regional championships.

Lily White

As such, the Thundering Herd will likely skip the last two qualifying events and enjoy a brief break before they begin to prepare for the postseason.