GRIPSTONE ASCL PROGRAM
Real Training. Real Growth.
Our dedicated ASCL program is built for climbers who want to get serious about movement, strength, and competing at their best. Through a structured progression and small coach to athlete ratios, every climber gets individualized, hands on coaching that meets them where they are and pushes them forward.
Training blends movement quality, strength/conditioning, and mental strategy, all wrapped in a team culture that makes the process as rewarding as the results. Climbers on this team are preparing to compete in the American Scholastic Climbing League (ASCL) season, with the coaching and community behind them to get there.
Athletes train across both bouldering and ropes, building the well rounded technical foundation that competition climbing demands. This program is about more than technique, though. We develop confident, mentally resilient competitors: climbers who can perform under pressure, problem solve on the wall, and support one another as part of a team.
Registration is now open!
Read below for more detailed information on the program.
The ASCL Coaches
Kegan Minock
Kegan started climbing in 2003 and grew up as a youth competitive climber. He took first place at the State Championship of the ASCL (then known as the Colorado High School Climbing League) in 2010 and a podium finisher at the USA Climbing Collegiate National Championships in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Starting his Routesetting career in 2007, he is now a Level 4 Routesetter with USA Climbing and has set for multiple national competitions, with an emphasis on youth setting. He previously coached a youth team, many of which progressed to the national level. Kegan is most motivated by trying to climb outdoor boulders at his limit; including ascents of Dark Waters (V13, Clear Creek Canyon) and Ghost of War (V12, Joe’s Valley, UT). While his passion lies with bouldering, Kegan has also clipped the chains of some impressive sport climbs including The Prowler (5.14a, Clear Creek Canyon) and Cave Troll (5.13d, Clear Creek Canyon).
What is the ASCL?
The ASCL is the American Scholastic Climbing League. Starting in 2008 in Colorado, the League now spans across 11 states. From their WEBSITE: The American Scholastic Climbing League was created BY climbers FOR climbers. We are a non-profit 501C3 created in May of 2018 following a ten-year successful run of the Colorado High School Climbing League (est. 2008). The American Scholastic Climbing League is a league for ALL middle and high school climbers… beginner to advanced. Our goal is to connect climbers in an atmosphere of positive competition. Climbers in grades 6-8 compete in a middle school classification and climbers in grades 9-12 compete in a high school classification. Both classifications are divided by gender into a Boys and Girls category. When you register for the ASCL you will be asked to include the school you attend or would attend based upon your enrollment area if you are home-schooled or attend a primarily online school. Our goal includes helping climbers create climbing teams at their high schools, and it only takes 3 high school climbers per gender to earn a team score at any of our competitions. It is not necessary to have an official coach or sponsor from your school to participate in the ASCL. Each region in the ASCL hosts a series of competitions during the season culminating in a Regional Final and State Final (for states with multiple regions). Regular season competitions can be Bouldering Only, Roped Only, or Mixed style comps. During each competition, climbers will attempt to climb a predetermined number of preselected climbs to submit for scoring. Points are awarded for the difficulty of the climb as well as flashing the climb (no falls) and/or completing a roped climb on lead.
How much does this team cost?
The monthly fee for this team is $125. There is also a $125 Season Membership fee that is paid to the ASCL. Each competition will have its own entrance fee ranging from $20-$40. The Regional, State and National Championship Events have elevated entrance fees.
How often does the team practice?
This team is meant to be supplemental to training with their school’s team. As such, we only meet on Mondays from 5pm-7pm.
What is the season schedule for ASCL?
- The season typically spans from November through February with the National Championships occurring in March.
- The Southern Colorado Region (in which we fall into) competition schedule can be found HERE.
What will a typical practice look like?
Each practice will begin with a group warm up where we will go over the plan for that day. We will then have a learning session where topics such as climbing techniques, competition strategy and training focus points will be discussed. From there, the learning session talking points will be implemented through both bouldering and roped climbing drills followed by a strength and conditioning portion. We will end each practice with a cool down period including reflection and goal setting.
What are the prerequisites required to sign up?
- Climbers must be actively participating in the American Scholastic Climbing League.
- All Climbers are required to have an active membership at Gripstone.
- Climbers must be in High School (ages 14-18).
If you have any other questions, please email kegan@gripstonecs.com