Vindicator Fall Athletes: Dom Carano

To Canfield senior Dom Carano, it seems like just yesterday he was playing golf in the Sandwich Factory par-3 league as a kid.

Then he’s reminded of the national letter-of-intent he signed last month, committing to play golf at Youngstown State University next fall.

“I was like, ‘Whoa, I’m already a senior,’ ” Carano said. “So the most important thing was I wanted to leave a mark — kind of help the younger kids go in the right direction.”

Under the leadership of Carano, the Cardinals were co-championships of the All-American Conference, American Division this fall. He shot 72 at sectionals to earn medalist honors.

Carano said his attitude coming into his senior season changed from years prior. In the past, he was more focused on the results, whereas this season he wanted to make sure he enjoyed the ride along the way.

“From the first tee shot to the last putt,” Carano said. “I couldn’t be more happy with the experience that I had growing up and playing golf in this area.”

Golf has taught Carano plenty of life lessons that he felt was important to pass down to his younger teammates this season. The sport also taught him to fight until the end and only worry about the next shot.

Carano’s next shot will come as a Penguin on YSU’s golf team.

“I really just tried my best and said whatever happens, happens,” Carano said. “I was fortunate enough to get called by YSU and I jumped on that offer in a heartbeat.”

As for his idea of a favorable course:

“Somewhere with very challenging greens is somewhere that I like,” Carano said. “I like a challenge with my short game.”