Regionals Wrap Up

This past weekend, 6 Steepteam climbers travelled and competed in the Northwest Regionals, held in Garden City, ID.  Some of our competitors had competed at Regionals before, but for some it was their first time.  Regionals follows a different format than local competitions, putting the climbers in a much higher stress situation, and we are very proud at how all of our climbers did despite the intense onsight format.  Out of the six that made the trek, we had five climber place in the top seven, receiving first round invitations to Divisionals.  Those climbers were:

3rd - Tyler Schrowe (MYD) and Charlie Barron (MYA)
4th - Brady Stoppel (MJR)
5th - Kyle Eaton (MJR)
7th - Jaden Rott (MYC)

Again, we couldn't be prouder of all of our climbers who travelled and competed and how they handled themselves in this high stress competition format.  We also want to give a huge thank you to Asana Climbing Gym for hosting the event, and to all of the routesetters, volunteers, coaches, and most importantly, the parents who make this all possible.

Keep an eye out for information on the upcoming Montana Bouldering Championships!

Rock Jam Wrap Up

This past Saturday Steepteam competed in the last USAC local comp of the season, at our home gym, Steepworld, in Billings, MT.  We had 19 climbers compete in this competition along with climbers from teams in Bozeman, Missoula, and Helena.  The comp was a blast, had great problems and a great vibe.  Out of our 19 competitors, everyone placed within the top 6 in their category:

1st - Kyle Eaton (MJR), Jaden Rott (MYC), Corbyn Svec (MYD) and Olivia Whichman (FYD)
2nd - Brady Stoppel (MJR), Charlie Barron (MYA), Katlyn Churchill (FYC) and Tyler Schrowe (MYD)
3rd - Rosa Roccisano (FYC), Chaylin Stephens (FYD) and Alex Latham (MYD)
4th - Colton Hofferth (MYA), Quinn Sanderson (FYB) and Christian Jones (MYD)
5th - Aidan Harrington (MYA), Roc Minkoff (MYC) and North Sanderson (MYD)
6th - Chase Le'mons (MYA) and Max Haynes (MYC)

A full list of youth results can be found HERE.

We also want to congratulate assistant coach Katie Jacobsen for winning 1st place in the Women's Open competition.

We are super proud of all of our youth competitors and our coach for representing Steepteam and crushing this weekend and want to give a big thanks to Steepworld, and all of the parents, coaches, routesetters, and volunteers who made this event possible.

Rock Jam 2014

SATURDAY, November 22.  Climbing goes from 11a- 2p, check in begins at 10a.  We ask that all Steepteam climbers arrive by 10:30a at the latest.  Preregistration fee is $35 for USAC members and $40 for non-members; Registration at the door is $40 for USAC members and $45 for non-members.

You can preregister HERE.

The Rock Jam will be held at the SteepWorld, located at 208 N 13th St.
Everyone on the team should be current on their waivers, however, they can be found HERE.

All Steepteam members are expected to travel and attend local competitions, if you have a conflict and will not be able to attend, please contact Dillon Key at (281) 450-2422 via text or call.

Please contact Dillon Key or Joel Anderson with any questions, either at practice or by phone.

Rage Against Gravity Wrap Up

This past Saturday, Steepteam travelled to Bozeman to compete in Full Gravity Day 2014 with other teams coming from Bozeman, Missoula, Boise, and Spokane.  It was a very fun, energetic comp with some great problems. We had 16 climbers attend the comp and 12 climbers place in the top 7 of their category.  Those climbers were:

1st - Kyle Eaton (MJR), Corbyn Svec (MYD), and Olivia Whichman (FYD)

2nd - Jaden Rott (MYC)

3rd - Brady Stoppel (MJR) and Tyler Schrowe (MYD)

4th - Alika Gesuale (MYA) and Katlyn Churchill (FYC)

5th - Colton Hofferth (MYA)

6th - Chase Le'mons (MYA)

7th - Rosa Roccisano (FYC) and Alex Latham (MYD)

A full list of scores for all youth categories as well as the adult category can be found HERE.

We are super proud of all of the climbers who made it out to compete, and super thankful to Spire Climbing Center and all of the parents, routesetters, and volunteers that made this event possible. 

Our next competition is November 22nd, at SteepWorld here in Billings!  More info to come soon.

Full Gravity Day 2014

SATURDAY, November 8.  Climbing goes from 10a- 1p, check in begins at 9a.  We ask that all Steepteam climbers arrive by 9:30a at the latest.  Preregistration fee is $40; $45 at the door.

Preregistration and more information can be found HERE

Full Gravity Day will be held at the Spire Climbing Center, located at 13 Enterprise Blvd.
Be sure to fill out a liability waiver prior to arriving on competition day, this waiver can be filled out electronically HERE.

All Steepteam members are expected to travel and attend local competitions, if you have a conflict and will not be able to attend, please contact Dillon Key at (281) 450-2422 via text or call.

Please contact Dillon Key or Joel Anderson with any questions, either at practice or by phone.

Booty Bash Wrap-up

This past Saturday, Steepteam travelled to Missoula to compete in the Booty Bash 2014 with other teams coming from Bozeman, Missoula and Spokane.  It was a sweet comp with good vibes and even better climbing.  We had 12 climbers make the trek, and 5 climbers place in the top 3 in their categories.  Those climbers were:

1st - Charlie Barron (MYA), Jaden Rott (MYC), and Corbyn Svec (MYD)

2nd - Olivia Whichman (FYD)

3rd - Chaylin Stephens (FYD)

A full list of scores for all youth categories as well as the adult category can be found HERE.

We are super proud of all of the climbers who made it out to compete, and super thankful to Freestone Climbing Center and all of the parents, routesetters, and volunteers that made this event possible. 

Our next competition is November 8th, at The Spire in Bozeman, details to come soon.

Meet AJ Elliston, Assistant Coach

AJ having a better time than it looks in a van, in the mountains

Where are you from? and why did you move to Billings?
I'm from Tennessee and I moved to Billings to attend Rocky Mountain College.

You're getting your degree from Rocky? in what? and what are your post college goals (as of now)? I am currently getting my Aeronautical Science degree from Rocky Mountain College. After getting my degree, I will be working as a charter pilot based here in Billings.

Tell us about your climbing experience? I started climbing as soon as I moved here and saw that we had a climbing gym. Working as a guide for Rocky Mountain College's Outdoor Recreation department has allowed me to travel to some pretty cool climbing areas all over the western U.S. I have been climbing for the last 4 years and really enjoy the climbing community here.

What is your coaching and leadership experience? I have coached a few students a college, but this is my first year formally coaching a competitive team. I teach the rock climbing class at Rocky Mountain College and it is always great to see new climbers get hooked on climbing. Working as a guide has really helped me gain a large amount of leadership experience in a relatively short time by leading groups of students into the backcountry for weeks at a time.

What motivates you to climb hard? My motivation to climb hard stems from the desire to constantly improve. I am always trying to refine technique and energy maintenance to climb that much harder.

What's unique about Billings climbing? The climbing community here in Billings is unique. Everyone is super supportive and easily approachable. Working behind the desk at Steepworld allows me to ask people from out of town why they keep coming back and it always comes back to how friendly and outgoing the climbing community is.

AJ warming up on the Sherman Boulder V2 in Wyoming

What are your favorite routes / boulder problems in Billings? and why? My favorite rope route in Billings is Tree Route at Gregory Hills because of the crazy moves you have to pull off just to get off the ground. Favorite boulder problems are Tex in Zimmermen Park and Slapstick Traverse in Phipps. Neither are difficult, but they are just so fun that I always have to get on them. I like these routes because your body has to be sideways in order to go up the rock.

Your favorite place to climb outside of Billings? My favorite bouldering area outside of Billings is in Red Lodge and favorite roped climbing area has to be Red Rock Canyon in Nevada.

What else do you value in life? I highly value food and sleep. Being a college student, I can't afford to get much of either. In all seriousness though, I value an attitude to constantly improve. Wanting to make yourself a better climber can translate to all walks of life- you just have to be dedicated and set goals.

Anything else you'd like to share with us? I am really looking forward to working with the team, and I can't wait to see all the kids climbing strong!

Meet Katie Jacobsen, Assistant Coach

Katie (left) with her good friend and Steepteam alumni, Kim, topping out Beartooth terrain in sandals

Where are you from? and why did you move to Billings?

I’m from the PNW! (Washington). I moved here after taking some time off school just to adventure and experience something new! I’ve been here for a little more than two years now. It’s a great place.

What are you studying at MSU-B? and what are your post college goals (as of now)

I’m an Environmental Studies Major. Post college… a van and probably hit the road for a while… a lot of climbing and travelling. Probably live in Canada too.

Tell us about your climbing experience?

I’ve been climbing for about 4 years now. I tried climbing for the first time back at Eastern Washington and it was love. I was mostly on ropes when I first started, now, I’m a fan of some good ol’ fashion pebble wrestling. I’d say it fits my ability in climbing better, I just love how much problem solving and pure power there is in a hard boulder route.

What is your coaching experience?

I haven’t had a ton, but I’ve coached soccer and basketball for little tiny kids. I really enjoyed it. I’m excited to coach something that I am really passionate about and to learn some things from Dillon.

What motivates you to climb hard?

Climbing is so cool because you always progress, even when it doesn’t seem like it. I push because I want to climb strong and I want to see how far I can push myself. It’s a test for me physically and mentally. I’m not a fan of chasing grades but it’s certainly a motivator when I’m out there.

What's unique about Billings climbing?

The community! When I first moved here I had NO friends. Not even kidding. I walked into SteepWorld and it was so cool because I was instantly welcomed and was absorbed into this group of really neat people. I’ve never met a community quite like this one and I absolutely love it! I also am really impressed with the amount of climbing we have right in town. Haven’t been to many places with an opportunity like that.

Katie wrestling with Rocky Top Orange Soda V5 up near Water Tower

What are your favorite routes / boulder problems in Billings? and why?

Tough one. There are a few that I’ve been working on here and there, the Billings classics like Mega Arete and Rocky Top. Those have been so difficult for me but really fun to try hard on.

Your favorite place to climb outside of Billings?

I have to say…. Deep Creek. Just outside of Spokane WA. I’ve never tried so hard on a sport route as I have there. It’s literally an outdoor gym that you can just throw yourself around on. Steep, long and hard.

What else do you value in life?

I really love being outdoors. Being an environmental major has also kind of just opened my eyes to really appreciate what’s around us. I value nature and everything that it offers us, especially climbing! You can call me a tree hugger.

Anything else you'd like to share with us?

I’m pretty psyched to be apart of SteepTeam as an assistant coach! I love watching progress in other people, and being able to help that progress makes it even cooler. I am so excited to see what the season has in store for us!

Missoula Booty Bash 2014

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18.  Climbing goes from 11a- 3p, check in begins at 10a.  We ask that all Steepteam climbers arrive by 10:30a at the latest.  Preregistration fees are $30 for registered USAC climbers and $35 for non-USAC climbers, and $35 USAC, $40 non-USAC at the door.

Preregistration and more information can be found HERE

The Booty Bash will be held at Freestone Climbing Center, located at 935 Toole Cir.
Be sure to fill out a liability waiver prior to arriving on competition day, this waiver can be filled out electronically HERE.

All Steepteam members are expected to travel and attend local competitions, if you have a conflict and will not be able to attend, please contact Dillon Key at (281) 450-2422 via text or call.

Hotel Information:
Once again, the University of Montana has a football game the same day as the competition, which is making hotel accommodations difficult.  The C'mon Inn and Motel 6 are generally our go-to's, and there are still a few rooms available, however, we will not have 'team hotel' due to low availability.

Please contact Dillon Key or Joel Anderson with any questions, either at practice or by phone.

Steepteam First Practice Tuesday & Steepworld Sale!!!

First practice is this Tuesday September 30th!  Come down, signup, and climb.  Full details are in steepteam.com post below.   If you're indecisive, we offer full refunds on the team fee before the 3rd practice.

As a benefit, all team members get $10 off climbing shoes at Steepworld.  In addition to that, Steepworld is currently hosting a progessive sale where you can get up to 40% off all clothing and outerwear.

Winter 2014-2015 Competitive Season Finalized

HOW TO SIGN UP
We will host a sign-up session and first practice Tuesday, September 30th. 6pm for Junior Team and 7:30pm for Senior Team, at Steepworld Climbing gym. Waivers can be signed, team fees can be collected (the team cannot accept credit cards at this time), gym memberships can be paid (credit cards accepted). If you cannot make the sign-up / first practice please call Joel Anderson (406-860-7616) prior to secure your spot on the team.


WINTER COMPETITION SEASON
The Steepteam Fall Winter Season is open to all youth climbers ages 8-18 and focuses on indoor competition climbing. The team will participate in a tour of bouldering competitions against other Montana youth teams in Missoula and Bozeman. All competitions are bouldering competitions, meaning climbs are 10-15 feet tall with a padded floor and climbers do not use ropes.

LOCAL CLIMBING or USA CLIMBING
We have decided to renew our focus in developing lifelong climbers. We feel that local competitions provide great benchmarking and goal setting opportunities in a friendly environment while helping foster the greater Montana climbing community.  Thus, we are not requiring team members to participate in USA Climbing sanctioned events. Climbers wishing to compete at a USAC level will still have continued support by the team and coaches.


GEAR:
All team members are required to have their own gear, this includes shoes, chalk bag, and appropriate climbing attire.


SHOES:
Rental shoes greatly hinder the development of good footwork and are not acceptable. Shape and fit are the number one priority. All team members should have a climbing shoe with a downward pointed toe, preferably velcro or slip-on. The fit of the shoe should be snug and tight with little foot pain. Shoes should be sized for no more than six months of growth. As bonus Steepworld has offered all team members a $10 coupon for climbing shoes and there is currently a good selection of shoes already on sale now.


2014-15 WINTER SCHEDULE
Starting Tuesday, September 30th practices will be twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays with breaks for the holidays at Steepworld Climbing Gym.
Junior Team: (born in 2006 - 2002) 6pm - 7:30pm
Senior Team: (born in 2001 - 1996) 7:30pm - 9pm


Competitions:
October 18 - Saturday - Missoula Competition
November 8 - Saturday - Bozeman Competition
November 22 - Saturday - Billings Competition
December 6 - Saturday - (OPTIONAL) USAC Regional Championship - Garden City, ID
January 10-11 - Sat-Sun - (OPTIONAL) USAC Divisional Championship - Reno, NV
January 31 - Saturday - Montana Bouldering Championships - Billings
February 13-15 - Fri-Sun - (OPTIONAL) USAC National Championship - Madison, WI
Full Calendar Schedule can be found here.


EXPECTED COMPETITION SEASON COSTS:
$335 + competition fees and travel costs = total for the 4 month Winter session. The total
cost is broken down below.


TEAM FEE:
$200. Fees cover coaches time and travel for 30 practices, 4 competitions, team shirt, insurance, administration, and other necessities needed to run the Steepteam nonprofit program. Currently the non-profit is unable to accept credit cards.


GYM FEES:
$135 for a 4 month gym membership. Steepteam practices at Steepworld Climbing Gym in Billings Montana but is a separately operated non-profit, thus two different fees need to be paid. Team members are expected to maintain a membership at the gym while team is in session. Annual and family memberships are also available that may reduce costs. Gym fees are separate from team fees.


COMPETITION FEES:
To be determined. Climbing competitions have entry fees around $25-$45 per competition and the team attends at minimum 3 competitions per season. These prices are set by the host gym and cover the costs for routesetters to set and prepare for the comp as well as t-shirts, awards, gym time, etc.


SCHOLARSHIPS:
Steepteam offers need based scholarships on a case by case basis. Talk to Steepteam Director Joel Anderson (406) 860-7616


ABOUT STEEPTEAM:
Steepteam is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to providing climbing mentorship and
training to Billings area youth interested in improving their climbing skills through
practice and competition.
Competitive Head Coach: Dillon Key (281) 450-2422
Non-Profit Board Members: Joel Anderson (406) 860-7616, Thad McGrail, Jim Barron

Assistant Coach Position

We're finalizing planning for the 2014-15 indoor competitive season. Full information will be up on the steepteam website Tuesday September 9th.

ASSISTANT COACHING POSITION

Steepteam is looking for an assistant coach to work with our head coach Dillon Key.
Skills we are looking for; the love of climbing, positive attitude, the ability to boulder V2 outdoors, and comfortable leadership skills with kids.  Must be available Tuesday nights 6-9pm, Thursday nights 6-9pm, and some Saturdays, October through end of January (holidays excluded). CPR and First Aid training are not mandatory at start of the season but will be expected to be acquired within a reasonable time.  Compensation is on an hourly basis, based on experience.

If interested please send a brief one page resume to billingsclimbingteam@gmail.com and or contact Joel Anderson at 406-860-7616

Summer Sessions 2014

EXPECTATIONS
Steepteam is not a guide service. Steepteam is a program for youth to develop skills towards becoming a life long rock climber. Outdoor safety techniques are the primary focus of our outdoor summer session. Climbers on the team should be born within the years of 2005-1996.  Younger team members will learn and practice the skills of top roping while older team members learn and develop sport climbing techniques. Practice and refinement of these safety skills as taught by the coaches is expected of all team members. Climbers showing minimal progress with the taught safety techniques will not be allowed to join the team outside.  As always, we encourage parents to participate and join the experience.

GEAR

All ropes, anchors, belay devices, and helmets will be provided for use by Steepteam.  Team members will need to supply their own harness, climbing shoes, and chalkbag.

COACHES
This summer we will have a team of coaches led by Steepteam alumni and strongman Ben Hoiness with current Steepteam competitive coach Dillon Key and Steepworld gym owner Jim Rott assistant coaching.  We maintain a maximum 4:1 climber to guide ratio on all outdoor trips.  If need be we will have other significant climbers from the community help out as assistant guides.

DATES & APROXIMATE TIMES

We've setup our summer into two condensed sessions for a more focused environment and simpler scheduling around summer activities.

JUNE SESSION 1
Open to all climbers, beginner to advanced.

TUE 3rd - Steepworld - 6 - 9pm
THR 5th - Steepworld - 6 - 9pm
SUN 8th - Dirtfest - Zimmerman Park 12-3pm - Registration fee covered in the session fee.
THR 12th - Steepworld - 6 - 9pm
SAT 14th - Island in Cody, WY - 10am-3pm
TUE 17th - Rims (Gregory Hills) - 6-9pm
THR 19th - Rims (Gregory Hills) - 6-9pm
SAT 21st - TBD, Bighorns, Mill Creek, or Allenspur

JULY SESSION 2
Open to climbers that attended session 1, those with previous Steepteam experience, or climbers without previous Steepteam experience that show solid outdoor 5.8 climbing skills.

WED 16th - Steepworld - 6 - 9pm
THR 17th - Rims (Gregory Hills) - 6-9pm
SAT 19th - Natural Bridge State Park near Big Timber - 10am-3pm
THR 24th - Steepworld - 6 - 9pm
SAT SUN 26-27th - Overnight camp trip to Ten Sleep, WY - Leaving Billings at 9am the 26th and returning late afternoon the 27th.

COSTS
Session 1 $200
Session 2 $225
Fees cover coaches time and travel, gym time, insurance, gear, and other necessities to run the Steepteam non-profit.  We try our best to keep costs to a minimum.  Comparatively, a full day of guiding with a mountain guide will cost the same or more than one of our entire sessions.

SCHOLARSHIPS:
Steepteam offers need based scholarships on a case by case basis. Talk to Steepteam Director Joel Anderson (406) 860-7616

SIGN UP!

We've set aside the evening of Thursday May 29th at Steepworld Climbing gym from 6pm - 7pm to signup, fill out waiver forms, ask questions, and meet coaches.  If you'd like to sign up but cannot make this event please call Joel Anderson at (406) 860-7616

ABOUT STEEPTEAM:
Steepteam is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to providing rock climbing mentorship and training to Billings area youth interested in improving their climbing skills through practice and competition.
Non-Profit Board Members: Joel Anderson,Thad McGrail, Jim Barron.

MBC2014: PHOTOS

Steepteam Alumni, Kim Lemke (09), sends a route in qualifiers on her way to a 3rd place finish in the women's open category.

 Talented local photographer, Dave Shumway, photographed the 2014 Montana Bouldering Championship.  Take a look at his work here.

Montana Bouldering Championships 2014 Results

MBC2014 Results are now up and posted HERE.

Thanks for everyone's support during this season.  Most kids still have some time left on their gym memberships, stop by and climb on your own.

We'll have information on the summer programs in March.

MBC2014: Online Registration Available Here

You can follow this link to sign up and prepay for the 2014 Montana Bouldering Championships.  Please add the name of the climber to the comment box.  Registration will also be available day of at the gym. 

Schedule for the Upcoming Weeks

We are getting close to finishing up the competitive season and the Montana Bouldering Championships.  Here's the schedule for the next week or so.

Thursday January 30th - Practice as usual.  Yay-Yay.

Tuesday February 4th - Wall tear down and team pizza party.  Taking down tape and holds is a HHUUGGEE help in our prep for the route setters and climbing competition.  Junior team members can come in at their usual time of 6pm.  We'd like to invite the Senior team members to come in early at 7pm to join in a full team pizza party and then assist in hold tear down.

Wednesday February 5th - Hold washing.  We're looking for a couple of senior team members to help wash holds after school Wednesday afternoon.  All hours are considered donated to the Steepteam non-profit, a great volunteering experience for one's resume.  We'll feed anyone that works past 6pm.

Saturday February 8th - MONTANA BOULDERING CHAMPIONSHIPS - Competition begins at 2pm.  Full details here.  It is worth noting that the competition climbing time is 4 hours long and we are doing a soft start time.  The climber does not need to be in the gym for the full 4 hours.  One may climb for an hour, take a two hour rest, and then climb the last hour.  The climber may also show up later than the start time, and climb for only 2-3 hours.  The scheduling and strategy of time is up to each individual climber.

PS: Also worth noting is the Montana Climber interviews we've been doing concurrently with the promotion of the MBC2014.  Thus far we've talked to Dominick Speranza, Sarah Ho, Loren Rausch, and a couple more coming up!  Check them out here.