Cal cuts assistant coaching positions
California University will cut five assistant coaching positions from its athletic department this summer and one more next year.
In a message sent to the faculty and students, interim president Geraldine M. Jones said the move was made “to bring our program, services, and payroll into alignment with both the University’s needs and the resources available.”
Jones said the positions will not be renewed when the current contracts expire June 30. The cuts will affect assistant coaches in women’s soccer, men’s soccer, baseball, football and softball. Another position in volleyball will remain in effect only until it expires June 30, 2016.
None of the assistant coaches were identified.
Karen Hjerpe, athletic director at Cal, did not return a phone message seeking comment.
“Workforce adjustments are an essential step in moving the University forward as a strong and fiscally responsible institution. It is always difficult to make changes that affect people’s livelihoods,” Jones wrote. “I can assure the decision to downsize the athletics staff was made only after careful consideration.”
There were no cuts made in the women’s basketball program, which won the NCAA Division II national championship in March.
The cut to softball will leave only head coach Rick Bertagnolli in what was a two-person coaching staff. The Vulcans are currently competing in the PSAC Championships in Quakertown.
“I thank our assistant coaches for their services to the University,” Jones wrote. “They have provided guidance and expertise to our student-athletes, and I wish them well in their future endeavors.”
California’s football program wrapped up spring drills with positive reviews from head coach Mike Kellar. The Vulcans held their spring game at Adamson Stadium last Saturday and wide receiver Gary Brown caught a touchdown pass on the second play from scrimmage.
“I saw a lot of good give-and-take,” Kellar said. “It was a good day, everyone came out healthy and we played to the level I expected.”
Among the players who Kellar was pleased with were Paul Butler, a junior tight end; John Franklin, a junior running back; and Jordan Lardani, a junior linebacker. Kellar said Brendan Blair, a sophomore, will be moved from safety to linebacker.
Kellar’s son, Jarrod, a 6-2, 205-pound quarterback from Lincoln High School in Shinnston, W.Va., tore his ACL last month and will undergo surgery soon. Jarrod Kellar was part of the Vulcans’ recruiting class and was going to be red-shirted.
“It was just a fluke,” Kellar said. “He just caught his foot in the turf and blew out the ACL.”
The Vulcans are coming off an 8-2 season and return 15 starters from last season, including eight on offense.