Beating rival Righetti is not exactly a “soft” way to start a coaching career. There was no “easing into it,” for St. Joseph's new coach on Wednesday.

But beat Righetti is exactly what first-year St. Joseph boys golf coach John Nielsen did.

Taking over for former Knights' coach Eddie Murray, Nielsen coached St. Joseph to a 417-435 win over Righetti at the Santa Maria County Club in his debut - and the debut of both teams for the 2008 regular season.

For Nielsen, it is his first coaching venture - sans some assistant coaching for the girls golf team under the tutelage of coach Dottie Lyons earlier this school year. He has taught at St. Joseph for four years.

And his expectations are high.

“Like Tiger, I don't see any reason to play for second,” Nielsen said of pending league action. “I want the players to be clear of that. Sure Santa Ynez did well last year, and we saw their scores yesterday. But I see us stacking up.”

Santa Ynez entered the LPL finals in first place last year and only added to its dominance en route to the league title, watching Johnny Henno shoot a 75 for medalist honors at Alisal Ranch. This year, Henno joins strong returners Tyler Shean, Parker Colvin and A.J. Woronovich.

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St. Joseph also returns standout sophomore Chris Blystone, who shot a 76 for medalist honors Wednesday.

“We have a lot of returners, but we're still young,” Nielsen said.

The team fields just one starting senior, James Weinstock, whose strong back-nine (39) showcased his ability.

However, the team's leader - according to Nielsen - is junior Collin Crist, who shot a strong 79.

“He's very consistent,” Nielsen said. “Just like Chris (Blystone), he's here all the time.”

Blystone impressed last year as just a freshman, joining senior teammate Joseph Collins in the top group, and leading St. Joseph to a second-place finish in league.

“Chris works really hard in his game, he's always out here, seven days a week,” Nielsen said. “It was nice to see him play strong, especially against Bobby (Barajas).”

Barajas nearly equaled Blystone's mark, shooting a 77. Last year, Barajas won the CIF Northern Regional Tournament with a 5-under par 66 at the Sterling Hills golf course in Camarillo. As a result, he earned a shot at the CIF Southern Section Individual Championship at the PGA of Southern California golf course. His run ended there, as he shot a 78.

Righetti coach Terrence Gott was hoping local standout Macgregor Hoobery would join the Warriors this year, for his freshman year.

Hoobery is already an accomplished golfer at age 15, having recently won two Future Collegians World Tour events. He is an FCWT All-American that competes in events around the country.

Due to his demanding tournament schedule, however, Hoobery will not be joining Righetti this season, said Gott. However, Gott is hopeful Hoobery might join the team in future seasons.

Behind Barajas, teammate Bret Walberg shot an 83, followed by 90s from Alexander Gilbert and Chace Sinclair. Cody Morse shot a 95.

Rounding out St. Joseph's scoring was Matt Malin's 86, followed by Travis Domingues' 87 and Weinstock's 89. Freshman James Fosdick finished with a 91.

Of Fosdick, “He's a very consistent hitter. Once he's use to competitions, he will be, very likely, one of our top scorers.”

Malin and Domingues are both key returners.

“I am very pleased they are getting back to form,” Nielsen said.

Sports Writer Dan Watson can be reached at 739-2235 or by e-mail to dwatson@santamariatimes.com

February 28, 2008