Welcome back, climbers!

After several years of absence, Drury’s rock climbing team, DU Climb, has been resurrected by sophomore Matt Harrison.

According to their mission statement, “DU Climb is geared toward building a community with competitive and uplifting attitudes.”

The community aspect was emphasized by senior member Allyson Dougherty, who is the group’s head of public relations. She talked of gathering 20 members or more for the team.

“There is [a competition] coming up in November,” said Dougherty.

The group hopes to be ready to participate by then. To accomplish this, they’ll need to practice their skills at top rope and bouldering.

Skills to learn

Top rope is an important area to practice when it comes to rock climbing. It is when the climber is strapped into a harness and climbs with someone holding the ropes in case they fall. Safety in this area is crucial.

“We’ll get people that are pulley certified,” said Dougherty.

Pulley certification is similar to CPR certification; you can perform it without the certification, but experts recommend you have certified individuals manning the ropes. Climbers often feel more confident and safer when in trained hands.

Bouldering is a form of free climbing in which the climber ascends a wall that pushes their back toward the ground. This builds strength and is one of the most difficult activities in the sport. However, the team must master it in order to compete.

Dougherty explained, “Bouldering and top rope kind of go hand in hand. Without learning [both], you can’t go out and go on trips and try [competitions].”

(Zenith Climbing Center. Photo via Jacob Maher.)

Join the team

Practice is required of club members to ensure the group is prepared. DU Climb hopes to offer a minimum of one lesson per week at Zenith Climbing Center.

Zenith is a climbing gym in Springfield, Mo. located at 3534 E Sunshine Street. It offers top rope and bouldering practice in a safe environment. The owners are excited to have the opportunity to host a collegiate level climb team.

If interested, don’t hesitate to contact either Harrison at (417) 827-0481 or Dougherty at (417) 689-2579. The group will be offering lessons soon, and you can attend a lesson for free before paying dues.

Written by Jacob Maher.