When my phone rang a few weeks ago, the caller ID showed a number from Los Alamos, NM. Logically, I thought it was someone from the top secret Government Nuclear Testing Facility wanting to get me involved in some James Bond-like missions, which I had hoped. Well, it turns out it wasn't the Government needing my help... but it was the gentleman who would ultimately become the newest member of our team, Joby Santoro.
Joby was born in Chadron, Nebraska of all places. As a child, he also lived in Omaha, NE and Bismark, North Dakota. It was while living near the Black Hills that Joby was introduced to rock climbing at a young age. Specifically, he is passionate about 'Bouldering,' a form of rock climbing to a height of 25'-30' without ropes (yikes!), but crash pads on the ground to break a fall. In high school, rock climbing was more of a hobby and something that would become a more important part of his life. He is married to his wife of 8 years, Trish and has a 6 year old son, Eli. Eli is a kindergartner at Summit Charter School in Cashiers.
After High School, Joby became involved in rock climbing on a professional level, moving to a number of different states: North Dakota, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Colorado and then New Mexico chasing the sport. Trish's parents have had a home in the area since 1991 and were the connection that brought Joby and family to Highlands in 2012.
Joby is passionate about coaching rock climbing, something that started in 2003, and continues to this day. He coaches at the Brevard Rock Gym and is also looking to start a group in Franklin, NC.
I’m excited to have Joby as part of the team and hope he enjoys being part of the Club, like the rest of us. His motivation and attention to detail were immediately apparent to me and what will make him excel in the position. Please welcome Joby when you see him around the HCC campus this spring!
Joby was born in Chadron, Nebraska of all places. As a child, he also lived in Omaha, NE and Bismark, North Dakota. It was while living near the Black Hills that Joby was introduced to rock climbing at a young age. Specifically, he is passionate about 'Bouldering,' a form of rock climbing to a height of 25'-30' without ropes (yikes!), but crash pads on the ground to break a fall. In high school, rock climbing was more of a hobby and something that would become a more important part of his life. He is married to his wife of 8 years, Trish and has a 6 year old son, Eli. Eli is a kindergartner at Summit Charter School in Cashiers.
After High School, Joby became involved in rock climbing on a professional level, moving to a number of different states: North Dakota, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Colorado and then New Mexico chasing the sport. Trish's parents have had a home in the area since 1991 and were the connection that brought Joby and family to Highlands in 2012.
Joby is passionate about coaching rock climbing, something that started in 2003, and continues to this day. He coaches at the Brevard Rock Gym and is also looking to start a group in Franklin, NC.
I’m excited to have Joby as part of the team and hope he enjoys being part of the Club, like the rest of us. His motivation and attention to detail were immediately apparent to me and what will make him excel in the position. Please welcome Joby when you see him around the HCC campus this spring!
New HCC Horticulturist, Joby Santoro.