HOUSTON- Matthew Stephens and Caroline Safford finished their climbing season by competing in the USA Climbing National Competition over the weekend. The event marked the first time in program history in which Brevard competed in the national event.
Stephens, who competed last year in the USA Climbing Youth Competition, finished 33rd out of 111 male climbers in the speed event while finishing 26th out of 200 climbers in the bouldering event. The top 25 competitors in each event moved on to the finals, as Stephens just missed the cut in the bouldering competition.
Safford, who has battled back from injury earlier in the year to qualify for nationals, carded a 6100 in the female bouldering event.
The Tornado duo competed against 93 other collegiate teams from across the country, and as a team finished ahead of collegiate squads from Virginia Tech, Alabama and Denver among others in the event.
Head coach Travis Gray also thanks all of his support from Brevard College over the course of the season.
"I would like to thank Jamie Atkinson, President Joyce, the board of trustees, Cameron and Rachael Austin of Brevard Rock Gym, as well as my fellow staff and colleagues here at Brevard College for their endless encouragement and support throughout the last eight months of our best season yet," said Gray.