Coach Peter Brewer Remembered
Former Castro Valley High School teacher and coach, Peter Brewer, is being remembered by friends, family, and running fans. Brewer passed away Saturday, February 19 at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife Faith and his three children and spouses. Brewer taught English at the high school for 33 years where he also coached cross country and track and field. As a coach, Brewer led the CVHS track and cross-country teams to 101 Hayward Area Athletic League team championships in 25 years. In recognition of his contributions, in 2016 Brewer was awarded the California Coaches Association NorCal Coach of the Year Award.
After retiring from Castro Valley, the high school named its Cross-Country Invitational after him. His son Peter Jr. along with Jonathan Hui, Matt Johanson, and Courtney Stewart organized a memorial run this past Sunday at Canyon Middle School.
“Peter taught me to work hard enough as a runner to improve more than I thought was possible,” said Matt Johanson. “That shaped my identity as a teenager and changed my life. He did that for thousands of athletes over a 40-year coaching career, 25 of them at Castro Valley High School. Peter had limitless energy and enthusiasm for cross country and track. He labored year-round through seasons and off-seasons, weekends, and summer breaks. I doubt that any coach of any sport gave more to Castro Valley athletes.”
There will be a virtual memorial service at Berkeley Friends Church on March 12 at 2 p.m. and a recognition event at the Castro Valley Invitational Relays track meet on March 26.
