Board of Directors

 
 

Cole Trebelhorn | Chair

Cole joined the board the fall of 2023 and has been a passionate advocate for the stellar climbing Minnesota has to offer since 2020, and stepped into the role as Chair of the board in the summer of 2024.

Cole found so much joy at the discovery of climbing in Minnesota that he decided to anchor down roots in the area after graduating from his alma mater, Gustavus Adolphus College, rather than pursue his passion for mountain sports out west.

Years into his climbing journey, he’s since graduated from rainbow wall climbing, and now excited to steward the treasure that is Minnesota climbing for everyone to enjoy. No matter the season, you’ll find Cole drooling over the spiciest 5.6 trad routes he can reasonably drive to in one stint, and building relationships along the way. His stoke is strong whether he’s swatting mosquitoes at Taylors Falls, or picking ice out of his beard at Sandstone.

Along with being a part of the Sandstone ice farming crew, Cole’s professional background of construction management brings a handiness that the crags will enjoy for years to come, while working with the numerous stakeholder teams invested in the Minnesotan climbing scene. 

When he’s not climbing, you can find him road tripping, enjoying the MPLS fare, and placing near last in the local underground urban cycling races.

Be sure to say hi at Bloomington VE!

 

Marc unnasch | vice Chair

I got into climbing in 2018 with my kids. I'd have to say trad, ice, and drytooling are my favorite types of climbing. I love to volunteer in the climbing community whenever the opportunity presents itself the opportunity presents itself, whether it's at USAC youth comps or local community comps. We have such an inclusive climbing community here in Minnesota and it’s amazing to be a part of. I'm super excited to help out the MCA in any way possible.

 
 

Open Position | Secretary

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steve mccluskey | treasurer

Steve started rock climbing in 2016 and ice climbing that same season and was hooked. After a few years of borrowing ice gear, he finally had all of his own and gets up to Sandstone as often as he can during ice season. In the last few years he has helped out more and more with farming the ice at Sandstone and joined the MCA in 2023 to be more involved in the decision making process and help out with ice park functions. Steve is a CNC machinist/programmer by trade and enjoys many other hobbies including music, movies, gadgets, bikes, welding, house projects and hanging out with friends and family.

 

Peter Lenz | Board Member & ice park manager

Peter has been climbing since 2007 and joined the Board in 2015. He never climbs as often he would like, but Peter takes advantage of all the climbing that Minnesota has to offer from rock to ice. He assists the MCA with its Internet presence as well as the ice farming effort at the Sandstone Ice Park. He reveres the community, personal challenge, exploration, and adventure intrinsic to the endeavor of climbing. When not tied in, Peter loves to immerse himself in Minneapolis’ bike culture, taking on alleycat races, group rides, or gravel road 100 milers. He also enjoys making vegan tacos.

 

Open Position | board member

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Ed lysNe | board member

Edric has been rock, ice and alpine climbing since 1992, beginning in Minnesota. At the beginning of his career, he mostly toproped in Taylors Falls, the North Shore, and Sandstone MN before there was an Ice Park. Then he moved to Yosemite, where he cut his teeth on multi-pitch free routes for many years. Edric has since climbed all over the Intermountain West, Alaska, Nepal and Thailand and he also has served as a guide, instructor and trainer for Outward Bound programs. He seeks to help protect and fortify local climbing areas as well as pass on best practices for safe climbing. Edric also really enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and visiting the wilderness.

 

Theresa Ptak | board member

Theresa has been climbing since 2012, having started in a small campus gym at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She has lived and climbed in Wisconsin, Washington and Colorado, but Minnesota crags have felt the most like home. She is actively involved in the MCA’s community around the Sandstone Quarry and Ice Park, and is looking forward to learning more about Ice Farming in the coming years. As a professional designer & illustrator, she loves finding ways to be a creative resource to not only the climbing community, but local parks and land advocacy initiatives as well. She recently completed a stewardship-based art residency program in the Wrangell-St.Elias, Alaska, backpacking through Lakina Valley and Kennicott Glacier, using her field study to create pieces of art. Theresa has helped design and develop trail signage projects locally, and looks forward to applying this experience to the Ice Park this winter.

She’d love to hash out that brilliant climbing t-shirt design idea that's been sitting in the back of your head. Reach out!

 

Open Position | board member

Board position open! If serving the Minnesota climbing community in any capacity speaks to you, feel free to reach out.

 

Open Position | board member

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mindy wozniak | board member

Hi there, Mindy Wozniak here, a dedicated enthusiast of the vertical world. My love for rock climbing and ice climbing knows no bounds, as I find sheer joy in pushing my physical and mental limits against nature's most formidable obstacles. Rock climbing, with its rugged terrain and diverse challenges, has been a constant source of exhilaration for me. Whether it's bouldering, sport climbing, or traditional climbing, I thrive on the problem-solving aspect and the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering a challenging route. On the other hand, ice climbing has captured my heart with its unique blend of tranquility and intensity. The sheer beauty of frozen waterfalls and the adrenaline rush of swinging ice tools into vertical ice formations create an experience unlike any other. The raw power of nature and the determination required in both rock and ice climbing resonate deeply with me. These pursuits have taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of trust – in both myself and my climbing partners. As I continue to explore new crags, cliffs, and frozen cascades, I'm constantly seeking to deepen my connection with the natural world and the climbing community. And I always try to volunteer at local climbing spots when I am able. I strive to share my passion and knowledge with fellow climbers, promoting safety, respect for the environment, and a love for the vertical life. Whether I'm scaling a rock face or navigating a frozen icefall, the thrill of the climb and the breathtaking views from the top keep me coming back for more. For me, rock climbing and ice climbing aren't just my hobbies – they're a way of life, a never-ending adventure that fuels my spirit and inspires my personal growth.