Climbers set to compete

   Staff members at the UREC’s Rock Climbing Wall are preparing for the 5th Annual Rock Climbing Competition on April 2 to test climbers of all skills. “It’s a lot like a puzzle with your body,” UREC worker Grant Hill said. To prepare for the competition the entire Climbing Gym was closed from March 25 to April 1. Workers washed the tower and boulder wall. All of the current routes and problems are removed and replaced with brand new routes that have not been seen before.“10 to 20 tower routes and about 20 boulder problems are set up,” UREC worker Barrett Pace said.
   Registration for the ARCC began on March 1 with a price of $5 for ASU students, $10 for UREC Pass Holders and $15 for the rest of the community to participate. After March 31 the fee increases $5 for everyone. Competitors can still register on the day of competition.“We usually have 25 to 50 participants,” Pace said.
   There are three men’s and women’s divisions: recreational, intermediate and advanced.“We invite everyone to come out even if you’ve only climbed once or have never climbed,” Pace said.Check-in will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a welcome speech at 10:45 a.m. Open climb will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this time, climbers will have to complete a mixed format of climbs.
   Competitors are required to climb at least two tower routes, two boulder problems and one of the climber’s choice.All the climbers will be ranked based on point value of each route or problem. The harder the climb, the more points they can get. The UREC workers will then tally up the score cards to determine the finals bracket. 
   Finals will begin at 5 p.m. where the top three men and women in each division will compete against each other. The final three will have one attempt to climb as high as possible.Awards and door prizes will be at 6 p.m. “It’s a lot of fun to find out who the better climber is and who has the better climbing style,” Hill said. Throughout the event music and healthy snacks will be served. “I am excited to see how it goes,” UREC worker Chelsea McGinns said.