Longtime Michigan men's golf coach Jim Carras dies at 92
Carras spent two dozen years as a coach in Ann Arbor, first as an assistant (1978-82) before taking over the lead position (1983-2002). Known for his warm personality, Carras' greatest strength, according to those who spent the most time around him, was his ability to relate to players in ways many coaches couldn't. It's why his teams had perhaps even more success in the classroom than they did on the golf course.
"Jim Carras had a special connection with his players, the kind that stays with people long after their college years," said Chris Whitten, executive director of the Golf Association of Michigan and U-M men's golf coach from 2011-19. "I've heard many athletes say they don't remember every win or loss, but they remember how their coach made them feel. Jim made people feel supported, valued and encouraged.
"Jim represented everything good about college golf. He cared about people, had perspective, and invested in others. I'm lucky to have known him and proud to have learned from him."
Under Carras' watch, the program earned 39 Academic All-Big Ten citations (which began in 1987) and featured six golfers honored as National Golf Coaches Association National Scholar Athletes: Michael Affeldt (1999, 2000); Anthony Dietz (1992, 1993); Michael Harris (1998, 1999, 2000); Bob Hennighan (1992); Isaac Hinkle (1997) and Kevin Vernick (1998).
Harris was one of the best golfers under Carras, being named All-Big Ten three times (1998, 1999, 2000) and winning medalist honors at the 1999 Big Ten Championships. That was the same year Andy Matthews became U-M's first Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
"Coach Carras always saw the bigger picture," Matthews said in a statement. "Golf may have been what brought us to Michigan, but he knew our time in Ann Arbor would be about far more than any score we shot or accolade we earned. He built a true sense of family within every team he coached and made it clear we were there for each other and to earn our degree above all else.
"For Coach, it was always family, academics, then golf — in that order. Those values shaped the experience for everyone who played for him, and they continue to live on in all of us. I'm incredibly grateful to have been part of the program he led."
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U-M had four top-three finishes at Big Ten championships (1985, 1988, 1995, 1997) and reached the NCAA championships three times under Carras.
Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Carras went to Jones School, Slauson and Ann Arbor High School before he served in the Army (1952-54). After he graduated from Eastern Michigan University (1958), he taught at Allen Park and what is now Northside Elementary for a decade.
Per his request, there will be no services.
"There are many coaches who have touched so many lives. Jim Carras was one of those," U-M athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. "A firm handshake, honesty, and a smile that could fill a room will be the lasting memories of him. The golf programs have lost two legends, with former women's coach Sue LeClair last year and now Jim. Two foundational pillars.
"We will never forget them, what they accomplished, nor will all those who played, worked and learned from them."
Tony Garcia is the Michigan Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Longtime Michigan men's golf coach Jim Carras dies at 92
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