Tuesday March 19, 2024  

New Wall Construction

In January, 1997 a group of intrepid and dedicated OA Climbers, led by master carpenter Josh Roman '97 and Andrew "Mad Bomber" Burke '98 started a major renovation of the original Wall structure. With funds donated by a number of OA alumni(a), they reframed over the old concrete sections of the wall and created a new overhang on the original wall section. In addition, they removed all of the holds and washed them, drilled and t-nutted the entire wall and significantly increased the hold density. As well, they replaced belay points, added sheer reduction blocks and new gym rope.

OA Wall Construction OA Wall Construction OA Wall Construction

Here you see the New Wall at the Grand Opening In February, 1997

Along with Josh and Andrew, Sam Kadish '97, John Gager (faculty), Robyn Williams '99, Sarah Rubinfeld '97, Saumyen Guha Staff, Matt Richardson '97, and others, including Rick Curtis, official gopher, the Wall came together. Its grand opening was celebrated by over 70 people on Saturday, February 8, 1997. All of these folks deserve our thanks for their incredible service and dedication to making this project a reality!

OA Wall Construction

Josh "Measure Once, Cut Twice" Roman '97

OA Wall Construction

All Framed out

OA Wall Construction

Andrew Burke '97 and John Gager (faculty), eager to listen to Josh's plan

OA Wall Construction

Sarah Rubenfeld '97, Robyn Williams '99, and Saumyen Guha PhD going T-nut happy

OA Wall Construction

Up goes the first panel

OA Wall Construction

Sam Kadish '97 and Saumyen Guha PhD hauling up the top panels

OA Wall Construction

Eric Lundgren '97 ratchets those puppies in