Fort Lewis College Skydiving Club Launches Despite Rain Threats
UPDATE: The Fort Lewis College Skydiving Club successfully completed its first jumps on September 28, 2023, defying initial weather concerns that threatened their launch. After a night of heavy rain, students rallied at the Canyonlands Field Airport, where the muddy conditions had many questioning if they would jump at all.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as students Michaela Ferris, Roman Speegle, and Jack Schuba prepared for their inaugural dives with Skydive Moab. Faculty adviser Ben Iverson, a licensed skydiver and FLC graduate, managed the camp amidst the rain, concerned that the weather might ground their plans. “Skydiving is my passion, and it’s a dream to share it with others,” Iverson said.
As dawn broke, hope flickered along with the clouds. The forecast promised a weather window, allowing the students to proceed with their plans. “I’m ready,” Speegle said, displaying eagerness to jump after rehearsing safety drills. The club, which was reestablished this year after a previous iteration faltered in 2017, has garnered interest and support from the college.
Earlier this month, Iverson had noted that collegiate skydiving has evolved since its origins in the 1960s, becoming a recognized sport with national championships. “What drew me to the sport was the human desire to fly,” he stated. With the college backing the initiative, Iverson has been instrumental in reviving the club and securing the necessary funding to train students.
Despite the intimidating prospect of jumping from an altitude of 18,000 feet, the excitement overshadowed any fears. “It’s a super-intimidating sport,” Iverson admitted, yet he reassured that skydiving is statistically safer than driving, with only nine fatalities reported out of 3.88 million jumps in 2024.
After a successful briefing over bagels and coffee, the students prepared for their jumps. With instructors on board, Ferris, Speegle, and Schuba climbed into the plane, ready to leap into the clouds. As the engine roared to life, Iverson remained grounded, anxiously watching the first chutes deploy.
The moment was electric as the students leaped from the plane, free-falling for a breathtaking 55 seconds before deploying their parachutes. “It’s just pure bliss,” Schuba exclaimed upon landing, while Speegle shared, “I had to relax and let muscle memory take over.”
The first jumps were a resounding success, marking a significant milestone for the newly reborn club. As they celebrated, the skies threatened to close in again, but Iverson remained hopeful. “All the hard work is paying off,” he said, reflecting on the journey to this moment.
With the initial jumps completed, the club is poised for growth, aiming to secure more funding to facilitate further training and competitions against other schools. The FLC Skydiving Club is not just about the thrill of free-falling; it represents a community of students chasing their dreams in the skies.
Following their successful dives, Ferris and other club members are scheduled to continue their training, positioning the Fort Lewis College Skydiving Club for an exciting future. The journey from ground to sky has just begun, and the excitement is palpable among all involved.
Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling new venture!
