Jayhawk Blvd
Rock climbers seek mental and physical rush
Challenging physical laws of gravity
By Andy Rohrback Kansan Correspondent
The struggle up Daisy Hill just isn't enough for some students. For these diehard altitude junkies, the KU Rock Climbing Club is the perfect way to escape from the shackles of gravity.
"For me, it's just kndd of a release," said
Mike Gee, Thousand Oaks, Calif., junior and club president. "You get away from things, get out in nature. I just climbed, and it sort of snowballed."
It's just as easy to enter the club, Gee said. The group is open to anyone who wants to climb, regardless of physical shape or skill. There is a $25 registration fee.
"Climbing is one of the best exercises."
climbing nights at Robinson Center.
"You don't have to be a member to climb at Robinson," said Tom Buller, Wichita freshman. "You just go."
The club meetings are scheduled once a month and are held to train members and to plan the club's trips to climbing sites. The club climbs at sites such as Fall River, near Wichita; Enchanted Rock, in
Mike Geo president, KU Rock Climbing Club
"We teach beginners how to climb, and if someone's climbed before, we can improve their skills," he said.
About 55 students are in the club. However, Gee said he saw as many nonmembers as members at the club's open-
Texas; in Wilton, Mo., and at Cliff Drive, in Kansas City. New and veteran members are invited to participate in these trips.
Equipment is provided by the club and paid for through membership fees. Gee said he had participated in the club for three years for several reasons.
"Climbing is one of the best exercises," he said. "It encompasses the whole body. It's not only a physical exercise; it's mental, too. You have to do a lot of thinking while you're climbing. And when you reach the top of the rock, you feel like you've accomplished something."
Tyler Wirken/ Special to the Kansas Chris Fransen, Leawood junior, and Tim Perry, Prairie Village sophomore, climb at the wall in Robinson Center.
Tyler Wirken/ Special to the Kansas
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Planet Lawrence
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~Hill September 13, 1995