Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart has had to overcome several mountain-like obstacles during his tenure at Kentucky. This week, he will literally climb one for charity.

To raise money for the Lighthouse Ministries, which is in the process of fundraising for its new building that will allow it to expand its ministry and community outreach, Barnhart will climb Mt. Rainier in Washington later this week.

At 14,411 feet tall, Mt. Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington and the Cascade Range.

Barnhart will begin training for the climb in Washington on Tuesday and is expected to begin the intimidating trek up the stratovolcano on either Thursday or Friday. The Kentucky AD tweeted Monday morning that he was concerned about his ailing knee holding up under the conditions.

A website has been set up to document Barnhart’s journey up Mt. Rainier. You can learn more about Barnhart’s climb by going to www.mitchclimbs.com. Barnhart is hoping to receive donations for the Lighthouse Ministries based on his success. To make a donation, fans can visit here.