West Mansfield resident Keith Warrick is taking his interest in adventure sports to new heights through his involvement with a climbing club in Columbus.
WARRICK |
A member of the Adults With Special Needs Climbing Club at Vertical Adventures, a rock climbing gym, he placed third in the recreational division of a USA Open Collegiate competition at the facility earlier this month.
The competition was open to anyone 18 and older of any ability, and the area resident was the only climber with special needs on the competitor list.
During the past year, Mr. Warrick has worked with Vertical Adventures coach Jordan Kessler to build strength and learn techniques like flagging a foot and matching holds, his coach wrote in an article submitted to the Examiner. Mr. Warrick also is working on his belay certification.
His upbeat personality, enthusiasm and determination make him an excellent climber, Mr. Kessler said. However, the prospects of entering a climbing competition still made his coach just a little nervous.
“He had been working very hard and making amazing progress, but competitions can be intimidating and stressful,” Mr. Kessler said. “This was going to be Keith’s first time competing outside of the Special Olympics and we had never discussed what a competition setting would be like, or the rules.
Read complete story in Wednesday’s Examiner.
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