College students have a lot of vices, but only one of them is free, available on campus and occasionally comes with free snacks: climbing club.  

Freshman Criminal Justice major Alissa Frank describes it as an addiction, as she’s gone to every single meeting since she’s joined the climbing community at Colorado Mesa University (CMU). 

Climbing is a physical activity that focuses on strengthening upper body muscles, and the climbing club at CMU is a community that is open to climbers of all skill levels. 

“The goal is to be available to every skill level of climber, whether it be your first time climbing or [if] you’ve taken part in climbing competitions and have placed at state.” president of the climbing club and junior in mechanical engineering Diego Sena said. 

Another goal of the club is to form a larger climbing community in Grand Junction. The club is also often presented with opportunities such as local competitions. Some students choose to compete, while some watch the competition and others serve as judges. 

Benefits of joining the climbing club not only include meeting new friends and finding your community here at CMU, but also according to sophomore in nursing Meghan Rocco, the killer abs are a huge plus as well.

The club meets at the Maverick Pavilion five days a week at 7 p.m., and also has events to promote community outreach, such as climbing nights at local gyms and bouldering excursions a few times during the semester.