Union Multi-Sport Star Evans Readies for GTR Cup
By GLENN HIBDON
GTR Sports Writer
YOUNG TALENT: Unions Coleby Evans will display his skills on ice at this year’s second annual GTR Cup being held on Feb. 11 at the BOK Center.
Coleby Evans may only be a sophomore, but he has already provided dramatic moments on a hockey rink and football field.
As a Union freshman, Evans snapped a scoreless tie against Broken Arrow in the inaugural Cup, powering the Redskins to a 2-1 championship victory. Almost two months ago as a linebacker for the Union football team, he intercepted a pass and scored the winning touchdown against the Tigers in the Class 6A championship game.
“He is an excellent, excellent player,’’ said Tom Karalis, his hockey coach. “He might have a future in hockey, but he has a better future in football. Oklahoma is known for football, and I‘m sure he will be on the radar of Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. If I was a scout, I would keep an eye on him.’’
It’s Evans’ hockey ability that will be on display when Union again faces Broken Arrow in the first round of the second Cup on Feb. 11 at the Center. Through the first three games of the Tulsa Youth Hockey Association high school season, Evans leads his team in scoring with three goals and four assists.
“He’s our best offensive player,’’ says Karalis, who was at Broken Arrow last season and coached against Evans. “He’s a good skater and very aggressive with his football characteristics transferring over to the ice. He‘s so strong physically because of his football training. He battles in the corners and in front of the net. He overpowers players and comes out with the puck.’’
In the first Cup against Broken Arrow in the title game, Evans gave Union a 1-0 lead with 6:59 left, then assisted Tom Eckert on the clinching score eight seconds later.
“He is one of the most talented players I‘ve coached,’’ says Karalis, whose Redskins’ only early season loss was 2-1 to Jenks in the final seconds. “We’re an offensive team and we have a very good mix of veterans and young players. To win the Cup, you have to have a very good offense and you have to play good defense. You can’t rely on scoring five or six goals to win. If you play strong defense, offense will take care of itself.’’
Updated 01-23-2012
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