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.