Coronado’s climbing team kicked off their season at the Pure Bouldering Climbing Gym in Boulder on Saturday, 9/23. As Coronado begins another year competing in the Colorado High School Climbing League, the team hopes to nurture underclassmen talent this year after the bulk of the team graduated last year.

After a successful season ending at the state championship, the Cougars started their new season on a great note, notching five top ten finishes. On the men’s’ side, senior Rhys Tencza led the team with his fourth place finish, closely followed fellow seniors Bennett Spengler in seventh and Thomas Reitweisner in 8th. Rounding out the team in the top ten were sophomore Adam Austin and junior Michael Slimbarski. This outstanding effort earned the the team a runner-up finish, only second to Castle View.

The mens’ JV housed one of the most remarkable performances of the day: Sophomore Nick Roberson managed a second place finish overall, but even more impressive was that he did so while nursing a broken thumb. With the help of Gavin Gallagher,11, who placed eighth, and his other teammates, the Cougars also clinched a second place finish overall.

Women’s varsity only had to competitors climbing at Pure Bouldering, but both finished extremely well: Junior Jesse Crumb claimed third, and sophomore Quinn Williams followed directly behind in fourth place. Williams was proud of the teams’ first showing: “I think our team as a whole did amazing! We all improved so much in the year already.” As the season moves forward, the Cougars hope to continue to find success as they focus on gaining strength and positivity.

Congratulations Cougars on a great start to the season!