Within five minutes of meeting James Vaughan, you can count on him pulling out a deck of cards and blowing your mind with a slick card trick.

The 14-year-old’s sleight of hand is also a valuable tool when he’s busy at his other hobby — maneuvering up walls that often seem insurmountable.

Vaughan is one of three climbers in the Gritstone Rock Club ranked No. 1 in the nation in his age group as the team heads to the American Bouldering Series NorCal Regional Championships this weekend in Fremont.

Mike Rommell, the owner of Gritstone, has developed his team into one of the favorites at the regional meet. He has a group of seven climbers that are all expected to contend for titles at the competition, which will feature more than 200 participants.

“Most of them have been at it for at least two or three years now,” Rommell said. “They’ve developed the strength. It’s hard because you have to have the strength to play the game. Then after that it’s the mental par that plays the biggest part in it, especially in the upper competitions.”

Hannah Donnelly is the savvy veteran in the Gritstone Club. The 12-year-old has won every competition she’s participated in over the past year and is the top-ranked climber in her age group (Youth-C). Rommell believes she’s got an excellent shot at winning the national title next month in Colorado and earning a spot on the U.S. national team.

Donnelly could be on her way to an elite level as she’s already achieving results some experienced adults never reach.

“Hannah is climbing 5.12 (level routes) right now and she’s at a point where she could be one of the youngest to climb a 5.14 grade in history,” Rommell said. “There’s only a handful of people in the world climbing at that level.”

Vaughan and 15-year-old Leilani Morgan are also top-ranked in their respective age divisions. Vaughan never imagined he’d progress to the point where he is a nationally ranked climber.

“I originally got into it because when they opened I had a friend who came here and he invited me,” Vaughan said. “It was fun and I kept coming and I guess I was doing good because Mike (Rommell) chose me for the team.

“I just really enjoy it. I try to be as committed as I can to it. I never thought I’d be doing this well. I’m kind of surprised.”

The competitive Gritstone team works out four days a week, working on strength and technical skills. Rommell said he changes the routes on the walls at his gym every three to four weeks, providing new challenges for his pupils.

After finishing third at the NorCal regional last year, Rommell believes this year’s squad could take first. He at least expects several individuals to advance to the prestigious national meet.

“I’ve been coaching for over 20 years and these kids all have the attitudes and work ethic it takes to do well,” Rommell said. “They’re definitely athletes and that’s what we look for, but most importantly they have the drive.”