Evans will be teaching and coaching at the same school for the first time.
After playing for Bryan College, the 1995 Sale Creek graduate coached nine seasons at Cleveland Middle School and most recently assisted the men’s basketball program at Cleveland State.
In 2004, he was the director of player personnel for the Cleveland Majic of the World Basketball Association.
Evans will teach physical education and wellness at Silverdale. He previously taught at Blythe-Bower Elementary in Cleveland.
The new coach has wasted no time in getting acquainted with his players, holding two quick practices, including a Monday morning session to teach a few seniors who were unable to attend the practices due to their baseball tournament. Then it was off to a team camp at Tennessee Temple the same day.
“I just wanted to get back into head coaching, and when I heard about this opportunity, I went for it,” Evans said. “I enjoyed working with Cleveland State men’s basketball, but it was tough to coach and recruit while teaching in elementary PE at the same time. This opportunity came open and I thought that this was a great time to get back into head coaching.”
He thanked Cleveland State coach Lee Cigliano for “preparing me for the next level.”
“He’s a great coach, but more than that, he is a great friend who was instrumental in my life, as well as coaching. I learned a lot from him on and off the floor, and I will miss working as his assistant, even though we will still work closely together,” said Evans. “I’m going to miss the entire Cleveland State family.”
Evans said he’s ready for the challenges of District 5-A, the home of recent state tournament participants Arts & Sciences and Grace Academy.
“I am excited about the challenges ahead for me,” he said. “At the middle school level, there was obviously less scouting of other teams, but the past few years have really helped me develop and get back into the swing of things. I was successful at Cleveland Middle and I enjoy the process of trying to figure out how to prepare for our opponents.”
A finalist for the Rhea County job, he’s happy to have found a new home and a new opportunity.
“It is a great situation to come into. This team will definitely make some noise next year in district 5A and I look forward to coaching them.” Evans said. “These guys caught on quick to what I taught them in just the few hours I was able to work with them before camp. They’re hard workers and scrappers who are smart and respectful. I enjoy this group of guys and they’ve shown flashes of great things to come.
“I enjoy changing lives through basketball. Making great basketball players is one thing. But making great men first will not only make great basketball players, it will also make future great fathers, husbands, and members of our communities,” said Evans. “I have heard great things about SBA, both the school and its athletic program and I’m excited to join the Silverdale family and take over the reins of the men’s basketball program.”
Al Rogers commented, “Randy is a great asset for Silverdale Baptist Academy. He has an obvious love for the Lord and excitement for molding young men into disciples of Christ. We are blessed with him becoming a part of our athletic program.”
Evans is married to Diana Evans, who played basketball at CSCC and Bryan College. The couple have five children, Marisa, Raylee, Maguire, Daxton and Zander, and attend Candies Creek Baptist Church.
