Dec 18, 2017 3 min read

Greg Golembiewski’s tenure as head coach of the California High School boys basketball team lasted less than one month.

Following the Trojans’ 74-46 loss to Serra Catholic last Tuesday night, Golembiewski gave his gym keys to assistant Barry Niemiec, walked out of the locker room and has not returned to the court.

Golembiewski submitted a letter of resignation that was received Monday by California athletic director Chris Minerd.

Golembiewski was in his first season as the Trojans’ head coach. He replaced Bruno Pappasergi, who coached California to a 60-32 record over four seasons. Pappasergi announced he was retiring after last season, when Cal went 19-4.

A graduate of Brownsville High School, Golembiewski has 20 years of high school basketball coaching experience. He was California’s girls coach for two years before spending 17 seasons at Brownsville. He also was Beth-Center’s boys coach for one season (2015-16).

“Unfortunately, because it is a personnel issue, I am not able to comment on the details of Coach Golembiewski’s resignation,” Minerd said. “I am confident that the coaches that remain on staff will be able to get the job done.”

Niemiec, a former head coach and athletic director at Beth-Center, and Lou Pasquale, the Trojans’ baseball coach, will serve as co-head coaches for the remainder of the season with Niemiec being the coach who is permitted to stand during games. Niemiec also will handle media interviews.

“They will serve as co-coaches with Barry taking on the added role,” Minerd said. “With Lou being the new varsity baseball head coach, this doesn’t add too much more onto his plate. I will be there as needed to help these coaches in any way that I can.”

California has a 4-1 overall record and is 1-0 in Section 2-AA. The Trojans play tonight at Fort Cherry (1-0, 1-3).

Golembiewski did not attend California’s 68-43 victory over Yough last Wednesday or a 75-45 victory over Jefferson-Morgan in the section opener Friday night.

“We are excited to take the team in a new direction,” Niemiec said after the win over Yough. “We will do our best to put the team in the best position to be successful.”

Pasquale said the coaches will attempt to make this a seamless transition for the Trojans, who won the Geibel Catholic tournament to open the season.

“Barry and I will be on the same page as far as doing what we can for the team,” he said. “Unfortunately, this is a unique situation for the team and we will do what we can for them.”