Five athletes from the Bend Endurance Academy’s Performance Climbing Team competed at the 2025 USA Climbing Youth National Championships, held June 26 through July 2 at Portland Rock Gym in Beaverton, Oregon. The event brought together the nation’s top youth climbers for a full week of competition across three climbing disciplines: Lead, Bouldering, and Speed.
The Youth National Championships are the highest level of youth climbing competition in the United States. Athletes qualify through a multi-phase process that includes local qualifying events, Regional Championships and then Divisional Championships, with only the top 50 athletes per age category and discipline advancing to Nationals. Over the course of seven days, climbers competed in qualification, semifinal, and final rounds. Lead and Bouldering included flash-style and redpoint formats in isolation rounds, while Speed followed a timed qualification and head-to-head elimination format. A total of 24 national champions were crowned across the three disciplines and age categories.
Nathaniel Perullo, a longtime BEA athlete, delivered an exceptional performance. He earned the 2025 National Champion title in the Male U19 Bouldering category, placing first in the nation and securing a spot on the U.S. Youth National Team. His win qualifies him to represent the United States in Bouldering at the 2025 IFSC Youth World Championships in Helsinki, Finland. Perullo also placed 4th in the country in the Male U19 Lead discipline, demonstrating elite-level consistency across multiple formats.
This national title marks the fourth Youth Bouldering National Championship win for Bend Endurance Academy since 2019, a testament to the strength and depth of the program.
Nathaniel has been part of the Bend Endurance Academy’s climbing team since he was in the youngest competitive age category. Reflecting on his Nationals experience, he said:
“I have spent the last 8-10 years of my life trying to become a National Champion. I couldn’t be happier. Thank you to my parents, coaches, friends and family who have supported me”.
In total, five BEA athletes earned eight national starts and represented the team across all three climbing disciplines.
BEA Youth Nationals Athletes and Highlights:
- Nathaniel Perullo (Male U19) – 1st Bouldering (National Champion), 4th Lead
- Vance Stanfield (Male U19) – Top 20 in the Nation Lead and Bouldering
- Soren Hasselblad (Male U17) – Top 20 in the Nation Lead and Bouldering
- Ryker Long (Male U15) – Competed in Speed
- Soren Long (Male U15) – Competed in Speed
The Youth National Championships provide a preview of the future of the sport, with many Olympic and World Cup athletes emerging from this level of competition. Top finishers are invited to join the U.S. Youth National Team and go on to represent the United States on the international stage.
About Bend Endurance Academy:
Bend Endurance Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Bend, Oregon, offering inclusive and high-quality youth programs in climbing, mountain biking, and Nordic skiing. Serving over 1,000 athletes annually, BEA champions healthy living and lifelong passion for sports with a focus on inclusion, personal growth, and community engagement to cultivate resilient, compassionate leaders for a unified future.
About USA Climbing:
USA Climbing is the national governing body for the sport of competition climbing in the United States. It supports athlete development and oversees youth, collegiate, and elite competitions, including Olympic team selection.
This article appears in Source Weekly July 3, 2025.
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Thank you so much for recognizing Bend Endurance Academy. It has been an incredible program and organization for both of our sons, who are passionate climbers.
Executive Director and climbing coach Mike Rougeux is deeply committed to the social and emotional development of every young person in the programs at BEA. One of the things I value most about BEA as a parent is its inclusive environment. While there may be a misconception that it’s only for elite athletes, BEA creates space for all kids—whether they climb for fun or aspire to compete. It’s about the development of a child’s well being. That sense of belonging and support is what makes this community so special.
Over the years, BEA has faced significant challenges as a nonprofit—most notably, the lack of access and partnership with Bend Rock Gym, which led to the bold and necessary decision to build its own facility. The fact that BEA continues to thrive in the face of these obstacles speaks volumes about the strength, resilience, and dedication of its leadership and community.
Congratulations to all the athletes and coaches who are part of this incredible organization!