Crespi Coach Muff Dies at 46

TORRANCE — Paul Muff, basketball coach and athletic director at Crespi High for most of the past 18 years, died Thursday morning. He was 46.

Muff died of “an overwhelming infection,” according to Terri Starkman, a spokesperson from Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance.

Muff had undergone treatments, including chemotherapy, for a form of skin cancer for more than a year, friends said. He suffered from fevers and a sore throat for about three weeks and also had swelling in his right knee, according to friends.

He missed the Celts’ game last Friday against Chaminade, telling the team he had a sore throat, junior swingman Gianadrea Marcaccini said.

Muff was admitted to the emergency room at Little Company of Mary Hospital at about 7 p.m. Monday. He was declared dead at 6:10 a.m. Thursday.

Crespi’s games scheduled for tonight at Bishop Montgomery and Saturday night at Loyola have been postponed.

Crespi assistant Paul Yerina is expected to take over the Celts (7-9, 3-3 in the Mission League) for at least the remainder of the season, said Fr. Fred Tillotson, Crespi principal. He said a decision on the athletic director’s position will be made in the coming weeks.

Muff was hired as basketball coach and athletic director in 1976. He compiled a 204-124 record in 13 1/2 seasons, including four Del Rey League championships.

He had relinquished his position as basketball coach before the 1989-90 season, but returned to coaching last spring.

Muff is survived by his mother, Marjorie Ann Muff; his sister, Mary Ann Geierman; brother-in-law, Raymond Geierman; and nephews Todd and Erik Geierman.

A memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Our Lady of Grace Church in Encino.

Staff writer Vince Kowalick contributed to this story.