'In a Blender' Climbing Meet Showcases Wall

Author: Ben Wessler

Middlebury's annual In a Blender climbing competition was held Saturday at the Nelson Arena Climbing Wall. This competition, part of the Northeast College Climbing Competition Circuit, drew some of the best climbers and pitted them against one of the region's greatest climbing walls. Middlebury student organizers were working for weeks to set routes and boulder problems that would challenge all climbing abilities. "We have a wide range of routes at this comp," said competition organizer Victor Guzik '04. "Everyone, regardless of their climbing ability, can be challenged and have fun."

The goal of this competition, held early in the spring semester of each year, was to give college climbers a chance to meet and climb with their peers. "The idea is that we bring them all together, mix them up and have them climb. We put them 'In a Blender'," said organizer Michelle Long '04. The atmosphere is laid back and the energy high. Omnipresent techno beats hook everyone including bystanders. Here competitors have the opportunity to get vertical on a brand new wall in an electric atmosphere. It seems that in the end no one cares who wins or who loses, because students come to climb. Scoring and rankings are almost trivial. This year over 65 competitors came to Middlebury from schools located all over the northeast. The University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth, Skidmore, Colgate, The University of Vermont, Williams, Colby and St. Michael's College were some of the institutions at this year's event.

This competition is designed to have something for everyone. Regardless of one's climbing ability there are routes to try. Competitors are divided into three skill levels; beginner, intermediate,and advanced, and prizes are awarded to the finishers in each category. Everyone went home happy, because with a nominal entrance fee they climbed on what they described as "a remarkable wall,"enjoyed all the pizza and bagels they could eat and received a locally-designed competition T-shirt.

Middlebury's students do not compete in the In a Blender competition but instead host. Students belay the competitors and give instruction and information about how to climb certain routes. Such favors and hospitality are reciprocated at the competitions held at other schools throughout the year. Middlebury's climbers are a talented group and do quite well on the college circuit. As a school Middlebury has finished first or second in every competition that it has entered. It has a strong climbing tradition, excellent nearby rock climbing in the Adirondacks and a new tremendous indoor wall, that will keep this community strong for years to come.

Middlebury's new wall was a sight to be seen on Saturday and it was quite clear that the time and energy that went into the creation of this structure were both well spent. The new wall, according to climber Jeff Wetter '04.5, is one of the nicest walls on which he has ever climbed. The new facility drew competitors from all around and delivered an unforgettable and amazing competition.