Rock and Rumble climbing competition Feb. 14, 2011. Photo by Shannon Christy.
Western Carolina University’s annual “Rock n’ Rumble” bouldering competition is ready to rock the spring of 2019. The competition, hosted by Basecamp Cullowhee, is held at WCU’s Campus Recreation Center (CRC) climbing wall on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and will feature expert and amateur rock climbers from across the region.
Rock n’ Rumble is a USAC Collegiate Climbing Series sanctioned event open to college climbers from anywhere in the United States and of any ability level. The competition is split into three groups based on skill level: novice, intermediate, and expert. The event is a flash type competition where competitors are given an obstacle and are judged by how many attempts are taken to clear the obstacle. As a bouldering event, the climbers will be competing on a lower section of the campus rock wall without wearing safety ropes or harnesses.
The associate director for outdoor programs at WCU, Jeremiah Haas, says he expects competition for 2019 to be fierce with a myriad of entrants. “We’ve seen numbers as high as 80 climbers before, and this year should be close with us expecting around 75 so far.”
WCU climbers may have home turf here, but the competition is coming from all across the Southeast with high scores expected from schools like Appalachian State and Warren Wilson.
While most competitors will be members of their University’s climbing club, the competition is open to any college student with a USA Climbing Competitor Membership to join the action. Registration for the competition can be done in advance at myrec.wcu.edu or at the CRC in the Adventure Shop for $25 until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. Day-of registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in the CRC and can be done until 1 p.m. for $35.
