New coach, high expectations for Glendale college men’s golf
A new era is about to unfold for the Glendale Community College men’s golf team.
Since the program was reinstated in 2008 after it was previously scrapped in 1985, the Vaqueros built a solid foundation under the tutelage of coach Greg Osbourne. However, Osbourne, who also coached the college’s women’s golf team, resigned both posts in May to become the director of golf at Cal State Bakersfield.
Stepping in to replace Osbourne will be Todd Tyni, who gained plenty of coaching experience after serving as head coach at Monroe High and Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences the past 25 years.
Tyni, 51, will take over a Vaqueros squad that finished tied for third in the ultra-competitive Western State Conference last season and missed out on qualifying for the Southern California Regionals.
Tyni succeeded Osbourne in September and serves as an adjunct instructor in kinesiology at Glendale college.
“I just felt like it was a fun gig to go out and try,” said Tyni, who is additionally the dean of students at Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences in Granada Hills. “Greg’s a friend of mine and he asked me if I’d be interested in taking the coaching job.
“You go from teaching kids how to hold a golf club in high school to coaching in one of the strongest conferences in junior college golf in the state. My goal coming in will be to see the players improve and excel in the classroom.”
The Vaqueros, who last appeared in the state tournament in 2011, will begin their season Monday in the two-day Bakersfield Invitational at Seven Oaks Country Club. They appear to have their lineup set, led by sophomore Ryan Miranda (St. Francis High).
Miranda said Tyni shares similar coaching views that Osbourne enforced.
“I learned a lot about golf from Greg, so I appreciated working with him in helping my overall game,” Miranda said. “With Todd, he also knows how to get the most out of you and maximizing your potential.
“Todd’s got that expertise on how to work with people. I expect us to get a top-three spot in conference and try to get to regionals.”
The Vaqueros figure to have a lineup combination that might feature Miranda, sophomores Khorri Ellis, Nick Scott, Justin Sandon and Joel Yoo. They will be joined by freshmen Evin Davis and Andrew Salinas.
Tyni said the Vaqueros should resemble a formidable opponent.
“We will probably carry around nine or 10 players,” Tyni said. “We have the potential to be near the top in conference.
“I like our depth. You will have to earn your spot [in the lineup]. I want them to be able to go out there and be smart on the course while also being aggressive.”
Glendale will compete in its first conference match Feb. 10 at Valencia Country Club. The Vaqueros will host a conference match April 14 at Oakmont Country Club. The Vaqueros finished third on their home site last season after winning on it in 2012.
The conference championship will take place April 28 at Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena. The Southern California Regionals will be held May 5 and the state tournament will take place May 12-13.
