Congratulations Mike and team for the record-setting summit of each of the 50 state highpoints in 45 days, 19 hours & 2 minutes & 20 seconds!
Mike Haugen
Coming from the Midwest, an area not exactly known for its peaks, Mike has ascended in his field pretty quickly. Starting out at age 17, Mike embodied the determination of a true, dedicated climber by making his own equipment, pinching pennies, and working extra shifts in order to afford to do what he loves. He has been rock climbing and mountaineering for 15 years and has climbed mountains around the world.
Mike received his master’s degree from Ohio State in evolutionary physiology. In 2003, he began guiding for Rainier Mountaineering Inc. and now works exclusively for International Mountain Guides. For Mike, the outdoors is something to be shared with others, especially those who might not otherwise experience it. While he spends summers guiding, the rest of the year he teaches eighth-grade science in Denver.
Mike is a Wilderness First Responder, and Avalanche Level II and Leave No Trace certified. And he has been involved in state and federal endangered species programs. Coleman and Mike share a respect for the environment and both value advocacy for what the outdoors offers.
Mike is a member of the American Alpine Club, founded in 1902 and dedicated to promoting climbing knowledge, conserving mountain environments and serving the American climbing community. He also belongs to the Royal Geographical Society, established in 1830 to promote the advancement of geographical science - supporting research, education, expeditions and fieldwork, as well as promoting public engagement and informed enjoyment of our world.
With Coleman's help, Mike successfully summited Mount Everest in May 2007. Along the way, Mike shared his journey with thousands of schoolchildren during the Coleman Everest 5.5 Challenge.
Zach Price
Zach Price grew up dividing his time between a simple summer existence of dirt roads and bare feet and the sophisticated cityscape of innovation and progress. Over the years the defining features of the two environments intertwined and became less distinguishable. While learning to build traditional wood lobster boats he acquired a strong connection between construction and nature. Zach’s commitment to environmental stewardship begins with human systems - humans inter-relationships with resources – embodied in the landscape, places we inhabit and personal experience.
Zach is an avid rock climber and mountaineer, which led him to Washington in 2001. After a climb of Mt. Rainier and a canceled flight home following the terrorist attacks in New York left him time to explore Seattle, he decided to reside there.
Zach received his master’s degree from the University of Washington in architecture and works as an architect helping real-estate investors assess and “green” their properties. He holds a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accreditation. Zach was awarded a residency to study architecture in the Netherlands at the European Ceramic Work Center following his completion of the Coleman 50/50 Challenge.
Lindsay Danner
A California native, Lindsay has adventure in her heart. After moving from L.A. to Colorado, Lindsay fell in love with camping and the outdoors. Since then she has taken up skiing, rock climbing, and mountaineering and spent last summer backpacking through Europe. Lindsay also has a passion for helping disadvantaged youth. While working on a degree in criminology and social work, Lindsay has worked for several programs aimed to educate and assist at risk youth. She has devoted much of her time to such programs at a center for runaway teens and a program to take inner city students into the mountains for outdoor recreation. Lindsay is very connected with Luv R Troops
Lindsay has agreed to be the driver for the almost 15,000 miles in 40+ days in a vehicle. Although she will not be climbing all the highpoints with Mike and Zach, she will be providing an invaluable service by driving the weary climbers. Since Mike and Zach will be sleeping most of the time while on the road, it is up to Lindsay to make the roadtrip go smoothly.
