By Abby Chong, Co-Sports Editor
Conestoga teacher Roheem Roten began his climbing journey seven years ago. Though he was always athletic — running track in high school and playing soccer during college — it was not until after graduation that Roten found his true passion: rock climbing.
Three and a half years ago, Roten began coaching rock climbing at the Gravity Vaults climbing gym in Radnor. He teaches twice a week and focuses on reinforcing climbing fundamentals and fostering a welcoming community among his students.
“I try to instill positive affirmations. That’s the thing about climbing versus most other sports. Climbing is probably the most supportive sport I’ve ever been a part of. Even people you’re competing against are cheering you on and want you to be successful,” Roten said.
Despite his love for rock climbing, Roten has a fear of heights. He does not let this deter him, but rather sees it as a challenge to overcome. By checking his rope, harness and other equipment before every climb, Roten helps calm his nerves and gives himself confidence to face his fear.
“I’m still afraid of heights. I have a certain threshold, a certain height, where my body just reacts. It’s just like, ‘Okay, you’re doing something very dangerous,’” Roten said. “It’s physical, but it’s more mental than anything. (You) just have to tell yourself, ‘You’re going to be fine; you’re going to be okay.’”
Roten believes that climbing is a sport that requires not only physical strength, but also mental resilience.
“Climbing is a very patient sport, but it’s also a dangerous sport,” Roten said. “If you practice your patience and make sure you’re being safe, you can do a sport for as long as you want.”
One of Roten’s most memorable climbing experiences was last season, when he successfully completed a climb called “Twisted Sister.”
“I remember having this euphoric moment of accomplishment,” Roten said. “I was like, ‘Yes, I did it!’ It was probably one of the best feelings that I’ve had in a long time as an athlete. It just felt amazing.”
Roten encourages everyone to begin rock climbing, emphasizing that age does not matter when it comes to the sport. He affirms that all you need to be successful is patience and persistence.
“Go in there with no expectations. It is hard. It’s not easy, but it’s more about the journey than the destination,” Roten said. “Climbing is one of those sports that a lot of people say, ‘Oh, I wish I would have done it (when I was) younger. I’d be better at it now,’ but it’s really one of those sports where the longer you do it, the better you can get.”
Abby Chong can be reached at [email protected].
