Catching up with Southeastern HS alum, boys basketball volunteer John Evans
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — As a 1991 graduate of Southeastern High School, John Evans has worn many hats while representing the Panthers. Evans started his high school years at Meigs High School, but moved to Southeastern during his sophomore year. During high school, he played basketball and baseball, but beyond the playing days, Evans has given back to the Southeastern community in several ways.
鈥淲hen I think back to high school sports, the first thing that comes to mind is the love of the game,鈥� said Evans, who as a coach helped SE to three Sectional titles in softball, three Sectional titles in baseball, and a baseball District runner-up. 鈥淲e loved playing ball. Many of our friendships revolved around them. The celebrations, the heartbreak, the fans . . . it was feelings and emotions that you just can’t get anywhere else.鈥�
Following high school graduation, Evans attended Lee College (later became Lee University) with a degree in history with emphasis in political science with teacher endorsement. Evans would later earn his Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Ohio University. Evans then returned to Southeastern for the next 22 years, where he had stints as a social studies teacher, athletic director, guidance counselor, and a coach in a variety of sports.
Today, John is the pastor of the Richmondale Church of God. The church has a welcoming congregation full of people willing to help. Evans mentioned a recent trip when they went to Nicaragua on a Missions trip, and they are planning a trip to the Navajo Indian Reservation next year. The outreach ministries also include Mission Family Ministries, a food and clothing pantry, Angel Tree, Family Fall Festival, and Christmas Giveaway.
John and his wife, Melissa (4th grade teacher at Southeastern), have been married for 25 years. The couple have two children including Anna, a math teacher at Logan Elm High School, and Aaron, a freshman at Ohio University-Chillicothe studying Special Education.聽
Evans, who still currently volunteers his time in the boys鈥� basketball program, really believes in the role sports can play in the lives of young people.
鈥淣ow as an adult, sports play such an important part in our lives, but not for all the reasons we think,鈥� said Evans. As a coach, he has been a part of a District championship in basketball for both boys and girls at Southeastern.. 鈥淧laying sports is about teamwork and discipline. It’s about commitment and work ethic. It’s about accepting a role that might not be what’s best for you, but what is best for the team. It’s what makes boys better men and girls better women. It’s the things that will make you a better husband, a better father, a better person. Think about that for a minute. The lessons that are taught and learned in sports are what propel us to be better people. Yes, I always want to win. If there is a scoreboard, I want to win, but Woody Hayes put it best when he said you win with people. My impact on the athletes I coached cannot be determined by wins, losses, championships, etc. It will be determined by the men and women they become.鈥�
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