Staff + Board

Staff

KATE RAU

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kate@coloradomtb.org

Kate is the Founder and Executive Director of the Colorado High School Cycling League, established in 2010. She has over 20 years of experience in positive youth development. Her range of experience includes developing programming, service delivery, and training staff related to event production, mountain biking, snowsports, education, and family systems. She has a Masters in Education and volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). She is passionate about the benefits of positive youth development from the saddle of a mountain bike. Kate’s background includes non-profit management, the mental health field, and environmental consulting.

JOHN HUTCHINSON

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Raceops@coloradomtb.org

Since 2010, Hutch has been critical to race production of each and every Colorado High School Cycling League race. In January 2016 he joined the league as the Operations Director after a five-year career as National Sales Manager of Primal Wear, Inc. Other responsibilities include graphics, marketing, staff training, and he is a master with spreadsheets. Prior to moving to Colorado in 2010, Hutch was a high school math teacher in California and ran a nationally ranked soccer program. In his free time, he enjoys racing his mountain bike, hiking, camping, snowboarding, and playing the guitar.

CHERI MERRIHEW

PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

Cherim@coloradomtb.org

Cheri has been involved since 2012 when her family moved from Maryland to Denver, Colorado. Volunteering regularly at the finish line for two years, she moved into the position of Volunteer Coordinator in 2015. Her organizational acumen is critical to the organization. A native of California, Cheri is passionate about getting kids on bikes. In addition to her work for the Colorado League, she is a mentor for the Little Bellas program in Lakewood, Colorado, and a volunteer for Trips for Kids.

KATERINA STRASKRABA

COACH PROGRAM MANAGER & OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

coachhelp@coloradomtb.org

Katerina (Kat) has been involved with the League since 2015 when her daughter joined the Lakewood High School MTB team. She and her husband Matt jumped at the chance to coach. She increased her involvement as the Volunteer Coordinator and is an integral member of the race crew. In 2020, she embraced the new position of Coach Programs Manager with passion and efficacy. Her roots in the Colorado cycling community go back to the early 2000’s when she served on the BOD of Team Evergreen Racing. Katerina’s background is in finance, marketing, and government. In addition to cycling, Katerina is an avid skier and loves to rock climb and trail run.

Wesley SMith

Equipment AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

wesleys@coloradomtb.org

In the beginning, Wesley moved to Colorado in 2000. He has been in the outdoor and fitness industry since birth. While in Colorado he has worked at Schwinn Corp., Nautilus corp., and Pearl Izumi. He is the owner/operator of Pro Bike Express, transporting and servicing all types of bicycles to events and races all over the country. He likes pushing around heavy objects (strength training) so he can continue to produce power on the bike. Working with the Colorado High School League was the best happy accident – joining a group of passionate people; creating, supporting, and producing the youth of today.

“To get something you never had, you must do what you have never done”