“I do it for the thrill of bringing yourself up a wall,” says sophomore John Dowling. “The anticipation of wanting to climb mountains, to get to that next level.”

John Dowling is one of the many students who participates in Regis Jesuit’s Rock Climbing Club. The club meets once a week at Rock’n & Jam’n Gym to practice. The club welcomes all members of all skill levels to come and participate.

“What’s really cool is that most of our members have learned to rock climb through our club,” says club moderator Christina Vela. “They grow every week in their skills.

The climbers currently are learning to lead climb. Lead climbing is where a partner has you on belay and is ready to catch you if you fall while the leader ascends the mountain.

The club is always looking for new members to join. They have around 12 members and are currently planning their yearly trip to Clear Creek Canyon in the spring.

“It’s physically challenging, for sure,” says John Dowling. “but the real challenge is the mental challenge you put on yourself to not fall.”