Jonny Hork

I was lucky enough to be born in the coolest city in the world, Chicago! Unfortunately there isn’t much rock there. So I got my start at the ripe age of 13 in the gym. The flat plywood wall of New Trier High School would be my new stomping grounds for the next two years. Thursday nights at climbing club I quickly established my dominance by sending the local “testpieces”. I knew now that I actually had a chance at being good at something. With my new found “glory” I ventured off to gyms like Hidden Peaks, Vertical Endeavors and even outside to Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin. I did what I could in the ILLinois before I came to Boulder in ’04. Like so many before me I was seeking a PhD in rock climbing (as well as a degree in physiology form CU). I soon realized that I was at the bottom of the food chain amongst the Boulder climbers. Securing a job at The Spot was the key I needed to open the door of unlimited climbing opportunities in CO and abroad. With new friends and lots of training RMNP, Hueco and recently Fontainebleau became my favorite places to climb. My setting style tends to be more crimpy and body-tention-intensive. I do my best to step out of my comfort zone and set many different types of routes. I strive to be proficient in setting any type of climbing style. I was lucky enough to learn form some very talented setters early on in my career. While I may not be the fastest, my focus is on quality and creative movement for the members of all abilities. I feel I have come a long way now having been a forerunner/setter for ABS Nationals and the World Cups in Vail. At the same time I know I still have so much more to learn from potentially any setter I meet.

I have since graduated from CU with a degree in Integrative Physiology and plan to continue to Medical School after some time off while volunteering at the local hospital.