Jade Jimenez
When you walk into Skoglund and see the tall rock climbing wall, it might seem a little intimidating, especially if you are not a seasoned climber. Luckily there is a Climbing Club here on campus that welcomes all members, whether you have been climbing a million times, want to learn more, or are just getting started. With President Andrew Baker ’26 and Executive Team Members Ned Whipple ’28, Lizzie Elsenpeter ’27, and Agnes Barthel ’28, the club offers a welcoming space for people who love rock climbing.
When starting the club in October 2024, Baker wanted to have a space for St. Olaf’s climbers build community through their shared love of climbing.
“It would… be [an] opportunity to meet and climb with other Oles. It’s shocking how many people share an interest in a niche, but an increasingly popular sport like rock climbing,” Baker said in an interview with The Olaf Messenger. “Being able to discuss climbing during our meetings is usually the highlight of my Sunday.”
Weekly club meetings start off with announcements and stretching, and then go into free practice, where people are able to top rope climb or climb on the bouldering wall.
“This might include ‘projecting,’ which is repeatedly working a challenging route to eventually complete it in a single, ‘clean,’ ascent, a structured workout, technique lessons, or a climbing game,” Baker continued.
This year, the club will be offering a chance to compete around the Midwest in climbing competitions. By participating in the Midwest Climbing Series, members will have the chance to compete at rock climbing at schools like UW-River Falls and UW-Eau Claire. Participating in these competitions is not a required part of the club, but a new opportunity for those who are interested.
Club meetings take place on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Tostrud Climbing Wall. To get involved, reach them through email at [email protected] or follow the club’s Instagram @stolafclimbingclub.