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THE VISTA
November 21, 1991
Brothers 'climb' to success By Penny Owen
Staff Writer Two brothers emerged from the decade of greed; one with a bachelors degree in finance, the other with a bachelors in marketing. Their next move was not to Wall Street however, nor was it with Hunt-Wesson Foods. Instead it was to a refurbished racquetball court on the North end of Oklahoma City. Andrew and William Hunzicker got the idea of opening up the Summit Rock Gym after spending a few years hoisting themselves across slopes in both the United States and Europe for fun and competition. About a year ago they spotted a trend in indoor climbing and set out to carve out a chunk of what they consider to be a lucrative market. "They're popping up everywhere," said William Hunzicker. "It's just a fun way to work out. What we call it is sport climbing." Three years ago, only one indoor rock-climbing gym existed. Ast summer the number climbed to 50 and today that number has doubled. In August, after the brothers rented a racquetball court in the downstairs far corner of the Santa Fe Club at N.W. 63rd and Santa Fe, they spent the next month tex-
turing the 30-foot walls, installing metal protrusions for hand and foot holds, and printing brochures to lure in anybody seeking a thrill and a workout. Besides the fact that Andrew's wife is from Oklahoma City, the Hunzickers chose this site because there is no regional competitor for indoor rock-climbing. But this facility, which opened its doors in September, has 4,000 square feet of prime scaling territory, including angled sections and climbing levels that range from beginners to advanced. No experience is necessary because rock climbing instruction is available, for a price. The admission fee, however, includes a basic run-through on rock-climbing techniques and takes about a half an hour. Before scaling begins, a climber must know how to 'belay,' which is controlling the rope connected to the climber, and how to tie the right knots. "People have to pass a test before they climb," said William Hunzicker. "They don't just walk in and pay." Some do, however, if they're savvy enough with the ascent. Brian Jung said he has chosen the rock gym over a Friday night on the town many times. "I've done skateboarding, bicycling, but about three years ago a
friend of mine introduced me to rock climbing," said Jung. "I fell in love." Jung, clad in spandex and special rock-climbing shoes, tests himself out on a 5.10 climb, which means ascending on hand and foot holds about the size of a nail head. In the wake of his climb is a mist of sand that sprinkles any onlookers. Jung makes it look easy, but watching his counterpart, Kevin McCarthy, make several false starts at the same level, reveals the expertise required. Left behind is a bit of blood on the wall and some frustration, but McCarthy takes another stab at it and, this time, succeeds. On hand to belay is Jung, who hollers encouragement and instructions as McCarthy meticulously clambers upward. Hunzicker yells that he may have loosened some of the hand holds, so they may spin around when he steps on them. But, of course, he's kidding. Because all climbers are connected to the belay ropes, the risk of injury from a fall is minimal. As he speaks, two more people walk in and curiously scan the abstract surroundings within. "Any outdoor climbing is a minimum of 90 miles away," said Jung. "So when you can't go there, you can do this." V
CHRISTMAS IS FOR CHILDREN Give Your Child or Grandchild The Experience of this CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
IT'S TIME FOR ADVENTURE! We teach adventure in a class we call learning to fly.
But you'll call it fun. Because when it comes right down to it, fun is what flying is all about. Flying can make more fun possible for you, too. With rental aircraft widely available at affordable rates, you can go to more places where the fun is, more often. Think of the great getaways you could plan to escape the pressures of making the grade. Think about how much mileage you could get out of a pilot's license in that career you're planning. Now think about coming to see us. And start an adventure that will last a lifetime. CRABTREE AIRCRAFT CO. INC. GUTHRIE, OK
405/282-4250
Performed By Children and Young People
SCROOGE Adapted and Directed by Brenda Young Director, Children's Division
TIIEA7'RE OKLAHOMA, INC. -
COMING DECEMBER 13, 14, 15 Stars Theatre LINCOLN PLAZA HOTEL
4445 N. Lincoln Blvd Three DINNER Performances
plus Three PERFORMANCES ONLY ** No Meal Served ** CALL DIRECT LINE FOR DETAILS AND RESERVATIONS All Major Credit Cards Accepted 528-4664 528.4664 528-4664 528-4664
Brian Jung tests himself on a 5.10 climb at the Summit Rock Gym. (Photo by Mike Simons)
OPERA BRILLIANCE From the Metropolitan Opera to the Paris, London, and Vienna Operas, Martina Arroyo comes to the University of Central Oklahoma in a special benefit performance.
IN RECITAL
Miss Arroyo will perform selections from some of the world's most beloved operas. Recital proceeds will benefit students in the Opera and Music Theatre Divisions of the UCO Music Department. Tickets are available at the Mitchell Hall Box Office. $20 or free with valid UCO ID. No reservations nor general admission seating. Call 341-2980 ext. 2513 for ticket information.
Saturday, November 23, 8:00, Mitchell Hall Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.
RECEPTION
Your ticket to the benefit recital admits you to a reception honoring Miss Arroyo. The Seasons Inn, southeast of UCO on Second Street, following the recital.
MASTER CLASSES
Sit in on a session with Miss Arroyo as she critiques UCO's most promising opera talent. Admission is $5 per session, free with valid UCO ID.
Sunday, November 24, 12:00 or 2:30,
Mitchell Hall Theatre. Call 341-2980 ext. 2513 for ticket information.
