Mount Monmouth

Scaling new heights in recreation

By Peter Krosjar
Courier Staff

Mount Monmouth is not Mt. Everest, but it the closest thing to an adventurous mountain climb.

Mount Monmouth , the rock climbing wall, is located at the Trotter Fitness Complex of The Huff Athletic Center. This rock-climbing wall stands 30 feet and is a great place to experience the challenge and rush of a good climb.

Rock climbing has become a popular sport. Rock climbing walls have brought the sport of climbing to many places and people who might never see a mountain, let alone climb one. Quite often, rock climbing has become popular in many public schools as a part of regular physical education curriculum. There, young students experience horizontal and vertical climbing.

Monmouth College , though, has taken rock climbing to new fitness levels. “It helps you get in shape and it builds one's strength and cardio,” said Molly McNamara, director of the wellness program. “It is an amazing workout!”

The rock climbing wall is located in the Trotter Fitness Complex and was built by the Elder Ado Wall Company of Colorado . Four men finished building the wall within about a week's time in October of 2003. The rock climbing wall was constructed with metal frames and then fastened up against the wall with a wooden structure. After that, a plaster was installed along with little rock-like stubs sticking out of the wall to simulate the wall climbing experience. The stubs provide holding and stepping support for climbers.

Both faculty and students are welcome to use the rock-climbing wall during Trotter Fitness Complex hours. Climbers of all sizes, ages and experience are welcome to join the adventure and the rock-climbing class. Once having passed the class and test, the adventurous can begin regular climbing attempts. Classes teach about climbing and its safety measures.

For the first day of class, the instructor has a ten to fifteen minute meeting with students who have experience with rock climbing. After the first meeting, the rest of their classes are all about climbing and having fun. A test is included with the class for assuring everyone's safety and to remember the rules that apply a great rock-climbing experience.

Currently, three MC students act as trainers for the wall. After attending classes and passing the test, climbers are approved and earn the right to be considered climbers. This guarantees a climber the use the rock climbing wall.

“Many people like and use the climbing wall because of the energetic workout that can keep climbers is in top physical condition,” said McNamara. Other Trotter Fitness Complex staff members are dedicated to help this be an exciting indoor fitness adventure at Monmouth College . They are eager to help climbers and ready to answer questions about the rock climbing wall. They want to help people of all experience levels get started as Monmouth climbers who will enjoy the challenge and themselves in a safe and really fun environment.

McNamara reminds potential climbers to don comfortable clothing to be able to move around freely. Many people wear t-shirts or tank tops with shorts or sweatpants. A rock climbing partner can also serve as a spotter. Many business corporations take their office teams to rock climbing training as a way of building for their company. It works! Reach the summit at the Trotter Fitness Climber. Reach the top of Mount Monmouth because experienced climbers are waiting to share the adventure with you.