TUESDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2015
Climbers reach new heights at Kato Krusher
INSIDE
MSU’s annual event lacks in turnout, soars in success.
NEWS:
ELLYN GIBBS Staff Writer On Sunday, Nov. 15, Minnesota State University, Mankato hosted its annual rock climbing competition, the Kato Krusher. The competitors were divided into four categories: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Open, and earned points toward victory by climbing routes within their level of difficulty. Gabe Olson was this year’s champion of the men’s open division, and Isabelle Shoemaker took first place in women’s advanced division (there were no female competitors in open this year). The competition also gave away numerous raffle prizes from Black Diamond, Mountain Khakis, Nicros, O’Keeffe’s Company, and MNSU. Because of schedule changes, this year’s Kato Krusher was less attended than 2014’s; however, this created a much more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere at the wall. The smaller crowd meant that the climbers always had available routes and belayers. There was also room to sprawl out and rest. Competitor Sami Foltz got a double wrist massage from a
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SPORTS: Photos by Trevor Cokley Climber Ellyn Gibbs makes her way up the rock climbing wall as part of a competition pitting climbers from around the state, Sunday during the Kato Krusher Event at Myers Field. couple free belayers as she sat on one of the crash pads between climbs. Even though rock climbing is an individually-based sport, the climbing community at MNSU still functions as a team. Even if they barely know a climber, they will shout, “Great job,” and “Don’t give up!” as they walk by or stand and spectate. Nearly every-
one is willing to give advice or offer help in whatever area a new climber might need. Sam Steiger, program coordinator of MNSU’s Adventure Education Program, runs the climbing walls and heads up the Krusher each year. “I love watching people climb. I like teaching people how to climb,” he said, “But I like our community. That’s what’s most important to me, is the community.” When a climber is on the wall, though, their success depends on them alone. The sport is most fulfilling when a climber sets personal goals and works to complete them. Each route is like a puzzle that needs to be solved, because balance, strength, and flexibility all play a part in ascending to the top. Sometimes a move requires twisting or stretching into strange shapes in order to gain the correct balance. Jordan Davis, who assisted with the Krusher and is also a regular at the MNSU climbing wall, explained the sport well: “Rock climbing’s more of a release for me […] It really makes me concentrate, so I’m able to be lost in the moment as well as physically and mentally pushing and challenging myself.” There is a lot of preparation required for a climbing competition. On the Thursday
night before, Steiger and other rock wall employees and volunteers began stripping the wall of its previously set routes and washing the holds and wall itself. They worked until around 2 a.m., only to return on Friday morning and begin route-setting. They worked late once again and finished up Saturday night around midnight before the competition. Hopefully they realize that the laughter, throbbing muscles, cheered encouragement, blistering hands and personal achievements that happened on Sunday made their labor worth every minute. The MNSU climbing wall is located in Myers Field House and is open to the public Sunday through Thursday evenings from 6-10 p.m. Students can climb and rent equipment for free, and a community member can purchase a day pass for $12 or save money by purchasing a 1, 4, 8, or 12 month pass. Official hours and pricing can be found on the MNSU Campus Recreation website: http:// www.mnsu.edu/adventure/ climbing/. If you’re a new climber, don’t be afraid to show up, learn the ropes, and begin training for next year’s Kato Krusher.
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A&E:
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INDEX: EDITORIAL...............4 SPORTS................. 11 A&E...........................15
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