Rose-Hulman News
Plagued with injury the past two years, junior mechanical engineering major Rhys Evans has made a comeback to the soccer field and has made a big difference in the games he’s played.
Evans has played in 11 games and scored nine goals and added two assists. He averages at least two shots on goal a game, making it in 57% of the time. He had impressive averages in the same categories his first two seasons as an Engineer.
Since Evans has been a part of the Rose program, the men’s soccer team has accumulated an impressive record of 36-14-5 and earned two second place finishes in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC). The men’s team currently is first in the HCAC with three conference matches remaining in the season.
Rhys Evans took the time to answer some questions for the Rose Thorn.
Rose Thorn: How long have you been playing soccer?
Rhys Evans: I’ve been playing soccer since I was 5 years old. Through the years I’ve played for a handful of different teams in different cities. It’s been a long road.
RT: The men’s soccer team has made it to the conference tournament for a few years in a row now but hasn’t captured the tournament crown yet. Do you think this year will be different?
RE: Definitely, our team this year is the strongest it’s been since I’ve been here. Coach Helliwell has us playing very well together right now, which is a sign that our system is working. We have a huge opportunity to do something great in the conference tournament this year. If we can stay focused and first in conference until the end of the season we’ll be able to play our tournament games at home which is an enormous advantage.
RT: Being only a junior this year on a team of mostly juniors and younger, do you think you can improve to be even more successful next year?
RE: With such a young team, we have the potential to continue the growth of the program and achieve great things in 2009. But the three seniors we have now provide irreplaceable leadership and locker room presence, they’re the glue that holds this team together.
RT: What’s the most meaningful award or recognition that you’ve received?
RE: Actually, this is the most recognition I’ve ever received for soccer. I’ve struggled with injuries my entire soccer career and haven’t had a healthy season at Rose yet. In the last two years I’ve been through two knee surgeries, torn ligaments, a broken back, bone contusions, a broken hand, and not to mention the pulled muscles and rolled ankles; the list goes on. I actually re-broke my hand earlier this week but am still playing. But even with all that I feel like I’m playing my best soccer to date and am hoping my injury streak ends soon.
RT: How has participating in a varsity sport had an effect on your experience at Rose?
RE: As of right now, I can’t imagine being at Rose without playing on the soccer team. It has been one of the greatest experiences in my life. Participating in a sport where your teammates are your best friends is something too awesome for words.
RT: Do you have any plans on staying involved in soccer after Rose?
RE: At the moment I don’t have plans of doing anything after Rose, but I would definitely enjoy playing in a [recreational] league somewhere. I just want to stay active.