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Alison
Fosbenner | The Appalachian |
Sophomore Crystal Bolick
climbs a rock wall. Many Appalachian students have shown
insterest in rock climbing for recreation.
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by Alison Fosbenner
Intern Writer
While attempting the project, a nearby friend gives beta about
the crux up ahead, the problem is filled with crimp after
crimp, into some jugs, allowing an easier grasp on the rock.
Traversing the rock becomes more and more difficult, until
finally: the top out.
As the weather warms up, students will grab their gear and
head out into the wilderness to scamper up a rock or boulder.
Rock climbing, in its many forms, has become increasingly
popular. Top roping, sport climbing, bouldering and traditional
climbing are some of the main types of climbing with their
own different characteristics.
Around campus, bouldering – which involves climbing
ropeless from the ground to the top of a boulder – is
popular among Appalachian State University students. This
method is cheaper, compared to the others, because a crash
pad and climbing shoes are all that is needed.
“Climbing is just fun,” junior chemistry major
Jason B. Crumpton said. “It makes you realize that you
can overcome obstacles if you try.”
Eager students, who have a deep-rooted passion for rock climbing,
like Crumpton, established the Appalachian State Climbing
Coalition (ASCC) last semester.
Crumpton, who is also the president of the recent ASCC, said
the intentions of the club are meant to extend a network of
people and offer a gathering for discussions, media use such
as videos of climbing, and group climbing excursions.
His personal expectations were to get students with a common
interest together on campus.
Since the university officially recognized the club, 20 members
have shown interest and joined. Five of the members are female.
“Not many chicks get involved in climbing,” said
Crystal J. Bolick, sophomore international business major.
“It’s a great sport, if you have the determination,
patience and dedication, because it can be physically strenuous.”
Bolick, who started climbing last fall, said the greater ratio
of guys to girls is an advantage.
Crumpton began climbing during his freshman year at Appalachian,
after his roommate, Stephen A. Shaw, got him into the sport.
On a snowy day, the two went on an Outdoor Programs climbing
trip.
After two years of climbing, Crumpton has traveled to many
climbing locations. His favorite is Rumbling Bald in Asheville.
“I like the environment up there,” Crumpton said.
“It’s very beautiful and the quality of the problems
is high.”
For these students, rock climbing becomes more than just a
physical activity.
“Once you climb something you’ve worked on for
a long time, there is a sense of accomplishment” Shaw,
a junior accounting major, said.
“To me, climbing is life. It’s what I love to
do,” said sophomore Dan R. Lawrence, member of the Appalachian
State Climbing Coalition. “I have become obsessed with
climbing. It’s real easy to catch the bug.”
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