Climbers compete in intermediate, advanced divisions at collegiate nationals

Arabella King bouldering — Senior Arabella King competed in Women's Advanced Bouldering for the third year in a row at nationals. (Photos by Tyler Campbell)

Liberty University's climbing team sent two men's and two women's competitors to the USA Climbing Collegiate National Championships over the weekend at the Alta Boulders & Fitness and Alta Climbing & Fitness centers in Gilbert, Ariz., and Chandler, Ariz., respectively.

Alex-Dausch-climbing — Alex Dausch excelled in both bouldering and lead/top rope at the Collegiate Nationals.

Freshman Alexander Dausch placed a team-high 11th out of 20 finalists in Men's Intermediate Bouldering after qualifying 14th out of 50 climbers who completed the same six climbs. He also finished 14th in the finals of the Men's Intermediate Lead/Top Rope division after qualifying fifth out of 42 competitors who were given three identical routes to climb.

Lady Flames freshman Katelyn Kerns landed in 18th place in the Women's Intermediate Lead/Top Rope competition after qualifying 17th out of 43 climbers and 19th in the Women's Intermediate Bouldering event after placing ninth out of 53 climbers in qualifying.

"Katelyn and Alex met every expectation that I had for them and showed that they are capable of competing with the top athletes in the nation for their category," Liberty Head Coach Tyler Campbell said. "They are also very aware of the things that they need to focus on most going into the summer and next season. They are both freshmen and I have even higher expectations for their performances in the years to come."

Senior Arabella King competed at nationals for the third season in a row, but did not advance to the 20-woman finals in her only event, Women's Advanced Bouldering.

"The advanced category has become increasingly competitive over the past two or three seasons," Campbell said.

Brian Taylor lead top rope climb — Graduate Brian Taylor was 44th out of 98 Advanced Men's Lead/Top Rope climbers.

Graduate Brian Taylor, also in his third year on the team, qualified for nationals for the second year in a row and finished 44th out of 98 competitors in Men's Advanced Lead/Top Rope.

Complete results are available online.

As a team, Liberty ended the season ranked 14th overall for bouldering and 19th in Lead/Top Rope.

"As the head coach, my goal would be for the team to finish Top 10 as a university in each discipline that we compete in," Campbell said.

He realizes that will be a difficult standard to shoot for next season with a large share of the climbers on his roster graduating.

"I am losing many team members this season, some of which have been with me since I took the role of head coach," said Campbell, who took over the program at the start of the Spring 2022 semester.

"However, I am looking forward to a rebuild next year and the opportunity to work with new athletes who are already contacting me about the Fall semester. I am taking steps toward a more formalized recruiting process, that will allow the team to become more competitive in the future."

By Ted Allen/Staff Writer

Liberty climber Katelyn Kerns — Freshman Katelyn Kerns placed 18th in Lead/Top Rope and19th in Bouldering at the USA Climbing national championships.

Climbers compete in intermediate, advanced divisions at collegiate nationals

Players Mentioned

Alexander Dausch

Katelyn Kerns

Arabella King

Brian Taylor

Related Videos