He was too busy to talk. He probably had something better to attend to. After all, Ron Pietila has always been known for being a busy guy.

But this time, the coach had some business that didn't involve soccer. Well, at least at the moment it didn't.

"Can I call you in a little while?" asked Pietila when reached by cell phone earlier this month. "I'm out on the golf course."

Pietila, 62, a long-time girls soccer coach, has traded in his clipboard for some golf clubs and a handful of other things retired coaches do with their spare time.

"I'm a sports guy so I try to stick with sports," said Pietila, who spent most of his career at Bonita Vista High School. "And my golf game needs a lot of improvement."

He will certainly spend more time on his swing but don't expect Pietila to walk away from soccer completely. He remains involved with the Barons program despite announcing his retirement a few months ago.

Pietila remains involved at Bonita Vista. He is still the director of the Barons Tournament, arguably the largest girls soccer tournament in San Diego County.

Pietila, who began coaching in 1972, is not ready to give up the tournament. It is still his baby. He spent most of the tournament running around the game fields making sure each team was organized and ready for each match. He handed out trophies to winning teams and tournament MVPs. He sent and received hundreds of e-mails and text messages to go along with calls to his cell phone as he structured this year's tournament.

"I've always been fearful that the tournament would start to evolve from being a positive event if I chose to step down (as director)," Pietila said. "It might fall on hard times. It has happened before."

That has happed on few occasions, mostly when Pietila left Bonita Vista to coach at Otay Ranch five years ago.

Pietila was asked to take over the new program at Otay Ranch. He helped lead the Mustangs into the playoffs in his first season with only freshman and sophomores on the roster.

"That has to me one of the most memorable things I've been a part of with him," said Ryan Marquez, Pietila's protégé and replacement as Bonita Vista coach. "He's been a very important figure in my coaching career and in life."

Marquez has spent plenty of time along Pietila, or coach "Pie" as he calls him.

"Pie" coached Marquez, who graduated from Bonita Vista in 2000. Marquez went on to become an assistant coach at Southwestern College then later teamed up with his mentor to coach at Bonita Vista.

Pietila lobbied for Marquez to take over as coach this season.

"He's such an energetic young guy who has the passion to coach," Pietila said. "He has a great relationship with the girls and has a great mind for the game."

Marquez' squad this year started the season fast, going unbeaten in its first five games. The Barons are expected to be serious contenders for the Mesa League title.

That is something that is on Marquez' mind. After all, he has stepped in for a coach who has notched a combined 500-plus wins at Bonita Vista, San Diego Southwest and Otay Ranch, including two section co-championships with the Barons.

"I can say I have learned plenty from Pie," Marquez said. "But one thing that stands out about him is that he is genuine. His understanding of the sport is just out there…not only in soccer but in sports in general. He has a way to get on the girls and be tough but yet still get them excited about a game."

Pietila knows how to do that. He's coached everything from baseball to football.

When asked to recall his first coaching experience, Pietila had only eight words: "Let's just say it didn't go as planned," then laughed.

His role now at Bonita Vista includes taking care of administrative duties for the team. That includes scheduling opponents, paperwork and communication with school administrators.

At the Barons tournament a few weeks ago, Pietila could hardly stand still. He dashed from one field to another as parents, coaches, referees and players had questions, comments and mostly appreciation for his work.

And he rewarded them with a smile.

He plans to spend more time soaking in some sun at his beach home in a small Baja California town along with his wife, Kathi, of 43-years, his daughters Ronnie, Kelley, Lory and his seven grandchildren.

It is the ideal setting for him now. Add a few rounds of golf during the week and he will have plenty to smile about. So, don't be surprised if he doesn't answer his cell phone. He might be busy being retired.

Ivan.orozco@sandiegored.com