The Evans family, from left: dad Chuck Evans ’84, son Asher, wife Alison,
Kyle Evans ’13, daughter Ashelyn, and mother Taresa Reed.
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student: Kyle Evans '13
Balance is an important word in Kyle Evans’ life.
After all, the Manchester University senior has a lot on his proverbial plate. From wrapping up a double major in physical education and health, student teaching at Manchester High School and being a husband to Alison and dad to 4-year-old Ashleyn and 16-month-old Asher … it all is a bit dizzying at times.
He’s also a two-time Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Year, helping lead the football Spartans this fall to their first winning season since 1997.
“I actually like being able to go home and be with my family at night,” Evans says. “Having Alison and the kids in my life is where the balance really comes in for me.”
His calm attitude toward his always busy schedule may come from age. “I’m a senior, but a little older than some of the other guys,” he notes. “Being 25 and already having been out in the work world helps. I don’t really miss the dorm or social life aspects of college.”
Evans took a break after starring as a placekicker and punter for West Central High School. He and Alison, his high school sweetheart, married soon after graduation. He attended Saint Joseph’s College before transferring to Manchester and Spartan football.
Coach Shannon Griffith is especially proud of Evans’ numbers from 2010 to 2011, when he pushed his punting average nearly 2 yards (38.5), his kickoff average 5 yards (61), made four more field goals (eight, including a 44-yarder) and five more extra points (23).
His 2012 totals are strong, too. Evans kicked five field goals and 18-straight extra points at the end of the season. His punts averaged just under 40 yards.
“The placekicking duties were fairly routine. That goes back to having the good snapper, holder and line in front of you,” he says. “You get your steps, put your head down and drive the ball.” Punting, on the hand, could change in an instant. “The slightest difference (snap, wind, the way you receive the ball) can make an attempt successful or not. You really have to pay attention to detail.”
And he did. “It was great being able to end with a winning season.”
By Mark Adklns
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