“Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.” ~ Augustine
Coaches: Melissa Leapley, Stephanie Sanburn, Lars Richards, and Jeremy Wall
Front Range Christian School launched its rock climbing team in 2010. The FRCS Rock Climbing Team exists to challenge junior/senior high students through the feats of scaling rocks and to provide an alternative physical education choice during basketball season.
Rock climbing is a full body workout that teaches the students both strength and movement. Not only will it put your muscles through great challenges, climbing is also a mental challenge in focus and overcoming obstacles. Climbing is great team sports that can not be done alone; you have to have the trust and support of others in order to grow as a climber. One of the best parts about climbing is it is a lifelong sport that can be enjoyed all around the world. Climbing overall is thrilling and allows the student to push themselves in ways never thought possible as well as take them to some of God’s most beautiful spots in nature.
The team trains on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday with weekend options from November – February. After February, students may continue to climb if they wish, turning their focus to the outdoors.
Climbing Christianly
Why do we climb?
Many climbers pursue the sport because they love sitting in awe of the outdoors. For others, it is the adrenaline of the climb that entices them. Some climb because the culture of community within climbing is incredibly fulfilling. Still others just like the sense of adventure that comes with climbing.
But why ought we climb? And what could it look like to climb Christianly?
Or, asked by way of different questions: what can we learn about ourselves through rock climbing? How can we engage the climbing culture to reflect Christ? How can we serve through rock climbing?
We are excited to wonder together.
Thoughts from Mr. Spector, FRCS Rock Climbing Chaplain
Practices run Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:15-6:45pm. At least one FRCS coach is present at the climbing gym each day of practice.
Van transportation is provided by FRCS on Mondays. All other days, students are responsible for meeting at the climbing gym by 3:45pm for instructions from the coach.
Option 1: Competitive Level Times
This option is for students who would compete in the American Scholastic Climbing League competitions as well as local, public comps in their age category. Varsity climbers are encouraged to be at practice Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:15-6:45pm.
Option 2: Leisure Level Times
Those who are participating recreationally can join us on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 3:15-6:45pm. Students at this level must let instructors know they plan on joining the week before each week’s outing. Optional trips will be scheduled on Friday and weekends. Come and just climb with us, it’s addicting!
Season
The climbing season runs November through February. There may also be field trips in the spring on outdoor rock.
Competitions
FRCS competitive climbers will join the American Scholastic Climbing League – Denver Northwest region.
Varsity climbers must register at https://www.climbtheleague.org/.
Season competitions are held from November through February at various gyms around the Front Range. These competitions determine which students qualify for the State Final, which is held at the end of February.
22/23 Competition ScheduleMovement Climbing Center
1050 W Hampden Ave
Englewood, CO 80110
303-242-3555
All students who join the club pay a $70 fee which covers transportation, team shirt, and FRCS sport fee. This fee should be paid to the front desk by check made payable to FRCS (please put “climbing team” on the notes line). In addition to the club fee, there are facilities fees as follows.
Option 1: Full Time; for those planning on climbing more than once a week
Student Membership: Initial membership fee is $49 and then $78 per month.
Option 2: Leisure Level; for those who won’t be climbing more than 4 times a month
- $26 Day Pass to Movement Climbing Center; can be paid at the time of each visit
- $161 Punch Pass for 7 visits
Option 3: Family Passes
- Monthly membership for families is $169 for the first two members and $30 for each additional family member under the age of 18. Get the whole family climbing!
Students can earn 0.25 of PE credit towards graduation requirements and for their transcript for rock climbing. In order to receive this credit, a student must be a dedicated member of the competitive climbing team, compete in at least three competitions, and compete at State either as a JV or Varsity team member.
Climbers who qualify and participate in State will also receive a Varsity Letter from FRCS.
We recommend students purchase their own harness, shoes, chalk, and chalk bag (great deals can be found at REI, Bent Gate, Sierra Trading Post, and Wilderness Exchange). PLEASE talk with a coach before you purchase; we can help with recommendations, fit, and deals.
What to Wear:
- On top: It’s really important that your shirt isn’t restrictive, but you also don’t want it to be too baggy. You don’t want it catching on any of the grips (rocks).
- Down low:Keep in mind that you’ll be wearing a harness, so if you wear shorts, make sure they’re either long enough to stay between your legs and the harness, or fitted enough that, if not held down by the harness, they won’t give your fans a show. You might want to consider pants for a little extra protection for your knees and shins, just in case you bump into grips on your climb. However, make sure you have a full range of motion — jeans are not recommended.
- Shoes: Actual rock climbing shoes make all the difference. You’ll have much more luck with these than with your sneakers.
- On your head: You want your hair out of your face because you might not have a free hand to move it out of your eyes near the top of the wall. Ladies, for safety reasons, please bring hair ties.
Food
It’s a good idea to bring some snacks and water to replenish yourself as you build an amazing physique. Trust us…afterwards you will be hungry.
FRCS vans provide transportation on Mondays and to competitions.
Personal vehicles and carpooling are needed for students who plan on climbing on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Students must adhere to the FRCS Athletic Department participation requirements. If a student has not completed an Athletic Packet for the current school year, please pick one up at the Jr/Sr High front office and complete it immediately (please be aware that a physical from a doctor is required).
All students or their parents must fill out a waiver for each gym that we use.
Eligibility: We follow FRCS guidelines for participation in club sports.