"Studying and competitive sport can be combined well at RPTU"

If you walk across the sports grounds at RPTU in Kaiserslautern, you may well come across Jonas Ecker at the climbing tower. Because he climbs it regularly - with a rope. Lead is the name of his discipline. The aim is to climb a specific route in a set time with as few falls as possible. Getting higher than others is the motto in competitions. Jonas' greatest success to date is fourth place at the German Lead Championships. Florence Grünewald's sporting milestones are just as impressive: her main discipline is bouldering - climbing without a rope or harness at jump height. She has come top several times at the German Championships. Here, Florence and Jonas report that competitive sport and studying at RPTU can go hand in hand.

"For me, climbing is about switching off, doing my thing," says Jonas Ecker, who has been scrambling on the rocks in the south of France since he was a small child on family vacations. He now trains five times a week, literally at a high level: "I have no stress on the climbing tower, I like the feeling of being free." Through his sport, he has learned to focus on the moment. And, he adds with a grin, his frustration tolerance has increased significantly in recent years. Because in climbing, and in life in general, it's not uncommon: If you try to change your perspective, then a route that initially seems hopeless might work out after all.

The 21-year-old is originally from Heidelberg. He is currently studying to become a high school chemistry and biology teacher at RPTU. He decided to do this because he needs a clear goal in mind: "I want to teach later, I've taken a liking to it." He has been giving children climbing training for some time now.

"Bouldering teaches you for life"

Without a rope, Florence Grünewald climbs a boulder, a climbing route that is several meters high and secured to the ground by thick mats. Rocktown in Kaiserslautern is her training venue, a 1,500 square meter bouldering hall. Just like at the climbing tower, a glance at the climbing walls there is striking: The routes have different colors depending on the challenge. Whether beginner or pro - there is a suitable level of difficulty for everyone. Florence Grünewald has been tackling the particularly challenging routes for a long time. She has come top in competitions several times. In 2020 and 2022, she even took second place at the German Bouldering Championships. In 2024, she competed in a World Cup in the USA for the first time - and made it to the semi-finals.

"I've built my whole life around the sport," says Florence. She has been competing for 14 years and trains seven times a week. What fascinates her about it? "You learn for life." Climbing a boulder is like solving a puzzle: "First I ask myself what I want, what do I want?" When looking at an upcoming route, you are faced with a problem "and have to find the best solution for yourself". However, her sport also thrives on the fact that you fall - "and then get up again". Mistakes are there to be analyzed - that's her motto.

Florence is originally from Saarbrücken and is now an RPTU alumna: she has had her Bachelor's degree in Sports Science and Health in her pocket since August 2025. Her university timetable included health promotion, prevention, occupational health management, sports education and didactics. "This relatively new degree program really appealed to me at the time," she replies when asked why she chose to study at RPTU. "In addition, the training opportunities in Kaiserslautern turned out to be particularly attractive."

Sport at a high level - and studying at the same time

Playing sport at a high level - and studying at the same time. At RPTU, both are possible without any problems - perhaps better than at some other universities, emphasize both Florence Grünewald and Jonas Ecker. "If I have a lecture at lunchtime, for example, I can train at the climbing tower before or after," says Jonas, who also sees his flexible timetable as an important part of his success so far. He has been able to postpone modules if necessary - and also: "I've heard from friends at other universities that they have a lot more courses where attendance is compulsory." This means you are more restricted in terms of time. How did the professors deal with it when they were absent from lectures, for example because there was a competition coming up? "It wasn't a problem for most of them," says Florence. "They always found a way."

What do the two of them think students and prospective students should know if they want to do sport at a high level alongside their studies? What should you look out for? Florence: "Arrange fixed dates, such as competitions, with everyone involved in good time." Jonas adds: "Be open. And don't stress about wanting to finish in the standard study period."

Florence now works as a base coach at the state performance center in Kaiserslautern. She also sees herself working as a coach in the future. As an active athlete, she has set herself the goal of competing in international competitions again in 2026. Jonas, meanwhile, is focusing on his bachelor's degree and wants to continue teaching children to climb on the side. Their successes prove them both right: they have found their way.

Fancy climbing too? Click here for the opening hours and courses at the climbing tower.