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HEAVY ATHLETIC COMPETITION

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In their original form many centuries ago, Highland games revolved around athletic and sports competitions. Though other activities were always a part of the festivities, many today still consider Highland athletics to be what the games are all about — in short, that the athletics are the Games, and all the other activities are just entertainment. Regardless, it remains true today that the athletic competitions are at least an integral part of the events and one — the caber toss — has come to almost symbolize the Highland games. 

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New Mexico Celtic Athletics is proud to organize and sanction the Highland Games hosted by the 2026 Moab Celtic Festival, Scots on the Rocks. NMCA is a 501.C(3) nonprofit organization in Albuquerque, NM which supports and promotes heavy athletics throughout the Southwest region of the United States. Whether it's through running various highland games in New Mexico, Colorado, and now Utah, providing assistance to other organizations in the form of equipment and judges, or by doing community outreach events and giving demonstrations, NMCA's mission is to continue to grow the sport and community of the Highland Games. 

 

The Athletic Director is David Schafer. A recipient of the Kilted Patriot Award for continued support and service to the community, and an active member of the Highland Games for over 16 years, David has a deep passion for this sport and the community that makes it so great. Having served as AD for the games at the Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival as well as the Cortez Celtic Fair, he keeps the focus on the athletes and strives to give back to the community which has enriched his life beyond measure.

   

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Scots On The Rocks Moab Celtic Festival to host

The 5th Annual Lightweight Women's North American Highland Games Championship

Mikaela Sullivan

Nicole Davis

Lauren Phelan

The newest class of athletes taking the field is making huge waves in the Highland Games. 

This year Clan Bacon is proud to bring the 5th Annual Lightweight Women's North American Highland Games Championship to the Moab Scots on the Rocks Festival.  The top lightweight women from the United States will be competing in all 9 Scottish heavy events on Saturday, to crown the 2020 Champion.  This years' roster includes current World Record holders.  Look for these women to break more records all day long on Saturday!  The Championship class will be judged by the Directors of Clan Bacon, Jim and Claire Morrison.

Please welcome the following athletes:

  • Mikaela Sullivan - Oklahoma

    • Holds World Records in heavy and light hammer events.

    • 4th consecutive invitation to compete in the Championship.

    • Earned 2nd place finish at the 2019 Championship.

  • Nicole Davis - Utah

    • Top ranked Utah State lightweight athlete.

    • 3rd consecutive invitation to the Championship.

    • Earned 3rd place finish at the 2019 Championship.

  • Lauren Phelan - Nevada

    • 3rd consecutive invitation to the Championship.

    • 4th consecutive invitation to compete in the Championship.

    • Earned 4th place finish at the 2019 Championship.

  • Beth Amman - Utah

    • 2nd consecutive invitation to the Championship.

  • Heidi Norman - Utah

    • This will be her 5th invitation to the Championship.

    • Competed in the 2019 Master's World Championship.

  • Angela Shelly - Idaho

    • First appearance at the Championship.

    • Competed in several 2019 Master's World Championship events.

  • Brittany Ernstsen - Utah

    • First appearance at the Championship.

  • Allison Crain - Arizona

    • First appearance at the Championship.

  • Jessi Cooper - Utah

    • First appearance at the Championship.

Registration

Check out the Iron Podium webpage for more information on how to register for these events!

If you are wondering where to stay while in Moab, view our STAY page to see some of our deals! Make sure to mention that you are with "Scots on the Rocks" to receive the discounted price!

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