Assistant Sports Editor
Academics played as much, if not more, of a role as football in Josh Evans’ decision on his next destination.
Evans committed Friday to Fairmont State, about two weeks after he decided to transfer from Marshall. Evans said he likely will give his binding signature next week.
The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Fayetteville native played two seasons at Marshall. He started all 12 games for the Thundering Herd in 2007 and was named to Conference USA’s all-freshman team.
“I met with coach (Mike) Lopez today. It was good to sit down and get to know him,” Evans said. “I think we’re going to have a good shot at making a run at the (West Virginia Conference) championship. If everybody stays healthy, that is our goal.”
Evans had also been considering Football Championship Subdivision powers James Madison and Appalachian State, but academics came to the fore. Had he decided on an out-of-state school, Evans stood to lose 21 to 25 credit hours toward his degree in sports management and marketing.
As it stands, Evans is on course to wrap up his bachelor’s work in May. By staying in West Virginia, all of his hours will transfer.
Evans will report to Fairmont the first week of August and have two years of eligibility. He plans to begin work toward his master’s degree in the fall of 2010.
In addition to Evans, other local natives on the Falcons’ roster are Nick Gwinn of Woodrow Wilson, Shawn Murphy (Richwood) and Jonathan McNemar (Valley).
Fairmont finished last season with a 5-6 record.
Division I experience is no doubt attractive to Lopez, but Evans isn’t resting on the past.
“I’m just another piece of the puzzle,” he said. “Hopefully I can help bring back a conference championship.”
— E-mail: gfauber@
register-herald.com
Sports
Former MU lineman Evans headed to Fairmont
- Sports
-
-
Getting to know the Big 12 Conference
As West Virginia University moves into the Big 12 Conference, here's one place to come to find out about all of the Mountaineers new league opponents.
-
WVU releases 2012 football schedule
West Virginia University has released its football schedule for 2012.
WVU announced Tuesday it has settled a lawsuit with the Big East for an unspecified amount, clearing the way for the conference power Mountaineers to join the Big 12 in July in time for the fall football season.
-
WVU settles Big East lawsuit
West Virginia University announced Tuesday it has settled a lawsuit with the Big East for an unspecified amount, clearing the way for the Mountaineers to join the Big 12 in July.
Athletic Director Oliver Luck said the terms of the deal were confidential and WVU wouldn’t release details. But Luck said no state, taxpayer, tuition or other academic dollars will be used in the settlement. - Shannon leads Woodrow win; Weiford 3 keys Spartans
-
Woodrow holds off Huntington
It took Woodrow Wilson’s boys basketball team nearly three quarters to figure out that the backside lob was open in Huntington High’s zone.
-
MSU hosts Rio Grande
For the first time since 1995, Mountain State stands a little past the half-way point at the season with five losses.
-
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - WVU to join Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors have voted unanimously to accept West Virginia University as a full conference member effective July 1, 2012. The Mountaineers will begin competing in the Big 12 beginning with the 2012-13 athletic season.
-
Friday update: Big East notified WVU leaving for Big 12
The Big East says it has been notified that West Virginia is leaving the conference and joining the Big 12.
-
Cardinals force Game 7 in World Series
After one of the greatest games in baseball history, a 10-9, 11-inning victory over Texas in Game 6 in which the Cardinals were twice within one strike of elimination.
-
Schiano sings WVU’s praises
It hasn’t been the year that Rutgers coach Greg Schiano envisioned.
Not close. - More Sports Headlines
-



