Los Gatos High School officials announced Monday that Mark Krail has been selected as its new head varsity football coach.
Krail, 49, comes to Los Gatos from Santa Clara High School, where he was the head football coach for three years.
He succeeds legendary coach Butch Cattolico who announced his retirement at the end of the last football season.
Prior to Santa Clara, Krail was the head coach at Pioneer High School for 12 years, the Los Gatos Saratoga Union High School District said in a press release.
"Los Gatos High School football has come to know a rich tradition of excellence and success, under the strong leadership of Coach Butch Cattolico," the district said in the statement.
Coach Cattolico is retiring from teaching and coaching at LGHS after 28 years as the head football coach and 38 years as a math teacher.
"LGHS is looking to carry on the reputation and legacy of success and is excited to have Krail now lead the program to continued greatness, on the field, in the classroom, and in the community," the release said.
LGHS Principal Markus Autrey said: “Mark Krail brings with him the experience and attitude necessary to inspire our athletes to continue to compete and be model sportsman on and off the field.
"Wildcat football has a long‐standing pride and tradition in Los Gatos thanks to
previous great leadership. We are confident that Mark Krail will continue this tradition and lead the program successfully in the future.”
Krail has been the recipient of many commendable awards including the State CIF “Model Coach for Football" in 2009 and CCS “Honor Coach” for Football in 2005.
He was also inducted into the Santa Clara County Youth Mentor Hall of Fame in 2009.
District Superintendent Bob Mistele said "LGHS has known a great coach, educator and leader in Butch Cattolico. He has built a legacy of teamwork and
commitment to excellence among his athletes and students.
"We knew replacing him would be a challenge so we are very happy to have found in Mark Krail the person who can take an already great program and build it for the future.”
