| If you build it, they will come These days, Rusty George doesn't climb much. But around 30 years after the retired science teacher led the community in building a climbing wall at Montrose High School, one of the first in the state, 18 MHS students climbed their way to qualifying for the State Championship this year More than 40 are on the team. Some years, upwards of 60 try out and coaches have to make cuts just to keep the number of manageable. Montrose's program is the second-largest in the state, just behind Carbondale. When Rusty built Montrose's wall in 1995, it was the only school wall he knew of nearby outside of Telluride's. But soon, they'd become a stable at other MCSD schools and inspire the Ridgway school system to build their own walls. With the dedication of Rusty and his successors, the wall became the center of a community. But now, it's not the only one we have, and accessible climbing opportunities are more within reach than ever. For just a $7 day pass (or free with membership) patrons can get their feet wet at the Montrose Recreation Center, where gear is available for newbies like me that don't have all the supplies yet. Every Thursday at 6, the center's "Women on the Wall" program is an adults-only opportunity for the girls to get out and get climbing, while clinics are also hosted from time-to-time on the wall. Looking south, the free Ouray and Telluride via ferratas are some of the coolest public goods to come online in recent years, and they provide a climbing/hiking experience that's adrenaline pumping and beginner friendly, with awesome views. As for Rusty, who reaches peaks via hiking now after a lifetime of beating up his body on the slabs, he's happy to see the climbing community in town grow. To hear more from Rusty, who lived a few decades of climbing adventures before bringing his love of the sport to the students of Montrose,check out tomorrow's outdoors section. And, if you're feeling brave, get out on the wall! Cheers, Kylea  Students tackle MHS' climbing wall in the early days (above) and earlier this year (below). (Photos courtesy of Rusty George and Aaron Wilcox)  QUICK LINKS | 
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