Young Bend climbers place in bouldering event

Youth climbers from the Bend Endurance Academy climbing team received top places at this past weekend’s USA Climbing American Bouldering Series climbing competition held at the Bend Rock Gym.

The event was well attended with over 100 competitors of all ages from across the Northwest.

“The sport has definitely grown and is becoming more popular across the US and here in Bend,” said Mike Rougeux, BEA Climbing Program Director, who has been coaching youth climbers for the past nine years.

“It’s a great competitive sport for kids. For example, the competition this weekend had kids that have finished in the top three in the nation climbing with and cheering on climbers who are just starting out in the sport with their first competition. It’s a really supportive competitive community,” Rougeux went on to say.

The BEA climbers will be traveling to Medford, OR the weekend of November 8th for their last competition before the Regional Championships to be held this December in Boise, ID.

Bend Endurance Academy Results
Female Junior (born in 1996 or 1997)
Emma Vee McMillin, 1st

Male Youth A (born in 1998 or 1999)
Jack Groh, 3rd

Female Youth B (born in 2000 or 2001)
Leah Pfeiffer 2nd
Aine Hoban, 5th

Male Youth B (born in 2000 or 2001)
Lukas Strauss-Wise, 1st
Owen Jenkins, 7th

Female Youth C (born in 2002 or 2003)
Hannah Wells, 12th

Male Youth C (born in 2002 or 2003)
Forrest Franklin, 1st
Gavin Biancucci, 2nd
Chase McDonald, 4th
Brady Pfeiffer, 7th

Male Youth D (born in 2004 or later)
Cyrus Emery, 2nd
Hamish Reinhart, 3rd
Griffin Biancucci, 4th

About Bend Endurance Academy

The Bend Endurance Academy is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The Academy organizes and operates programs that promote health and wellness within Oregon. The Academy provides athletic coaching, mentorship, educational experiences, volunteer opportunities and events for a diverse group of youth, young adults, and other individuals who desire to excel at endurance sports. Our programs are innovative, affordable and inclusive. We work to encourage participants to succeed throughout every step of their athletic and individual development.

The Academy’s mission is to “promote healthy living through active, outdoor experiences. We emphasize teamwork, personal growth and community responsibility.”

Bend Endurance Academy currently offer programs for Nordic Skiing, Cycling, and Rock Climbing