Q&A with Steve “Farmboy” House

GU ATHLETE: Steve “Farmboy” House
SPORT: Alpinist
BIRTHPLACE: Pullman, Washington, 1970
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Terrebonne, Oregon
WEBSITE: www.patagonia.com—stevehouse

Proudest athletic accomplishment?
Summitting Nanga Parbat (26,657 feet), the world’s 9th highest peak, by a new route on the Rupal Face.

Funny racing/training story?
According to some, I’m the best alpinist in the world right now, but many find it hilarious that I hate being cold. And I’m always cold.

What characteristics do you most respect in your competitors?
Honesty, integrity and grit.

When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?
A test pilot, like Chuck Yeagar, or a mountain man, like Kit Carson. But I did have the wherewithall to understand that the beaver era was probably over.

If you were a flavor of GU, which would you be?
Dark Chocolate; bitter and a little bit sweet!

Song title that best fits your personality/spirit?
On The Day by Henry Rollins.

If you were a contestant on Survivor, what would be your one comfort item from home?
A book of e.e. cummings’ poetry, because I’d have a lot of time to think about it.

Personal causes you’re involved in?
I sponsor two boys 11 and 13, to go to a private (secular) school in Skardu, in northern Pakistan. I also organize a group of friends who pay the annual salaries for two female teachers at a village school in north-east Pakistan.

Three things people don’t know about you?
I like to rock climb, and spend a fair bit of time clipping bolts. I enjoy building furniture. I love dirt-bikes (motorcycles).