Rock climbing helps students reach new heights

Since its creation in 2015, the ARC’s rock wall has been a favorite among students, giving participants a chance to experience something new. Campus Rec
has created various programs based on the interest to help students pursue their newfound hobbies.

Hundreds of students have participated in the programs, including rock-climbing trips and individual lessons.

Clayton Shaw, Utah State’s student climbing manager, has been a big part of the scene for years now, pushing climbers to have fun and succeed. He leads various
events for the campus community.

“Utah State offers trips, academic classes, clinics and courses and club sports all related to climbing. Our trips and academic classes are a good introduction to climbing and let people acquire the baseline knowledge and skill and then our clinics and courses are an opportunity to learn more if climbing is something you want to pursue on your own,” Shaw wrote in an email to The Utah Statesman.

Shaw has seen both new and experienced climbers alike grow as people and athletes.

“Some students take to it pretty quickly, but a lot of students have to work a little to make it up their first route. I especially enjoy the overnight trips because I can watch students go from having zero experience at the start of the trip to really being excited about it after a couple days of climbing,” Shaw wrote.

These excursions are beginner-friendly but still allow experienced climbers to take on tough challenges.

“We try to set up routes with a wide range of difficulty, but we always make sure there are options that are accessible for those that might not have climbed before,” he wrote. “We spend most of the remaining time on the rock belaying or climbing, but the trip leaders are always happy to answer any climbing related questions in addition to what we teach as part of the trip.”

Some students take this hobby and pursue it outside of USU’s programs. Shaw knows many students who have taken rock climbing to the next level.

“My favorite thing is to see people from past trips when I’m out and about climbing on my own time,” Shaw wrote. “It’s cool to see people try something brand
new and just run with it like that.”

USU student Ben Verdejo has enjoyed being able to use Utah State’s rock-climbing equipment and programs.

“I’ve been climbing here for three years. I just show up and climb, but they have a team and social nights too,” Verdejo said.

The program has helped him become more comfortable at Utah State while introducing him to a whole new community.

“I just think it’s fun. It gets me moving and I meet people,” Verdejo said. “I’ve made plenty of friends.”

Students who have never tried the sport before are finding new ways to become part of an Aggie family. Maggie Edwards, a first-time climber, is excited for the opportunities it’ll bring.

“I think it’s amazing. Recreation programs like this help with the academic side and social life of college,” Edwards said. “I’m always open to making friends!”

Students who are interested in climbing can visit the rock wall at the ARC. They can gain climbing experience, get information about upcoming excursions or register for classes.