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Show ., . SPORTS SPt:CIAL SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY D CEDAR CITY, UTAH D TUESDAY MARCH 31, 1992 Evans is named basketball coach Assistant selected to replace departed Roberts BY JAY HINTON Thunderbird Sports &J.itor Bill Evans assumed the reins of the SUU basketball program yesterday. "This has been a dream of mine for a long time," said new SUU Head Basketball Coach Bill Evans Monday after being n amed head coach in the Thunderbird Athletic Luncheon. SUU Athletic Director Jack Bishop made the official announcement. " This is a real exciting time for the university, Board of Trustees, the presiden t and our athletic administration," said Bishop. " I think the thing I' m most excited about is someone that has worked so hard and b een so loyal to Southern Utah is getting the opportunity to fulfill a dream ." " There are a lot of real good guys out there that can do the job," said Evans. " I' m just fortunate I'm one of those guys that will have the opportunity to share what I can do. " Our players not only during the season but after the season have always been real supportive of me, " said Evans. " I'm a guy that thinks you don't do things like this for yourself. It takes more than one person." Evans joined the SUU staff in 1990 under Neil Roberts. In Evans' two seasons as an assistant the T-Birds complied their first two winning seasons at the NCAA Division I level. Evans' previous head coaching experience comes at the high school levd where he coached Port Sulphur (La.) High School to an 112-47 overall record which included five conference championships and one Lo uisiana state championship. Evans joined the staff with previous experience under Ron Abegglen at Alaska-Anchorage, Bob Schermerhorn at SUU and Wayne Ballard at Idaho State. Evans said that he gained quality experience under the direction of each coach. " I don' t think there 's any secrets in this game," said Evans. " Fortunately I've been able to work for some people and learn from every one of them. " After Roberts' resignation, Evans took over and coach ed the Thunderbirds to a 5-2 record in the final seven games to finish the season at 20-8. Evans will have to carry the responsiblity of matching or bettering this year 's season, but said he is confiden t that he will be able to direct his team to another winning season and put people into the stands. " One of my goals," said Evans, " Is to look up in the Centrum and not see any empty seats. I think that's starting to happen ." Roberts resigned Feb. 7 after allegedly shoplifting a tie in M oscow, Idaho, Feb. 4 , previous to ~UU's tilt with the ldabo Vandals. In his near five seasons for U}e Thunderbirds Roberts posted 71-63 career record. Among thC: big wins Roberts picked up came over Montana, Weber State, Xavier and Evansville. SUU. tracksters may threaten marks. Trio of gymnasts head to region•••· The Thunderbird track and field squad, under the tutelage of Paul Maggio, looks to_ have plenty of talent as it heads into the second third of the season. SEE PAGE 2. Jodi McKay, Julie Aguirre and Susie Specht will represent SUU as at-large a/1-arounders at the NCAA midwest championships in Salt Lake City April 11. SEE PAGE 3. . '. |