To The Top The Colorado School of Mines has been in Golden for over 100 years, and during that time it has developed many traditions. One of these, the M-Climb, originated after the M was constructed. Each fall incoming freshmen meet on the IM field at eight o'clock in the morning to carry a ten-pound rock to the M on Mt. Zion. They are met along the way by some of the organizations on Campus, including the fraternities and sororities who provide water, juice, and encouragement. Once everyone has reached the top they place their rock with all those from past years on the M. Then Blue Key passes out white-wash, so the freshmen can whitewash the M and each other. After all this, the freshmen are bussed back to the IM field where they started their day. For most, it's time to take a nap, grab some food, and maybe a shower and wait until next year when they get to be on the other side of the bucket. Surviving The “M” Climb The traditional "M-Climb" took place right before the students began their fall classes. Freshmen marched up to the top of the world, following in the footsteps of many classes before them. Freshman participated in a tradition that began with enduring the bombardment of water guns and hoses. Freshmen traditionally carry a ten pound rock up to the 'M' which signify each student's career here at Mines. In the spring, graduating seniors collect their rocks from the 'M'. Rocks that end up on -the 'M' come from all over the country. Scott Huffman brought his rock from Florida. For the more adventurous, the record high levels Clear Creek reached brought down relatively large boulders for new Miners to carry up the mountain. Also in attendance were the local Fraternity and Sorority students, who came out to measure up the new samples. Along the trail were many refreshment stands that served the students juice and watermelon. Many freshmen also got spray painted by their supporting upperclassmen, nevertheless, the freshmen made it to the top of the mountain, where they finally had their rocks, and themselves, whitewashed. From the Prospector