“It’s not the falling that matters; it’s the hitting the ground that matters,” said Alex Randall ‘25, joking around with the students and parents who attended the rappelling event on Saturday, October 5, during Family Weekend. Jokes aside, the three Northwood Adventure Sports (NAS) students and Director Bobby O’Connor provided a fantastic opportunity to hike and rappel from the cliffs on Cobble Hill on a beautiful fall morning. Three families attended the session and had a unique experience. Riley Ward ‘27 and her father, Tim, Dave Randall, father of Alex Randall ‘25, and Lisa Wint, Team Dean and Mother of JT Wint ‘25. Each of them rappelled for the first time.
Photos provided.
“It just sounded like a fun way to spend the morning,” said Dave Randall. “The experience was great. The climb and rappel were a lot of fun, but what I really enjoyed was watching the NAS students showcase their skills and leadership. I do not often get the chance to see them in their ‘element,’ and this was a great way to do that,” Randall added.
“It was great teaching, and leading is always fun,” said NAS student leader Colton Cushman ’25. “My favorite thing about NAS is doing what I like, climbing, hiking, and more.”
“I’m so glad I had the chance to rappel with Bobby and the three dedicated seniors in the NAS program,” Lisa Wint, Northwood’s Independent Team Dean, shared. “I like to get out of my comfort zone now and then, and although I am not the best rock climber nor a fan of heights—and I did not appreciate Alex’s little joke about sliding off the cliff side—I had a great time rappelling and can’t wait to do it again!” Wint also commented on the exceptional student leadership. “It was great to see the boys take charge and demonstrate their climbing skills. I had complete confidence in them the entire time. And given that it was Family Weekend, it was also cool to be on the rope side by side with my son,” Ms. Wint added.
“Our first family rappel off Cobble Hill was a success!” Bobby O’Connor said after the event. “Mainly because of the parents and students who participated. They made this such a fun event! We hope to make this an annual Family Weekend outing,” O’Connor added.
