News & Events

Colgate’s Outdoor Education Program reached new heights last week as the first annual climbing competition took place at the Angert Family Climbing Wall.

Brett Zefting, assistant outdoor education director, who is new to Colgate this year, planned the event to raise awareness about the climbing wall.

Christian Rathkopf '10 takes part in the competition at the Angert Family Climbing Wall. (Photo by Timothy Sofranko)

“I want people to know that it’s here,” he explained. 

The event’s strong turnout indicates that his hopes will likely be fulfilled.

“We had about fifty students turn up, a little over half of which were from Colgate. The others came from places as far as Portland, Maine, or Saratoga Springs, New York,”  said Zefting.

Zefting was able to attract such a large crowd on Jan. 24 by advertising the competition at various other climbing events and locations.  

“I heard about the event at my school’s climbing wall,” said Stephen Laycock, a junior at Hamilton College who placed first in the men’s intermediate category.  “It was great. There were lots of great people.”

Christian Rathkopf ’10 said the competition was able to appeal to climbers of varying degrees of skill.

This allowed climbers, like Rathkopf, who have been actively climbing for years, to participate alongside people, such as Westley Reed ’09, who were simply there for the experience.

All participants were competing for prizes that were donated by several sponsors.

“Mammut was a big supporter. Colgate Outdoor Education and Bufo also provided some prizes. Red Bull wasn’t a sponsor, but they passed out energy drinks,” said Zefting.

The event turned out to be a great success, largely due to Zefting’s enthusiasm for the sport. “It gets me out of the office,” he joked.

The Angert Family Climbing Wall is located on the third floor of Huntington Gym. It is open Monday through Thursday 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.