MINI-INTERVIEW WITH CERRE FRANCIS
blurr: Cerre, you’ve been climbing for about 7 years. What do you consider your most significant climbing accomplishments?
Cerre: I feel like my most memorable accomplishments include putting up the Moss Toss...a tall scary line that has only had a handful of repeats. It always feels good to put up new problems.
And when I finally sent Mr. T in Little Cottonwood. Although it is only graded V7 it is considered one of the crimpiest and most sequential problems in LCC. I was stoked! Also I remember being happy about Moonraker V9 even though I have worked harder on V6 in LCC, I was still proud.
blurr: Are you a full-time climber, or do you have some other way of paying the bills? Tell us a bit about that.
Cerre: I wish I was a full time climber, unfortunately I work 40 hours a week developing youth programs for a museum in Salt Lake. On the other hand I am really lucky to be a weekend warrior on some of the best rock in the country. I get out after work sometimes so that keeps me motivated. I love coming home to my warm bed, but I miss the years I spent the majority of my time in the back of my car sleeping.
blurr: Do you or did you ever do other sports besides climbing?
Cerre: I grew up playing tennis and swimming, but never at the level I have accomplished climbing. I envy the girls with a gymnastic background - they are so amazing at throwing their bodies around.
blurr: If you weren’t a climber, which famous athlete would you want to be, and why?
Cerre: If I could be any athlete it would have to be Billie Jean King; because she proved Bobby Riggs wrong when he said, " no women can beat a man".
blurr: What kind of dogs do you own, and are they any good for quail hunting?
Cerre: I have two miniature pinschers that have been known to kill ground squirrels while leashed. They are my baby's.
blurr: WWF or UFC, and why? Who would be your ultimate cage match partner, and why?
Cerre: WWF, because growing up I imagined Jake the Snake plucking me from the audience for a kiss. My ultimate cage partner would be Luke Cudney, or my sister Marie, they would both fight to the death for me.
blurr: Got anything interesting on your calendar in the next while?
Cerre: I am getting married November 17th in Mexico...kind of interesting. I've planned lots of trips to Joe's and Idaho, so I can send some projects.
