This week, we are not spotlighting any society or club; because, it has already been taken from us by this well-deserving club, which is reaching new heights each year like it’s in their blood! Yes, we are talking about the recent Varsity winners the Mountaineering Club of Staffs supported by your Students’ Union!
This week, we are not spotlighting any society or club; because, it has already been taken from us by this well-deserving club, which is reaching new heights each year like it’s in their blood! Yes, we are talking about the recent Varsity winners the Mountaineering Club of Staffs supported by your Students’ Union!
Mountaineering is the perfect club to challenge your strength. Ran by chairman Ellie Ratcliffe, Finance Bonita Woralert and Social/Comms Molly Holmes. This all-female committee have pushed the society into the forefront of sport at staffs. Mountaineering is the best place to learn to climb and Boulder, with chances to push your limits and explore new heights!
The club has hit new record this academic year having 83 current members, matching their record breaking give it a go session back in October, the club has grown in members and in confidence, the members have come together to create a community that can rely on and help one another to develop as a proper team.
Mountaineering Society Events and Activities
Mountaineering hosts two weekly sessions. Monday sessions from 6 pm to 8 pm at Kilnworx in Burlsem, and on Fridays from 5 PM to 7 PM at our University Sports Hall.
In these sessions our members learn to top rope and boulder. Top rope involves harnesses, knots and belaying and is a test of nerve, as they climb up high.
Bouldering is a pure test of strength and grip, as you climb smaller heights without a harness, its best for beginners and anyone who wants to test their reach.
Kilnworx allows them to develop their skills – running custom workshops with their members work on their body positions and ability.
Mountaineering this year have pushed for more fun sessions to bring our members together, having a Halloween dress up competition and an ugly Christmas jumper competition for Halloween and Christmas, bringing our members together and allowing them to have fun and be themselves.
They have also had more socials and collaborated with other societies, most recently sharing their varsity win with Scarlettes cheer and Snowsports, we have also increased our online presence, bringing in more members via our social media.
They also compete in the varsity completion, competing at Kilnworx in both top rope and bouldering. To prepare for this our team trained every session for 2 months, working on their stamina, strength, grip, balance, and flexibility.
They also had custom group sessions ran by Kilnworx’s Daf Griffiths, who helped them work on their feet placement, balance s and “quiet feet, sticky feet”. Our chairman Ellie then tests our team’s flexibility with a stretch and warm up routine inspired by Scarlettes cheerleaders.
This led to the team winning our varsity against Keele with a final score of 1207 -1114, the 93 point lead is an amazing achievement, as SUMC have not won since 2019, this is an amazing achievement for the society as a whole and our team personally. With a special shoutout to Roddy MacDonald for scoring a perfect 160 points!
Benefits of joining the Mountaineering Club
Joining our mountaineering club provides a range of benefits that will help you grow and develop both personally and physically while fostering a sense of community and fun.
1) Physical Growth:
You'll be able to embark on a physical transformation journey by attending our weekly sessions at Kilnworx. Whether you are learning the intricacies of top-rope climbing or honing your strength and grip through bouldering, our club provides the ideal environment to build stamina, strength, and agility. Additionally, custom workshops are designed to enhance your skills and technique, thereby allowing you to scale new heights with every session.
2) Community and Fun:
The club believe in fostering a sense of community and fun. Our events, such as Halloween dress-up competitions, festive celebrations, and collaborations with other societies, bring members together for laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.
3) Competitive Edge:
Our club provides members with an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete in varsity competitions. With rigorous training sessions focused on stamina, strength, balance, and flexibility, led by experts like Daf Griffiths and inspired by Scarlettes cheerleaders, you'll be primed for victory. Their recent varsity win against Keele, where we triumphed with a remarkable score of 1207-1114, is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our team.
How to join the Mountaineering Club?
The future of the mountaineering is bright, the society keeps growing and we are excited to see where our climbers end up in the future. You can join the club online and it only costs £34 for a year.
- Click here to join the Mountaineering Club
- Login with your details
- Click join and checkout in basket!
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