Marek’s Time Has Come : Basketball: Crespi’s new coach will attempt to resurrect his alma mater’s program despite holding down two jobs.

Ed Marek is hitting the daily double. He splits his day working as a busy commercial realtor and Crespi High basketball coach, a job he has sought since starring for the Celts a decade ago.

One tires as Marek recites his daily routine, which starts sharply at 8 a.m. and ends at midnight. But the biggest concern for Crespi supporters is that the 16-hour days will include enough time for Marek to give the Celts a winning edge, something they have lacked in recent seasons.

No one is cheering for Marek to succeed more than Crespi Athletic Director Paul Muff, who stepped down as basketball coach in May after 14 seasons.

“The only way I would have given up the job is if Ed was going to be my replacement,” said Muff, who was promoted to vice principal. “Ed graduated from Crespi and he also coached here for a number of years. He’s the only one I would have felt comfortable taking over for me. . . . I didn’t even interview anybody else.”

While Muff’s resignation came as a surprise, Marek’s appointment did not. He has been coaching at Crespi off and on since 1979, including the past five years as Muff’s assistant.

Marek, 30, graduated from Crespi in ‘77, played as a swingman on Muff’s first team in ‘76-77 and was voted the team’s MVP.

While attending Cal State Northridge, Marek coached Crespi’s freshman, sophomore and junior varsity teams from ’79 to ’82. He returned in ’84 to assist Muff with the varsity.

“I’ve always hoped to be a head coach one day,” Marek said. “I’ve felt I’ve been ready for the past few years. I’ve been approached (about jobs) from a few schools, but I was never interested. Crespi is the only place I’ve ever wanted to be.

“But I always told Paul not to step down until he was ready. I was happy being his assistant.”

Muff, 40, is something of a legend at Crespi, compiling a record of 196-116 in 13 years. In addition, the Celts won four Del Rey League championships and made 10 postseason appearances, advancing to the quarterfinal round of the 5-A Division playoffs five times.

“I think the thing that I’m most proud about is that I had a winning record against every Del Rey League team,” Muff said. “That says a lot about our level of play.”

But Muff’s teams had been in a bit of rut in recent years. He had his worst record in 1986-87 when Crespi finished 3-18. The Celts were 13-12 in ‘87-88 and 11-11 last season. In the meantime, Loyola, has established itself as the league’s top team.

Marek now holds the job he has always wanted, but does he have time to enjoy it?

“Certainly being a head coach presents different responsibilities and (takes) more time than that of an assistant,” Marek said. “In my job I have to be creative and make snappy decisions all day. Then I come here at 3 p.m. and have to completely shift my thoughts to basketball and make other important and snappy decisions. Then it’s back to the office for more work. I guess it’s good that I’m a workaholic.”

Almost all head coaches at 5-A schools are full-time staff members, but it helps that Marek’s office is located across the street from Crespi.

“I know here we always strive to get a coach in the building,” Loyola Coach Bill Thomason said. “I don’t know if it will make a difference at Crespi. But I also know Ed, and if anyone is capable of doing the job, it’s him.

“Ed is a tough-minded coach, and I’m sure he’ll instill that in his players. We always look to Crespi as our main threat in league, and I don’t expect that to change this season.”

While Marek’s coaching philosophies may be the same as Muff’s, Crespi fans will notice one big difference. Marek has changed the offense from a half-court attack to a full-court press in hopes the team will run and score a lot more.

“It has been an easy transition so far,” said Matt Luderer, a returning senior guard and team captain. “Coach Marek has been here, so we all know and like him. We’re familiar with his style.”

Luderer is the team’s lone returning starter, making Marek’s job more difficult. The lineup likely will include three juniors, headed by forward Don Cassano and guard John Curtin. Football standout Christian Fauria joins the squad after a two-year absence from the sport, and Marek expects him to swiftly work into the lineup.

“I don’t have a real good feeling right now,” Marek said. “I hope we can be better than last year, but I would be happy if we could match last year’s record and make the playoffs again.”

Crespi opens tonight at Calabasas, travels to Murphy on Saturday and plays North Hollywood, The Times’ No. 2-ranked team in the Valley, Tuesday night in its home opener.