This school year a new sound has been echoing through the halls of Immaculata-La Salle: the rhythmic clinking of carabiners and the excited chatter of students preparing to conquer vertical walls. For the first time in the school’s history, students have a dedicated space to explore the world of bouldering and top-roping, thanks to the newly formed ILS Rock Climbing Club.
Founded at the start of the academic year, the club was born out of a shared passion for adventure and a desire to build a more inclusive community on campus. The initiative was spearheaded by a group of seniors—Dante Caicedo, Richard Reiss, and Lucca Calle—who wanted to leave a lasting, upward-moving legacy at the school before graduation.
A Foundation of Community
While many see rock climbing as an individual test of strength, Dante Caicedo explains that the mission of the club is far more collaborative. The founders didn’t just want to create an athletic team; they wanted to create a social hub.
When asked about the true essence of the organization, Dante said, “The climbing club is a club made for the purpose of sharing and hopefully getting people into the activity of climbing while incorporating friend-making and openness.”
This focus on “openness” is the cornerstone of the club’s philosophy. Climbing can often feel intimidating to beginners, but the seniors have worked hard to ensure that the environment is welcoming to those who have never even put on a harness.
Accessibility for All
One of the most common questions the founders receive is whether prior experience is necessary. The answer is a resounding “no.” The club is designed to be a bridge between the student body and local climbing gyms, making the sport accessible to everyone regardless of their fitness level or background.
The joining process is intentionally simple to encourage maximum participation. According to Dante, there are no grueling tryouts or exclusive requirements. “Anyone can join,” he says. “Send me an email and I will send you the form—we are open to everyone.” This “open-door” policy has helped the club gain quick traction among students looking for an alternative to traditional field sports.
### A Successful Ascent
Starting a club from scratch during senior year is no small feat, but the founders’ efforts are already paying dividends. By organizing group trips to local gyms and providing a platform for students to learn technical skills, the club has successfully introduced a niche sport to the broader ILS community.
The success of the club isn’t just measured by how high the members climb, but by the new friendships formed at the base of the wall. As the founding seniors prepare for the next chapter of their lives, they have successfully established a foundation for future “Royals” to keep climbing higher.
