Catherine Garton, a member of Planet Rock Climbing Team, looks at her second problem (or route) before getting on the wall. She “mapped” the route - climber slang for planning the movements and the sequence of holds to use. This is where it starts: climbers have four minutes to climb a route they’ve never seen before, and usually map it before getting on the wall. Time is dictated by large clocks which are usually visible from each problem. The start of the four minutes is announced by a loud female robotic voice, similar to Siri, which says “Climbers. You may begin climbing now.” Garton, who had been standing with her back to the route, turned around when she heard the voice and got her first look at the climb. Catherine Garton tries to figure out her second route; she had fallen and is now planning what to try next. There is a small separation between the spectators and the climbers of about 10 feet, but nothing that protects climbers from the sighs or cheers of a crowd.

Connor Kapayo, a member of the Chicago-based First Ascent Climbing Team, takes a second to reflect after falling off his first attempt. Although he tried it two more times, he did not end up sending the route. Kapayo placed first at Regionals and on the first day of Divisionals, but ended in 5th. He competes against his twin brother Spencer Kapayo at every competition; at this competition Spencer ended up in 6th.

Maggie Hammer, a sophomore at Community and member of Planet Rock Climbing Team, reaches around the volume - the large grey bulbous hold is this type of hold - as she goes for the 15-point hold. This was her second attempt on this route, which was her second of the day. Hammer was one of only two people to send this route, and placed first. Climbing is a family affair: both of her brothers placed third at this competition and will be going to Nationals with her as well.