THE TEAM
The Michigan Climbing Team is a club sport sponsored by the Department of Recreational Sports at the University of Michigan. We compete in the USA Climbing Collegiate Series at local, regional, and national competitions. We also compete in community competitions held by gyms across the Midwest.
Membership is open to any full-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at the University of Michigan. Members must commit to attending weekly practices, training on their own time, attending USA Climbing competitions, and paying annual dues of $60.00. Members must provide proof of health insurance at the start of every season.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LEADERS
Grace Baily
Co-Captain
Computer Science
Sophomore
Co-Captain
Computer Science
Sophomore
Co-Captain
Computer Science
Sophomore
“Decided to quit Irish dancing because climbing 60-ft vertical walls seemed more practical.”
Jake Schraga
Co-Captain
Art and Design
Senior
“If you were wondering why we look so good, it is because I am an art and design major.”
Owen Sims
Co-Captain
Urban Technology
Junior
“People used to judge me for liking comp climbing. They still do, but now we're friends.”
HISTORY
The team unofficially began in 2017 when Max Hammer competed in the USA Climbing Collegiate Regional, National, and World championships as the sole athlete representing the University of Michigan.
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The following year, he became the Michigan Climbing Club’s competition chair, and the competitive climbing community exploded. The team went on to sweep the regional title for all three disciplines, boasting the largest and strongest team in the region. Following this success and increased interest in competitive climbing, Max successfully petitioned the University to make climbing an official Club Sport alongside other D1 powerhouse teams like Men's Rowing and Women's Ice Hockey.
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With this recognition, the Michigan Climbing Team was born and set the groundwork for what it is today. We stand to carry on Max’s mission of growing the sport of climbing at Michigan and across the country and wearing the Block M proudly in the process.
