Third Annual Boulder Smackdown
by Kathleen McCoy |
APU and UAA battle it out on indoor climbing wall
On Friday, March 9th, Alaska Pacific University (APU) will host the the 3rd Annual Boulder Smackdown -- the only annual competition between APU and neighboring University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).
Three years ago APU student, Sam Blake, came up with the idea to have a rock climbing competition between the two schools. It was out of the ordinary because, although they sit side by side, there isn't much formal contact between the students of both schools. APU only has one athletic team, the APU Nordic Ski Team, and so school rivalry through sports is difficult.
The Boulder Smackdown is held at the APU indoor climbing wall. Teams of three compete by completing routes on the wall which are given point values based on the difficulty of the climb. Several of the routes are "team routes" which means the team must complete them together. Last year, one "team route" involved two teammates climbing with their arms linked together, giving them 4 feet but only two hands to complete the traverse. Scores from the top three teams from each university are combined to determine which University gets to take home the trophy of a golden climbing shoe mounted on a 15 pound rock. UAA won it the first year and APU claimed the title the second year. This year it's anyone's game!
Over 100 participants and spectators are expected at the event this year along with "Moosey" the APU mascot. The competition is run by the APU Outdoor Recreation Program and sponsored by many national companies in the outdoor industry as well as many local companies. The total value of prizes donated to the event exceed $1,500 this year. The majority of these are given away as door prizes, to encourage participants of all skill levels to join in the fun. Participants also go home with a competition t-shirt, and food will be donated from Papa John's Pizza, Great Harvest Bread Company, and Alaska Bagel Company.
Details:
Event Time: 6:30 p.m., check-in for climbers starts at 5:30 p.m.
Event Location: APU Campus, lower level of Atwood Center
Cost: $28 per team of 3, Free for spectators
Registration: APU and UAA students, staff, and faculty can register on the APU Campus at the Moseley Sports Center or the Climbing Wall in the Atwood Center.
For more information: call 564-8292 or email op@alaskapacific.edu
The public is welcome to come as spectators!
Sponsors: Chaco Footwear, Smith Optics, Alyeska Ski Resort, PrAna, Osprey Packs, Petzel, Mountain
Hardwear, Papa John's Pizza, Rock & Ice Magazine, Metolius Climbing, Peter Glenn Sports,
Bear Tooth Theatre Pub, Great Harvest Bread Co., Snow City Café, Alpinist Magazine,
Kaladi Brothers Coffee, Alaska Bagel Co., REI, Alaska Rock Gym.
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