ABS Season 16 Divisionals went down this weekend at Basecamp in Reno, Nevada. Youth climbers from all over Northern California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, the Western half of both Dakotas came together to compete for a chance to move onto Nationals.
Two youth climbers from The East Beta’s, Great Western Power Company’s Teen Team, reached the podium and will be moving on to Nationals. Elise Buser took 1st place and Katrina Louie took 5th. “It was really great to see the training that Elise and Katrina have been doing pay off and get them spots on the podium. Their hard work and persistence earned them invitations to nationals in Madison, WI!” Grace Gibbon and Annelise Eeckman also climbed for The East Beta’s on Saturday.
Also in attendance was Touchstone’s Head Routesetter Jeremy Ho. “It was a fantastic opportunity to work with an extremely talented crew,” said Ho. “This was the most experienced setting team nation-wide, and the two day event went off without a hitch!
Touchstone Climbing has always supported the next generation of climbers our gyms. Each of our nine locations has one or more youth teams, and while our focus has primarily been on making climbing an accessible and fulfilling after school activity, we see that some of our young crushers are moving in the direction of competitive climbing – and we need to move with them!
We are proud to announce that in February, we will be the proud parents of Team Touchstone, our own competitive youth climbing team. Led by Zach Wright and Scott Cory, Team Touchstone is perfect for youth climbers and their parents who are ready to make ready to train hard, have fun, and compete at the highest level to compete at their highest potential.
Our goal is to provide an team experience for any level at each gym. Competitive Teams will start at Berkeley Ironworks, Great Western Power Company, and Sacramento Pipeworks on February 1st. San Francisco competitive climbers will practice at both Dogpatch Boulders and Mission Cliffs. The Studio and MetalMark will host recreational teams, while still offering the opportunity for competing in USA climbing events with Team Touchstone.
To find out more about Team Touchstone, and the best option for your child, click here.
Good luck to everyone going to Nationals and a HUGE thank you to all the parents, volunteers, coaches and climbers who make this weekend such a great event at Basecamp Reno!
