Cate cross country is a program rooted in a deep history of distance running and success. Both teams are perennial qualifiers for CIF competition and they compete in the Tri-Valley League, one of the best leagues in California and home to both state and national champion runners. The Mesa Course is one of the most well-known running loops in the area which includes the infamous Heartbreak Hill climb in the middle of the route. Whether a beginner or a highly seasoned runner, the coaching staff works to inspire a life-long love of running, developing each individual into competitive distance runners who can appreciate and improve their own personal achievements.
Karl has been coaching cross country at Cate for 30 years. He has coached numerous CIF Souther Section qualifying teams for both boys and girls. At the individual level, Cate runners have captured league championships, all league recognition, and high finishes in state meets. A number of former Cate cross country runners have also gone on to considerable success at the collegiate level in both Division 1 and Division 3. Karl ran cross country and track in high school and college, and remains active in triathlons.
Tim Smith
Assistant Coach
Tim Smith has running in his blood: his dad captained track teams at Lawrenceville and Stanford. But after losing a sprint race in 3rd grade and being lapped in the mile in 7th grade, Coach Smith steered clear of competitive running for many years. At age 40 he began competitive road racing, running a PR at the Boston marathon in 2010 (2:43) and at the State Street Mile (4:30). In 2013, Coach Smith began coaching under Head Coach Karl Weis. Given Coach Smith’s personal history with running, his goal is for everyone to reach their potential. From personal experience, he knows that hard work over a sustained period of time can yield significant results. That said, there is a place in Cate Cross Country for the developing runner who uses the afternoon as a time to de-stress from the day.
