Crank, Climbing Reach New Heights

Conor Scanlon, Staff Reporter

April 27, 2017

In its twenty fifth year, last weekend’s annual Sweet Onion Crank bouldering competition brought nearly 200 students from schools across the Northwest to campus for a day chock-full of laughs and challenging climbs. On a weekend with the Renaissance Festival, Admitted Students Day and the 24-hour Varsit...

The Evolution of the Whitman Outdoor Program

Alex Brockman, Feature Reporter

April 6, 2017

One of the most common walks across Whitman College takes students from Reid Campus Center to Ankeny. Along the way, one might see busses loaded with kayaks for a weekend trip, students ascending Whitman’s famous climbing wall or even skiers moving through campus in the winter. These common sights are ...

Whitman Climbing Team Ascends to New Heights in NC3 Rankings

March 3, 2016

Most Whitman students know about the huge climbing wall and it’s popularity regardless of whether or not they actually climb. But what students might not know is that Whitman has a club climbing team that is currently ranked first in the NC3 (Northwest Collegiate Climbing Circuit). The NC3 is made up elev...

Lit Review: “The Great American Dirtbags”

Martina Pansze, A&E Editor

February 4, 2016

In “The Dirtbag Manifesto,” Mehall tells the story of how he came to be a “born-again dirtbag.”

Banff Film Festival comes to Whitman

Emma Cooper

January 28, 2016

Climbers, boarders, bikers, and river-surfers gathered into Cordiner Hall on Jan. 19 for this year's Banff Film Festival event. The Banff Film Festival plays annually in Banff, Alberta, where hundreds of outdoor films are displayed. An intense selection process is required in order for the festival...

Ladies’ Climbing Night offers space to women climbers

Martina Pansze

April 30, 2015

As the clock strikes 8 p.m., women start to trickle into the climbing gym. By 8:05, Beyoncé is blasting from the speakers, and women are harnessing up and beginning to climb. Every other week, The Whitman Climbing Center hosts Ladies' Climbing Night from 8 to 10 p.m. Started by juniors Josephine...

Umatilla, Forest Service negotiate future of Spring Mountain

Nolan Bishop

October 9, 2014

In recent months, members of the Umatilla tribe have initiated conversations with the Forest Service about the usage of Spring Mountain, a site of cultural significance to the tribe and a popular rock climbing destination in northeastern Oregon. Situated just outside of La Grande, Oregon, it is frequently...

Climbers from All Over the Northwest Hit the Climbing Wall for the Sweet Onion Crank

Kyle Howe

May 2, 2013

Last Saturday, climbers from all over the Pacific Northwest arrived at Whitman for the annual Sweet Onion Crank climbing competition. The Crank allows climbers of all skills to participate in the competition against fellow climbers of a similar skill rank at Whitman's own climbing wall. "The Sweet On...

Whitman Climber Granted Opportunity to Pursue Dreams

Tristan Gavin

February 21, 2013

Senior Matthew Morriss has done things in the past six months most Whitman students only dream of. Not only is he spending time climbing and skiing in some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the region, but he isn't paying to do it, either. By receiving grants from multiple outdoors organizations,...

Dean de Benedictis embarks on mountainous musical odyssey

caitlinhardee

September 8, 2011

In Whitman's vibrant liberal arts setting, it's common to find students who are equally devoted to creative pursuits and the great outdoors. This August, The Pioneer spoke with a musician who embodies this philosophy: Dean de Benedictis, son of 10-time Emmy Award nominee Dick DeBenedictis. Dean de Benedic...

Ain’t no mountain high enough

Bailey Arango

April 29, 2010

While every day spent at the climbing wall is an exciting one, the last Saturday in April holds a special place in the hearts of Whitman College outdoor enthusiasts; last Saturday, April 24, Whitman College hosted its 18th  Annual Sweet Onion Crank, a celebration of rock climbing and outdoor culture rendered all the more special by the Crank debut of Sherwood Athletic Center's...