Returning coach Paul Sapotichne eager to rebuild Greensburg Salem boys program

By: Paul Schofield
Friday, November 15, 2024 | 4:44 PM

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Paul Sapotichne wasn’t ready to quit coaching when he decided to step down as Riverview coach in 2020 during the covid-19 pandemic.

At the time, Sapotichne was battling cancer and understood he had to take care of himself.

Now cancer free, Sapotichne wanted to return to coaching.

After Sapotichne missed out on a few opportunities, Greensburg Salem needed a coach after Norwin hired Cam Auld in August.

With the encouragement from friends, former players and former school board members, Sapotichne applied and was hired to coach at a place he coached for 29 years (1982-2011), and the 71-year-old couldn’t be happier to come home.

Now he is trying to rebuild the program he built.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Sapotichne said. “Greensburg Salem has been home to me. I love coaching and basketball. I did not like how it ended at Riverview.”

Being away from Greensburg Salem since 2011 has created a little bit of challenge because Sapotichne is unfamiliar with the players.

The Golden Lions were 4-17 overall and 2-8 in Section 1-4A last season and 5-17 and 1-9 the year before.

“I saw them twice last year, and I can watch film,” Sapotichne said. “But I’m going to evaluate the talent at practice. I’ve told them everyone will get a fair shot to prove to me that they deserve playing time.”

The Golden Lions return numerous players who saw time with last year’s squad.

They are seniors Braedon Leatherman, Tyler Martin and Jack Douty and juniors Luke Rullo, Ty Harkcom, Brody Burkholder and Diego Silverberg.

One starter not back is sophomore A.J. Tarpley, who transferred to Greensburg Central Catholic.

“We have no sophomores and two promising freshmen on the roster,” Sapotichne said. “I’m excited to work with the players.”

Sapotichne will have two familiar faces on his staff: former Hempfield and Derry girls coach Gene Brisbane and his former Riverview assistant John Tivo.

“I don’t know much about the kids, but I hope they know who I am,” Sapotichne said. “I believe we will surprise some people. I think we could become competitive.”

He’ll do it in a new section for the team.

The Golden Lions are in Section 3-4A with Belle Vernon, Derry, East Allegheny, Elizabeth Forward, West Mifflin and Yough.

“I don’t know much about the teams in the section,” Sapotichne said. “I hear Belle Vernon has everyone back, which makes them the favorite, and I know Elizabeth Forward is good because I saw them play and my former player Nolan Larry coaches them and his dad, Buck, is his assistant. Buck was with me for years.

“I know Derry Area has good players returning, and Tom (Esposito) is an outstanding coach, and Yough has a couple players back. I’m not sure about East Allegheny and West Mifflin. But focus right now is on our first game against Connellsville.”

Sapotichne said he also is encouraged to hear the numbers in the middle school and elementary levels are up.

Now he can focus on getting the varsity back on track.

Greensburg Salem boys at a glance

Coach: Paul Sapotichne

Last year’s record: 4-17 (2-8 Section 1-4A)

Returning starters: Braedon Leatherman (Sr., G), Luke Rullo (Jr., F), Jack Douty (Sr., F), Tyler Martin (Sr., G).

Top newcomers: Diego Silverberg (Jr., F), Brody Burkholder (Sr., G), Solomon Cain (Fr., G), Jackson Stevey (Fr., F)

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Greensburg Salem