Thomas H. Evans (1975) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Thomas H. Evans

Induction:
1975

INAUGURAL CLASS
1948-69
Track Head Coach
Football Assistant Coach

Not found too often in this impatient age where victory is the hallmark, is the coach who motivates by personal example and quiet persuasion. Akron had such a coach in the person of Thomas W. Evans, the Hilltop’s “quiet man” who passed away February 10, 1974.

After a great collegiate career at Wooster College, Evans began coaching at Cadiz (Ohio) High School and then moved to Massillon High School as assistant football coach under William “Bud” Houghton.

When Houghton came to the University of Akron as head football coach in 1948, he brought Evans to the Hilltop as his assistant. Evans continued to serve in this capacity for 19 years under a series of head coaches– Kenneth “Red” Cochrane, Joe McMullen and finally Gordon Larson– all if whom recognized his invaluable contributions to UA’s gridiron success.

Following the 1966 gridiron season, Evans retired from coaching football, to concentrate on track and teaching. He retired as track coach after the 1969 season.

Characteristics of this man, who avoided publicity and laurels of the banquet circuit, was his love for track– a non-revenue producing sport, followed by a slender audience of addicts and based upon individual conditioning, output and desire.

As head track coach, Evans produced Ohio Conference championship teams in 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965, and 1966, before the Zips resigned from the Ohio Conference in 1966. NCAA Regional championships were captured in 1962 and 1963.

In 18 years as head track mentor, Evans built up an outstanding record of 112-38 at UA. From 1961 thru 1969 covering 80 opponents, his team lost only 11 meets. At one point he had a string of 27 wins and three undefeated teams, 1961 (9-0), 1962 (8-0) and 1963 (8-0).