How can you be a successful USAC comp setter?
Most routesetters working in the U.S. today have interacted with USA Climbing (USAC) at some level, whether it’s setting Qualifying Events for their home gym or pursuing higher level certifications through clinics, internships, and national level apprenticeships.
Join us to talk with John Muse, a man who knows the world of competition setting inside and out! We’ll chat about what it takes to be successful within USAC, and how we can grow ourselves to meet the growing needs of competitive climbing in the U.S.
Setters Only! is a series of free online discussions led by Foxman McCarthy-James and Justin Wright from Vortex Routesetting, with relevant guests from across the industry. The panel-discussion-style sessions include time for interactive Q&As with attendees.
Upcoming Dates:
(Monthly on 2nd Tuesdays)
Meet your hosts and guests:
| John Muse is Chief of Sport at USA Climbing, where he oversees the High Performance and Events Departments and plays a key role in shaping the direction of competition climbing in the U.S. He served as Team Leader for the U.S. Climbing Team at both the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Before stepping into a national leadership position, John spent more than a decade as a gym owner, coach, and national routesetter. He served on the USA Climbing Routesetting Committee for over a decade and was a key contributor to routesetting education and standards during a period of rapid growth and change in the sport. John brings a rare perspective that bridges grassroots climbing and elite performance, and he remains a strong advocate for the central role of routesetting in the sport’s growth. |
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| Foxman McCarthy-James is an owner and consultant with Vortex Routesetting. She has brought her background in education into her routesetting career, serving on the CWA Routesetting and Work at Height Committees and teaching routesetting clinics around the country. She is passionate about continuing the conversation on how we can make our industry more welcoming and inclusive. |  |
| Justin Wright is an owner and consultant with Vortex Routesetting. He holds a USAC L4 and has developed routesetting teams across the country. Serving on the CWA’s Routesetting and Work At Height Committees, Justin is committed to helping move the climbing industry forward by developing routesetter education pathways and recommending best practices for volunteer Work At Height standards. |  |
