Asa Seldomridge climbing “Cradle to the Grave” in Boone, North Carolina. Photo Credits: Self-Submitted by Asa Seldomridge
Rosalyn Rabinowitz
Walking outside in Boone NC, you’ll encounter jutting mountains, colorful leaves, and rushing rivers. The natural beauty here provides the perfect location for multitude of outdoor sports in which many students spend their free time participating. Whether it is skiing or rock climbing, these activities unite students in communities outside of school. For some, these sports are not just hobbies– they are essential to their lives. These students dedicate hours to practicing, competing, and gaining opportunities and sponsorships rarely seen in other sports.
“Skateboarding has brought me more exposure to bigger companies,” said Quentin Morris, freshman. “It has brought me more friends and connected with people I like hanging out with. I have three sponsors right now, one for Bunga, Griptape, Send Coalition, and I'm also on the ZRC team.”
Morris is an example of a student whose life revolves around his sport. He spends countless hours at the warehouse where he skates to improve and get ready for competitions. Many Watauga students share this work ethic, though not all of them have developed the same sense of community that these sports create. Since these activities have no connection to Watauga High School these students get to travel all over the world, creating not only a unique community in Boone, but one that crosses state lines.
“I have friends all around the region,” said Asa Seldomridge, sophomore. “We all meet up at competitions. It's really fun to see each other.”
While climbing is the main focus for Seldomridge now, he also values educational and career opportunities. For some students, like sophomore Lila Tate Freireich, their sport can even prepare them for the future.
“The scariest thing that I have seen is a guy with a head injury who came in,” said Frierich, a member of the ski patrol. “I was just sitting in there with the other patroller, checking him out, and he was sitting in a chair. I went over to get gauze for a cut on his forehead, and when I looked over, his eyes were rolled back in his head, and he was having a seizure.”
As one of the youngest members on ski patrol, situations like these prepare Frierich for a future in the medical field. However, ski patrol is more than a career opportunity for her; it also feels like family. Since it is difficult to improve and move up in these sports, students are tested both mentally and physically. Ultimately, the hard work and dedication are worth it for the joy and tight-knit community created that these sports foster.
“At first climbing can be a little bit discouraging,” said Seldomridge. “But if you just keep going and set different goals along the way and train for those, you’ll see what you need to improve on and you’ll eventually get to where you need to be.”
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