Paul Greer has been a professor in Health and Exercise Science at San Diego City College for the past 35 years and has a master’s degree in Kinesiology from Azusa Pacific University. Paul is a well-known staple amongst the San Diego running community, having coached thousands of athletes in endurance sports, including mid-distance track athletes, marathon runners, Ironman triathletes, and various endurance sport enthusiasts. His athletes include hundreds of Boston qualifiers, several top age-group competitors, and a handful of Olympic qualifiers.
One of the founding fathers of the San Diego Track Club, Paul has been a SDTC coach for nearly 40-years. Paul also serves as the Director for the “Rockin N Runnin” full and half marathon training program. In 2016 Paul was selected to be the Men’s Coach for Team USA’s Senior (20-35) and Junior’s teams (19 and under) at the Great Edinburgh Cross Country Championships. In 2024 Paul will be serving as the Men’s U20 Coach as part of the USATF National Team staff for 2024 World Athletics Cross Country Championships, scheduled for March 30, 2024, in Belgrade, Serbia. This is the biggest and most elite level of Cross Country in the entire world. Paul has been a regular contributor in the past for SignOnSanDiego and San Diego Newsroom
Before Paul started coaching, he was a very successful runner himself. A top San Diego section miler at St. Augustine High School, Paul was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 1995. After high school he went on to become the school record holder for 1500 meters at San Diego State. His 3:42.44 still stands as the best mark in school history. Greer also ran the mile in under four minutes (3:59.79), was a 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier at 1500 meters with a 3:39.05 and competed in the tough European track circuit as a post collegian.
But Paul’s resume isn’t what is most impressive. Rather, it is Paul’s sincere passion to improve lives through the pursuit of mental and physical excellence. Paul recognizes that every athlete has a story, and he enjoys encouraging his athletes every step of the way… from the first stride in a pair of running shoes, through the celebrated finish line. The release of his first first book “Going the Distance, Strategies from the first stride to the Finish Line” will be released in February, 2024.
About Paul Greer
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife’s name is Callie and we have no kids but have 13 nieces and nephews. My father is Gerry Greer and this year he will be turning 85 and my sister is Michelle and she serves as a teachers assistant for the Chula Vista School District.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a full time tenured Professor who teaches Kinesiology at San Diego City College. Professor Greer has been teaching for the past 35 years and enjoys sharing his passion for fitness and health.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My three favorite words in life is “Just Show Up” which means show up for your family, your work and your faith. 90% of experiencing life to the fullest is simply showing up.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 years I see retiring from teaching at San Diego City College and in 10 years I will be retiring from coaching after 50 years of service. My wife Callie and I plan on traveling in later years and spending time with family which is our most important ministry in life.
Paul Greer & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
California Burrito is my favorite Mexican food restaurant and my wife and I also enjoy dining at our Social Club which is Kona Kai Resort and Spa in Shelter Island.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in our community for 50 years and worked in our community for 35 years. I have been coaching the San Diego Track Club for 39 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Constance Carroll who served as Chancellor for the San Diego Community College district and an iconic figure within the educational profession.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
“The Draft” Restaurant is a sports bar restaurant located at Belmont Park and just a 1-minute walk to the Belmont Rollercoaster in Mission Beach.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
San Diego is one of the most unique places in the entire world and, depending on where you live or work, you are a 45-minute drive or less from the beach, mountains, desert and even a foreign country – Mexico.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Cardinal Robert McElroy who served many years as Bishop in San Diego and recently elevated by Pope Francis to serve as a Cardinal of the Catholic Church. The local restaurant where I would dine with Cardinal McElroy is “Georges by the Cove” in La Jolla.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite Movie is West Side Story (2021 Version) and Breaking Bad is my favorite television show.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I participate in Juvenile Hall Ministry once a month and visit the kids at the Kearny Mesa Facility Detention Center.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A clear day at Sunrise on the top of Cowles Mountain in the San Carlos neighborhood. This of course is after you hike to the top of it and time your assent by sunrise
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife Callie Jean Kuklok Greer
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Cursillo Movement – This is largely a laity movement in the Catholic Church empowering future leaders serving in the Catholic Church and community at large.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
My Track and Field Coach gave me the advice to love and love abundantly and allow people to love you back. The second piece of my best advice is to serve others by sharing your gifts with the world around you. This is when you are most at peace and most happy.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Birdland Neighborhood
What I love about my Neighborhood:
I live close to (5) different freeways that when driving are 5 minutes or less to reach. It’s very centrally located.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Enjoying a great cup of coffee with my wife, exercising by going for a walk, or riding my road bike for 20 miles or more along with spending time at the beach when it’s warm. Attending church.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
“Live Your Best Life” (San Diego is America’s Finest City)
