Staff

Max Litwin: Climbing Wall Instructor I grew up in Bellevue, WA and started rock climbing two years ago. I am a Junior here at CWU studying geology. Climbing for me is a great way to get outside and meet interesting people. When I'm done with school I hope to work for the environment and live here in central Washington.

Conor Byrne: Climbing Wall Instructor Growing up I've always had a passion for the outdoors and I've taken as many opportunities to get outside as possible. Rock climbing and alpine climbing have been things i was naturally drawn to and i have had the great opportunity to do bit of climbing in Washington as well as the Southwest. This past summer i climbed in Moab, Utah and a 400 foot tall sandstone tower in Colorado. This Fall I summited Mt. Rainier with my family and am really excited future climbs. I hope to focus on more alpine climbing as well as backcountry skiing this year. Climbing in the gym is a great way to prepare yourself for outdoor climbing as well as being a fun activity during the cold and windy Ellensburg winters. I look forward to seeing you at the rock wall!

Drew Brien: Climbing Wall Instructor Hey everyone my names Drew and this is going to be my second year at central and I am planning on going into construction management. I started working at the rock wall last winter and have been really enjoying being apart of rock climbing staff. I am from Puyallup and that’s where I have pretty much spent most my life with my family. I have always been into anything in the outdoors and all about just having a good time. If you don’t see me in the gym then you just might run into me out at vantage.

Brian Adams: Climbing Wall Instructor I'm a junior here at Central working towards a music ed. and percussion performance major. I was introduced to rock climbing here at central during my first year. Once I started climbing in the gym I couldn't stop, and it got even worse once I took my first trip to Leavenworth. I love going climbing with friends and going to a new place to climb.

Karlyn Koughan: Climbing Wall Instructor Climbing is awesome, and I love teaching it. Climbing gives us physical and mental challenges that sometimes seem impossible, so when we succeed at something it’s like we’ve done the impossible -which is an incredible feeling. I instruct at Central because it’s where I got my introduction to the world of climbing and I want to be a mentor to others and encourage their passion to grow as mine has! Ellensburg is an arm’s reach away from countless beautiful places with natural rock - and for those new to the area I want to open their eyes to the possibilities it offers. I especially want to support women in the sport, where we are the minority, and help them find the strength and confidence that climbing has taught me. So if you see me in the gym or on campus say hi! I’m always willing to offer any advice, spot you, or work on a tough problem with you! Karlyn is a senior at Central and will (hopefully) graduate this spring with a Spanish major and geography minor.

Megan Brech: Climbing Wall Instructor I’m a junior this year and am working toward a Physical Education major and Music minor. One of the main reasons I wanted to come to CWU was because I would have the opportunity to learn how to climb. So, during my freshman year I started sending routes and ended up getting more into climbing than I expected. I met a lot of awesome people at the wall who helped me become a stronger climber. Having them around has encouraged me to keep working toward being a better climber, and to get back into it this year after an injury. I’ve always loved being outdoors, probably because of all the camping and traveling I’ve done with my family. To me it’s the best feeling in the world to go somewhere new and be amazed by what nature has been working on.

Mike Dove: Climbing Wall Instructor My life is awesome. I get to climb and play music all day and every day. I am a senior studying percussion performance, and hopefully I will graduate within the next decade or so. My life revolves around climbing, music, and Batman. I love traveling and climbing on new rock and meeting new people. I can’t wait to see where this year takes me, (cough) Utah (cough). .

Nathan Joyner: Climbing Wall Instructor I'm a sophomore this year, working towards a degree in English and a career as a high school teacher. I’ve been climbing for about a year, a passion I discovered at our rock wall on campus, and ever since last spring my palms start to sweat just thinking about climbing. Sounds a little weird, I know, but once you’ve been there, you’ll understand. I’ve really enjoyed all the natural beauty that we're surrounded with here in E-burg, with Mt. Stuart and the Enchantments and all the alpine lakes they hold. So many hikes, so little time... Anyway, if you want to talk about climbing or hiking or about a good book you’re reading, look for me at the wall, or say ‘hi’ when you see me around campus.