Push the limits – physically and mentally.

Training in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, Stevenson’s cross country program builds a competitive spirit. With a focus on individualized coaching, team cohesion and a values-driven athletic culture, the program prepares runners not only to compete at a high level but to thrive as confident, disciplined and compassionate individuals.

boys cross country runner

Meet the Coach

Elijah Colby fosters in Stevenson athletes a deep, lifelong appreciation for running and the outdoors. He is guided by the belief that the habits formed in morning long runs and afternoon speed sessions – resilience, patience, strategic thinking and the quiet joy of sustained effort – will train his runners for life beyond the track and trails.

Coach Colby brings 14 years of coaching experience to the Stevenson program, having previously led cross country, track and lacrosse teams at York School, Drew School and Cheshire Academy.

Elijah Colby joined the coaching staff of the cross country program in 2022 and has served as head coach since 2023, guiding all three teams to CCS championships (the 2024 team placed 6th). Eli also serves as assistant track coach for distance events and teaches in the English department at Stevenson.

Eli took the reins from legendary coach Cleve Thayer, who led the team to numerous top five finishes at the California State Championships over his 40 year coaching career. Eli has modernized the program, integrating individualized training plans, data-driven performance analytics, an integrated strength & conditioning program and smart recovery protocols to maximize performance and minimize injuries.

 

Eli is an accomplished marathon and ultra-marathon runner and a former varsity Division I sailor for Dartmouth College. Prior to shifting his focus, Eli spent a decade working in investment banking in San Francisco and London, executing IPOs, secondary offerings and M&A transactions worth more than $2 billion.

cross country

Championship Success

Team Awards: Five League Championships and two Section Titles in program history.

Individual Awards: Pacific Coast Athletic League (PCAL) 1st Team and Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS).

CCS Individual Champions: Cross Country, D4: 2010 & 2009, James Silvestri.

Coach Award: 2012-2013 CSS Honor Coach Award – Cleve Thayer.

Collegiate Excellence: Stevenson cross country athletes have earned spots at distinguished collegiate programs, where their continued success in both academics and athletics reflects the program’s dedication to shaping resilient, high-achieving student-athletes ready to thrive beyond high school.

  • John Puka, 2022 – Tufts
  • Anna Watson, 2021 – University of Chicago
  • Lia Lewine, 2016 – Sarah Lawrence College
  • Erin Miller, 1997 (Triathlon) – Stanford
  • Megan Driscoll, 1993 – St. Mary’s College

Training Advantage

Built on a foundation of consistent, intentional training that balances endurance, speed and recovery, coaches emphasize long-term development and tailor workouts to individual progress while fostering a team-first mindset. The philosophy centers on discipline, goal setting and mental toughness, encouraging runners to embrace challenges, support one another and find strength in the process as much as the results.

Stevenson Boys Track

Become a Pirate

Are you a driven student-athlete with a passion for your sport? Inquire and learn more about how you can become a part of Stevenson’s legacy of success.