Utah Students Compete for “Top Boulderer” Title at Westminster’s 2nd Annual Intercollegiate Climbing Competition

Students from Westminster, University of Utah, Weber State University and Utah State University compete to be the best college climber

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Krista DeAngelis (801) 832-2682

Nov. 13, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY – Using precision, skill and strength, Utah college students will once again scale a portion of Westminster’s 46-foot climbing wall to compete for the title of “top boulderer” during the second annual intercollegiate climbing wall competition November 17.

Last year, students from the University of Utah took home the top climber bragging rights in both the men’s and women’s categories – but this year may be a different story. Teams from Westminster College, Utah State University, Weber State University and the University of Utah will battle it out to take home the top honors, as well as a pair of Mad Rock climbing shoes.

Liz Rogers, director of Westminster’s outdoor recreation program, explained that climbers will compete on the college’s 46-foot climbing wall, and will be judged on a style called “bouldering” – an un-roped ascent which will finish at around the 15-foot mark. During the qualifying round, competitors will try to accumulate the highest point total they can, with values based on difficulty and fewest falls, not speed. The highest scoring climbers will then proceed to the finals where they will have to navigate new, more challenging routes.

“This year’s climbing competition should be an exciting event,” said Rogers. “There will be some healthy rivalries, but it’s all in good fun. We enjoy hosting this competition to create camaraderie between the schools, regardless of who the winner is.”

Media interested in covering the competition can contact Krista DeAngelis at (801) 505-3213. The event will take place in the Dolores Dore Eccles Health, Wellness, and Athletic Center from 6 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 17, 2009.

Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information visit http://www.westminstercollege.edu or follow @WestminsterSLC or @WestminsterPR on Twitter.