Rock-climbing fiesta!

Students brought cans of food and willing hearts and bodies to a "Rock-Climbing Fiesta" sponsored by EMU's intramural department from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. The fun- and service-oriented event took place at EMU's own climbing wall in the Commons.

According to senior Clinton Miller, "Anyone, skilled or unskilled, experienced or inexperienced, could come to the wall and climb."

The event's coordinator, Lester Zook, added a twist to the event by challenging participants to complete three routes of any difficulty or combination, without weighting the rope or falling. Those able to complete the task had their names placed into a drawing and, at the end of the event, names were drawn for prizes.

The prizes were "very nice," according to Miller, and included Frisbee golf discs, bandannas, climbing carabiners, key chains, and chalk balls. Miller himself won a "purple bandanna, but what I really wanted was a locking carabineer. A nice, shiny, red, locking carabiner."

About 15 students participated in the event, mostly male. Almost everyone managed to complete the three routes and have their names placed in the drawing. The routes varied in difficulty, but many routes were relatively easy and provided many holds for the participants. Fortunately, no one was injured during the event, as all climbing the wall are safely belayed (secured by harnesses and rope in case of a fall) and run virtually no risk of injury.

While participants did not have to pass physical tests of any kind to participate in the event, a donation of at least two canned food items was required for admittance. The food items were donated to Harrisonburg's local food bank, Patchwork Pantry.

Miller was more than glad to contribute to this worthy cause. "I brought three cans of beans, two cans of refried beans, and one can of actual green beans," he said. "I want to do my part. The thing is, I've used the food bank before, so I don't mind refilling their coffers."