Chattanooga-area teenager Hector Alvarez has qualified to compete at the USA Climbing National Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he will represent Team High Point in the U17 Lead/Top Rope division.

Alvarez will compete against some of the top youth climbers from across the United States, earning his spot through years of dedicated training, competition, and commitment to the sport. Lead climbing challenges athletes to climb as high as possible on difficult routes while demonstrating endurance, technical skill, problem-solving ability, and mental focus.

Outside of competitive climbing, Alvarez is an active Boy Scout who enjoys camping, hiking, backpacking, and exploring the outdoors. Since moving to Chattanooga, he has embraced the region's abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, including its renowned climbing areas, trails, rivers, and natural landscapes.