By Andrew Sanchez April 21, 2026
Rock climbing allows climbers to reach or get over hurdles within their bodies and mind while enjoying nature and the fulfillment of accomplishing a goal. While many see the sport as an individual sport where the climber must conquer the mountain, the Bronco Ascenders wanted to create a team that supports each other, according to Ethan Ramirez, the media coordinator of the club and a liberal studies student.
CPP’s rock climbing club, called Bronco Ascenders, was founded in 2014 when the Bronco Peak was opened for students to use at the BRIC, according to Ramriez. The founding members were a group of students who loved rock climbing and wanted to make a club together to allow others to join and experience the sport.
Members typically attend the general meeting once a month and take advantage of having wall hours as a club. During these hours the club likes to hold competitions, games and other activities.
The club also meets up at other rock climbing gyms and places around southern California to experience together, according to Ethan Ramirez, the media coordinator of the club and a liberal studies student.
“We have an outdoor trip coming up later this month,” Ramirez said. “We’re going to Joshua Tree outdoor climbing. We had an indoor mini competition this week at the wall. So there’s just a bunch of fun stuff you can do, and it’s super easy to join, super accessible, and everyone’s super friendly.”
As a freshman, it could be difficult to find your footing on campus, but for Ramirez the Bronco Ascenders helped him make friends and have fun things to do, while picking up a new hobby.
“I’ve been rock climbing for about eight months,” Ramirez said. “I actually started here at Cal Poly, and it’s been a great way for me to stay in shape, exercise and make a bunch of good friends.”
Ramirez could relate to the feeling of starting something new for the first time and being unsure how it will go, but giving it a try and staying open to possibilities was what made things go even better than he could have expected.
Making friends and making sure each climber feels welcome are some things the members of Bronco Ascenders considered with their club, as they want each student to feel important and wanted in the club no matter their skill level,according to Ramirez. Many of the club members are often at the wall and are open to giving tips to new climbers.
The Bronco Peak is an “unmistakable centerpiece housed within the BRIC” according to ASI CPP. The wall is the tallest climbing wall within the CSU system. The wall was made in a specific way to mimic the naturally occurring features you may see in nature to help climbers train and develop their techniques. The wall is 51 feet tall, with a 12-foot boulder wall that has 15 top ropes and lead lines.
Junior civil engineering student Damien Jones is one of the many students who have goals to get to the top of each wall they face.
“I enjoy going to the BRIC even on days I don’t have school, just to try to beat my previous best on the Bronco Peak.” Jones said. “I’ve even gotten some of my best friends to do it with me and now they like rock climbing.”
Students interested in joining the club must show up to one general meeting. After attending one meeting, they are officially a member of the club and can participate in all events. The general meetings are posted on the club’s Instagram @bronco_ascenders, along with being listed on the BRIC’s events.
Apart from the club, all students are able to give the wall a try at the BRIC after going through the orientation classes listed on the BRIC website.
Sophomore business administration student Josiah Campbell is among the many students who have yet to try out the wall at the BRIC but has mentioned that having a club to join to start his journey is enticing.
“The wall is something every CPP student sees but most never try it.” Campbell said. “But having a club to guide you through the beginning steps of the sport is cool, since they can train you up and you can learn from them.”
Feature image courtesy of ASI
