Claudiu Vidulescu

Claudiu Vidulescu Team CRG Atlanta Owner and Head of Program Development

Claudiu Vidulescu, Program Owner, is the founder of the Stone Summit Climbing Team, which transitioned to Team CRG Atlanta following the gym's acquisition by Central Rock Gym in 2024. With over 20 years of coaching experience, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the competitive climbing landscape in Georgia and beyond as the the head coach for the U.S. Youth and Adult National Climbing Teams.

Under his leadership, the team has produced numerous Youth National Champions, World Champions, and members of the U.S. National Team. His coaching philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach, combining technical skill development, physical conditioning, and mental resilience. Claudiu is deeply committed to athlete development and program growth, fostering a supportive environment where climbers thrive both on and off the wall.

Niko Romero

Head Coach and Program Director

Niko Romero, Team CRG Atlanta Head Coach and Program Director, has been climbing since the age of 8 and brings a deep passion and lifelong commitment to the sport. As a youth athlete, he competed in USA Climbing events from local competitions all the way to the World Championships. Since 2017, Niko has coached with the nationally recognized Team Texas and now brings his experience, insight, and energy to Team CRG Atlanta.

Niko is driven by a desire to help athletes grow — not just as climbers, but as people. He believes climbing teaches discipline, resilience, and the value of community. His coaching philosophy centers on building lifelong climbers who find joy, purpose, and confidence through the sport.

“Climbing teaches you that nothing is deserved, only earned — and that growth is always possible, both on and off the wall. Though it's an individual sport on paper, it's built on the support of teammates, coaches, and families.

My main goal is to help athletes discover their love for climbing, just as I did. I’m so excited for this new chapter with CRG and can’t wait to meet everyone.”

Yaroslav Hontaryk

Head Speed Coach and Head CRG Atlanta Summit C/D Team Coach

Yaroslav Hontaryk, Speed Head Coach and Head Coach for our Summit C/D Atlanta Team, brings over 22 years of speed climbing experience to the team. Originally from Ukraine, Yaroslav is a decorated competitor and seasoned coach. He won his first Youth European Cup in 2008, is a four-time Ukrainian National Speed Champion, a 2011 World Championship silver medalist, and a 2012 Overall Speed World Cup bronze medalist.

Over the past decade, Yaroslav has coached athletes at the National, Continental, and World levels. His deep technical knowledge, competitive background, and passion for the sport make him a dynamic and inspiring coach. He takes pride in sharing his love of speed climbing and helping athletes achieve their full potential on the wall.

Noah Hendrigsman

Head Bouldering Coach

Noah Hendrigsman, Boulder Head Coach, and a route setter at Central Rock Gym. With six years of climbing and five years of coaching experience, he brings energy, creativity, and a strong connection to the climbing community into every session.

Passionate about both indoor and outdoor bouldering, Noah regularly climbs throughout the Southeast and lower Midwest. He’s also dedicated to staying current with the latest trends in bouldering, training, and coaching—continually expanding his knowledge to support athlete development and keep sessions fresh and effective.

Michael Blackmon

Head Lead/Top Rope Coach

Michael Blackmon, Lead/Top Rope Head Coach, he has been climbing for over 15 years. He got his start at age 11 and quickly found his stride in competition, joining the Stone Summit Climbing Team in 2011 and competing nationally in both sport and speed. A highlight of his youth career was representing the U.S. in speed climbing at the 2012 Pan-American Championship in Chile.

Michael has spent the last six years coaching and leading youth climbing programs, gaining extensive experience in climbing education and program management. Now back with his home team, he’s excited to share his knowledge and give the next generation of athletes the same meaningful experience he had growing up in the program.

Augie Soder

CRG Kennesaw Summit C/D Team and Vertical Team Head Coach

Augie Soder, CRG-K Vertical and Summit C/D Team Head Coach, is a former youth competition climber in Florida from 2008 to 2012, Augie returned to climbing about six years ago and quickly found his passion for coaching. Before joining Team CRG Atlanta, he coached youth climbers in Florida, where he developed his supportive and disciplined coaching style.

Augie brings a deep appreciation for the structure and personal growth that climbing offers. His goal is to help young athletes find confidence, joy, and a strong sense of purpose through the sport, just as it has done for him.

Charlie Morris

Club Program Head Coach

Charlie Morris, Team CRG Atlanta's Club Program Head Coach, is an avid climber and reader born and raised locally in Decatur. His passion for climbing stems from his love of the outdoors, instilled in him from a young age. Climbing for the last seven years, he is very passionate about the sport, and committed to giving young climbers a well-rounded education.

Charlie first started coaching in 2018, and took a break after three years to pursue his education at Georgia Tech. Now, returning to the world of youth sports, Charlie is excited to use his enthusiasm and knowledge to push his community to new heights