Midwest Bouldering Tour Concludes Season

by Scott Rennak

The Midwest Bouldering Tour concluded the season on May 15 at Climb Time of Cincinnati. The day started with a morning invitational comp, which decided the Tour's champion. The morning invitational was reserved for the climbers that had attended four or more of the previous events. Subsequently, a strong field of climbers was in attendance, and represented most of the regions' cities. Each climber was given two minutes on each of three problems, with a two-minute rest in between climbs. The on-sight format (competitors were in isolation until their turn, and could not pre-view the problems) was new to the climbers and tension was high. Each category, Men, Women, and Under 14 was up for grabs.

Local hardman, James Pruden, climbed to the top of a strong men's field. Returning from injury to take second place was Brian Moone of Columbus, Ohio. Jeff Lehmkuhl of Cincinnati, Ohio rounded out the top three.

The women's field was determined by a long move over the lip of a roof. Cincinnati's dynamo Lauren Lee was able to lunge for the finishing hold and capture first place. Tori Allen, a young standout (10 years old), and April Hensley came in a close second and third, respectively.

The young powerhouse Clark Allen dazzled his way to the top of the Under 14 division. Clark used both brain and brawn to make it up a climb that later shutdown climbers twice his height. Alex Brock and Austin Erickson finished second and third.

Later that day was the final stop on the Midwest Bouldering Tour. Although the weather was beautiful and many climbers headed to the Red, those in attendance had a great time. One Hundred and One problems kept climbers of all ability cranking for the full four-hour comp. Those that didn't make it missed some great problems and tremendous prizes.

Next year the Midwest Bouldering Tour will return to a gym near you as the Eastern Bouldering Series. Plans are in the making to bring you the best bouldering competition series in the United States. Train hard and have fun. We'll see you next year!