St. Thomas Rock Climbing Club members have been bouldering, rope climbing and belaying for five years. Since it started, club president senior Bobby Ranallo has seen the club grow from 80-200 members.

“It’s really nice to see people having access to the sport and getting really excited about trying something new,” Ranallo said.

Club members climb at Vertical Endeavors in St. Paul and Minneapolis, and also venture to Taylors Falls, Minn., and Red Wing, Minn., for outdoor climbing.

Junior Josh Marrone, who has been climbing for two weeks, said he has enjoyed the sport so far.

“It’s a good workout,” Marrone said.

Junior Melanie Daoheuang said the other members are what keep her coming back.

“I really enjoy the community and cheering each other on when we’re trying to solve the boulder problems,” Daoheuang said.

Alison Bengtson can be reached at beng4632@stthomas.edu.