Last October Bode Salas became the first Carbon High School golfer to win a state title after topping Delta senior Jake Henrie on the final two holes of play. That performance, mixed with a top 10 team finish overall, has elevated expectations for the Dinos heading into 2021.
“I’ve noticed that the kids having the opportunity to play alongside Bode last season and see him win a state title gives them the extra drive,” said second year head coach Robbie Etzel on KOAL’s Drive Time Sports. “I’ve seen a lot of the younger kids trying to play more state sponsored tournaments. It definitely forces them to be a little more competitive and take things more seriously when you have such a great player on the team.”
Loaded with sophomore talent last season, Etzel is expected to have a hefty junior class returning for the upcoming season. The top performing underclassmen from 2020 include Daron Garner, Kyler Clark and Cole Yoklavich.
The heavy dose of returners in the widely competitive Region 12 is something that Etzel believes will pay dividends throughout the season. With a full year of coaching under his belt, experience is something the Dinos will rely on.
“It makes a big difference when you’re not trying to fill gaps in your roster. We have kids that have prior knowledge to most courses we’re going to play at,” said Etzel. “Last year was a bit of a learning curve, but I’ve definitely learned a lot and I think altogether we’re in a better spot to excel even more in the upcoming season.”
The scenery will be somewhat familiar for Carbon despite realignment shaking up the divisions in the 3A classification. The Dinos remain in Region 12 with Emery, Grand and Richfield, but Canyon View replaced San Juan and South Sevier. The change brings in one new course, Cedar Ridge, which is where the season will start on August 4.
Teams will be allowed to officially hold practices beginning on July 19. That will give Carbon a little over two weeks to prepare for the first meet of the season. There will be a total of eight region meets in 2021, including the lone home meet for the Dinos on September 2.
“I think the kids know what they are getting into and I think they now know what my expectations are for the upcoming season,” said Etzel about the remaining days of the off season. “Now I just hope they help me pass those expectations down to the freshman that will be joining our team in the upcoming season.”
Listen to Etzel’s complete interview below: