S.P.A Highlight: Jackson Climbs to the National Stage

From local competitions to the national stage, Jackson is continuing to make his mark in the world of competitive climbing.

Jackson has made the USA Climbing Ropes National Team three times and the Boulders National Team once, an impressive accomplishment after five years of competitive climbing. Along the way, he has podiumed in 15 regional or divisional championship events, including four Regional titles and two Divisional titles.

His journey to Nationals requires success at every level of competition. Jackson first competed in qualifying events, where he had to rank among the top 26 climbers in a region that includes Arizona and Southern California. He then advanced to Regionals, where he needed to finish in the top 13. At Divisionals, which includes competitors from five states, Jackson had to finish in the top six to earn his place at Nationals.

At the national level, only the top five competitors in each discipline (Ropes, Boulders, and Speed), earn a spot on the National Team.

While Jackson’s accomplishments on the climbing wall are impressive, some of his greatest takeaways have come from the challenges he has faced along the way. Over five years of competitive climbing, he has developed skills in problem-solving, perseverance, and staying calm when the pressure is on.

Jackson says:

“I have learned how to solve problems in unexpected ways. When trying to get to the top of a climb, there are often several different ways to do it . The challenge is finding the best way for me to do it. I have also learned to stay calm under pressure. Whenever I am competing, I have a limited amount of time to get to the top of a climb which can be intimidating.”

Jackson has also brought that passion for climbing to Scottsdale Prep. For the past two years, he has helped lead the S.P.A. Climbing Club, sharing the sport with fellow students. He is currently working to get the club up and running again for this school year, with hopes that students will be able to join during the winter season.

Interested in giving climbing a try? Keep an eye out for information about the S.P.A. Climbing Club this winter and come join Jackson!

Have an accomplishment, experience, or story you’d like to share? We’d love to feature you in S.P.A. Highlights! Reach out to Miss Ware at mware@scottsdaleprep.org to be considered for a future feature.