NORTH MANCHESTER – Balance is an important word in Kyle Evans’ life. After all, the Manchester University senior has a lot on his proverbial plate. From trying to wrap up a double major in physical education and health next May that includes being a student teacher at North Manchester High School this year to being a husband to wife, Allison, and father to his two children, Ashleyn (age four) and Asher (16 months), it could all be a little dizzying at times. You can add another iron to the fire, too. He’s also the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference’s reigning Special Teams Player of the Year as a senior placekicker and punter for the Spartan football team. “I actually like being able to go home and be with my family (at night),” Evans said. “Having Allison and the kids in my life is where the balance really comes in for me.” The Winamac, Indiana native’s calm attitude toward his always busy schedule, in his own words, may come from age. “I’m a senior but a little older than some of the other guys,” he said. “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, roles he still handles for MU, at West Central High School. He and Allison, his high school sweetheart, got married soon after and then two years later, Evans attended St. Joseph’s College of Indiana before deciding to transfer to MU. Upon stepping on campus, he knew he wanted to return to football. Coach Shannon Griffith was glad he did, especially in consideration of his numbers from 2010 to 2011. Evans increased his punting average nearly two full yards (36.6-38.5), his kickoff average five yards (56-61 ypk), hit four more field goals (12-of-18 compared to 8-of-12 which included five-of-seven from 40-49 yards with a long of 44) and made five more extra points (23-18). “I couldn’t have done any of this without a good holder and snapper the last two years,” he said. “I’ve got my snapper back (junior defensive lineman Tommy Riggs of Lizton, Ind.) and a new holder but (sophomore wide receiver Collin Huffine of Centerville, Ind.) started working with me last spring and did a good job. The guys blocking up front are also very important. “Of the four areas, I feel like the placekicking duties are fairly routine but that still goes back to having the good snapper, holder and line in front of you,” he added. “You get your steps, put your head down and drive the ball.” Punting, on the other hand, can change in an instant, according to Evans. “The slightest difference (in the snap, wind, the way you receive the ball, etc.) can make an attempt successful or not,” Evans said. “If you hit it one way off your foot and one of those things changed from the time you got set up, the ball could go left or right and short or long. You really have to pay attention to detail. I try and set it up in my head if it looks like we might need to punt – figuring on the wind, position on the field and so forth.” Evans’ path to becoming a kicker started in his youth and included activities on a different field. “I had been in my town’s PeeWee football program but also loved soccer,” he said. “I stayed with soccer all the way to high school and thought I might be able to be a kicker on the football team. “I’m glad (that it all worked out),” he added. “I’ve been able to improve each year, so hopefully there are even bigger things ahead this season.”
