This league featured both an Elementary and Middle School division. Four teams in each division competed over 10 weeks culminating in a final event to see which teams would claim their division title.

Going into the final competition two teams (one from each division) were undefeated: the Stonehill Chocolates Cocoa Bombs and The Train Station Outlaws. The Cocoa Bombs faced off against the Kinzua Vet Clinic Bulls and the Outlaws battled the Whirley Tornadoes.

The Elementary Division contest was exciting. The Stonehill Chocolates team was so dominant during the regular season that everyone was surprised to find them trailing the Kinzua Vet Clinic team in the second period. However, the Bulls’ lead would diminish by the time the third period began, and strong performances by Ruth Sienkiewicz, Jaxon Moore and Connor Spear propelled the Cocoa Bombs into the lead. With the final score: Stonehill Chocolates 372 and the Kinzua Vet Clinic 336, the Cocoa Bombs claimed the Elementary Division title.

The Middle School Division teams wrapped up the season with a bang. Both Whirley and The Train Station teams came out swinging. The first and second period were a barrage of scores.

The Elementary Division champions were the Stonehill Chocolates Cocoa Bombs. Pictured, from left, are: Coach Chari Spear, Connor Spear, Jaxon Moore, Raiden Moore, Mary Anderson, Coach Matt Moore and Ruth Sienkiewicz. Dash Enos is absent. Submitted photo

Typically, it is midway through the second period before all of the climbers have scored on the standard three boulders, so it is usually late in the second period when things start to “heat up.” Not for this match. Climbers were making quick work of the boulders and the scoreboard was very much in play early in the match. However, the lead switched back and forth regularly which inspired the climbers to push themselves even harder.

By the time the third period was in full swing the everchanging scoreboard was mesmerizing. First, the Tornadoes were up by 1, then the Outlaws were up by 3, then the Tornadoes were up again by 4, but moments later they were down by 1. And then it was tied. It was the most exciting match of the season. There were so many scores in the last five minutes that once the meet clock hit zero the scores had to be manually confirmed. It was a suspenseful finish. When the dust settled, it was the Whirley Tornadoes that pulled off the upset, outscoring The Train Station Outlaws 508-497. Nearly all of the climbers had personal best 3-Boulder Averages. It was an exceptional performance for both teams. The Train Station’s Razzlin Pratz and Finley LaVigne had high scores for the Outlaws with 38.3 and 29.7 3BA, respectively. Whirley’s top climbers were Avery Woldt (32.7 3BA) and Wesley Hornstrom (30.0 3BA).

After the champions were crowned, three Elementary Division climbers and three Middle School Division climbers were recognized for their individual achievements. For the Elementary, Eliza Hellman was Rookie of the Year with an impressive 20.2 3-Boulder Average; Lincoln Myers was the Most Improved Climber; and Isaac Myler was the MVP with a season-high 28.1 3BA. For the Middle School climbers, Lottie Curtis was the Rookie of the Year with a 23.8 3BA; Bo Winkels was the Most Improved Climber; and Riley Littlefield was the MVP with an impressive 35.8 3BA.

It was a fantastic winter series, and a great way to kick off the 2026 Warren Youth Climbing Season. Next up will be a new Junior High Division. This program is already underway, and the first meet is scheduled for March 30.