ISHPEMING - After taking a leave of absence for one season due to health issues, John Tiziani is working his way back as the Ishpeming High School boys varsity basketball coach.
Tiziani has taken his Hematites to basketball camps at Lake Superior State University and Gaylord. IHS went 5-1 and 8-1, respectively.
"There were 48 teams in all divisions at Gaylord," he said Thursday. "There were an unbelievable number of quality (class) C and D teams there.
"It was very competitive, but we did well."
Tiziani, 50, coached IHS to a 16-6 overall record in 2010-11, but was unable to coach last season due to chemotherapy treatments he underwent for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
He was diagnosed with CLL eight years ago.
"My bone marrow was very poor a year ago," Tiziani said. "After three of six chemo treatments, I was quite sick. I also got pneumonia.
"It wasn't fair to everyone (involved) for me to continue coaching."
Bob Salisbury took over for Tiziani at the IHS post, coaching the Hematites to a 12-10 overall mark.
"He did a great job and he'll be my assistant coach this (coming season)," Tiziani said.
That's assuming a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., for several health tests goes well for the former Marquette Senior High School coach.
"I missed (coaching) last year," Tiziani said. "I listened to all the Ishpeming games on radio, but only went to one.
"I wanted to let Bob have his success and not get in his way."
Tiziani added longtime IHS freshman basketball coach Jeff Olson will take over the Hematites' junior varsity squad in 2012-13.