SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster University is excited to announce the expansion of its Mountain Sports program to include competitive climbing and mountain biking, building on the university’s commitment to providing outstanding athletic opportunities aligned with Utah’s rich outdoor culture. These additions to the existing programs, which already boast a successful snowboard team and new freeski team, will allow students to further explore and compete in the region’s world-renowned landscapes.
The expansion comes as 2 Westminster students, Erik Cmiel and Abram Shackleford, plan to participate in the upcoming YETI Climbing National Championships from October 12 to 16, 2024. Erik, a second-year Honors College student, and Abram, a first-year student, will represent Westminster in the men's lead and boulder qualifiers with hopes to reach the semi-finals and finals. Both students are eager to compete on the national stage and are thrilled to be a part of Westminster’s growing Mountain Sports program.
“We’re so proud of Erik and Abram for taking on this challenge and representing Westminster University on such a prestigious stage,” said Shay Wyatt, Westminster University’s Director of Athletics. “Their hard work, commitment, and excitement for climbing are inspiring, and I know they can bring the same passion to our climbing team next year.”
Erik Cmiel remarked, “open nationals is one of the largest stages for competition climbing, and to have two Westminster athletes able to compete this weekend is a huge milestone for the program. I’m really excited to be part of the founding of the climbing team and am looking forward to seeing how it contributes to the evolution of our sport. Climbing is rapidly gaining popularity in schools all around the country, and Westminster’s expansion of the Mountain Sports program is a major step forward for competition climbing.”
Westminster University’s Mountain Sports program is actively looking for coaches for the new climbing and mountain biking teams as well as recruiting students to participate. Westminster’s student-athletes excel on and off the field, continuing to build a legacy of excellence in mountain sports. Westminster's student-athletes are part of varsity-level athletics teams that offer a platform to showcase competitive abilities while gaining a world-class education. Along with training at facilities and locations along the Wasatch Front, students can access scholarships, sports psychology sessions, and more.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of Erik and Abram as they represent the Griffins at the YETI Climbing National Championships.
For more information about Westminster University’s Mountain Sports programs, email Sara Beaudry-Wiltse at sbeaudry@westminsteru.edu for freeski and snowboard, or Shay Wyatt swyatt@westminsteru.edu for climbing and mountain biking.
Ready to participate in Westminster University’s competitive mountain sports teams? Submit an Athletics Recruiting Form.
