Canon-Mac football coach returns after second battle with cancer in five years

Mike Evans, the head coach of Canon-McMillian football team, has made a triumphant return after successfully battling cancer for the second time in just five years. Football has been an integral part of Evans' life since his childhood, and he was devastated when he had to step away from the sport due to his health struggle. "Last year was the first year I didn’t have a football season since I was like 10," said Evans.

Though he was initially scared, Evans was determined to return. "I always thought I was coming back," he revealed. "I don’t know what else to do. I can’t do anything else, so this is it. I coach football or I’m unemployed." After receiving clearance from his doctors, Evans returned to the team in February, greeted warmly by his players who eagerly sought his company during lunch breaks.

During Evans' absence, his close friend and offensive coordinator, Brian DeLallo, took on the role of interim head coach. Evans expressed his gratitude towards DeLallo, who had helped him immensely during his absence. The support from his team was overwhelming, with the players even placing stickers on their helmets in support of their coach. "He said ‘I told you not to do that,’” said DeLallo. "I said ‘the kids overruled me. the kids wanted it, and that’s why we did that.'"

Evans' return has not only brought joy and motivation to his team but also provided them with a strong sense of purpose. "He gives us so much motivation because of how much he cares about us and how much he cares about the game," said quarterback Ty Jansma. "I don’t even have words for it." Evans' presence on the sideline brings a fatherly figure to the team, and the players view him as such.

"To some of these kids he really is a father figure," said DeLallo. "To have him back with our program as a technician, as a master of scheme, as a motivator and as a friend to the kids, you can’t put a value on that." For Evans, returning to the sidelines where he has spent most of his life is a moment of profound gratitude, knowing that his life has been reclaimed through football.