DAVID MCKEOWN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Schuylkill Haven’s Albe Evans
Schuylkill Haven senior Albe Evans shot a 7-over 79 to claim his third straight Schuylkill League individual golf championship and lead the Hurricanes to a Division II championship last Monday at the Schuylkill Country Club. He’s the latest Pottsville Republican-Herald Athlete of the Week.
- Grade: Senior
- Age: 18
- Residence: Schuylkill Haven
- Family: Parents, BJ Evans and Kim Hashin; brother, Alan
- Other sports you play: Basketball and baseball
- Favorite pro athlete: Dwyane Wade
- Favorite pro sports teams: Philadelphia 76ers
- Favorite college team: Penn State
- Favorite subject: Math
- Favorite food: Chicken
- Favorite movie: Sandlot
- Favorite TV show: Spongebob
- Favorite color: Blue
- Hobbies: Biology and Spanish Clubs, Veterans Committee, National Honor Society
Q: What was it like winning your third straight Schuylkill League golf championship?
A: The one thing I always had in the back of my mind was my dad’s partner, Sud Patel. He always reminded me that he won two championships and he joked around that I wasn’t going to break his record. That was one thing that would motivate me to work hard all summer and prepare for the upcoming season, so it felt pretty good when I could say I beat his record.
Q: Was there a key shot or moment when you knew you had the third title locked up?
A: When I was on 18, I kind of didn’t feel too confident about my drive shot, but once I got it on the green, I pretty much knew the putt I had to hit, and before I hit it I pretty much knew that I was going to make it. That’s the only shot that I saw myself winning the tournament in my mind. You have to play it shot by shot, and one shot can completely (ruin) that round. When I stepped up to the last putt on 18, I knew which way it was going to go and all I had to do was hit it on line.
Q: How special is it to lead the resurrected Schuylkill League team to a Division II title?
A: The one thing we always used to joke about in the summer was, “maybe we could win something this year.” And it actually came true. Just a great group of guys I was playing with. We’re all there to motivate each other, and we’re going to be there to motivate the guys next year.
Q: Where do your golf skills come from?
A: I’ll give it up to Josette and Bert Evans, my grandparents. They’re mostly what got me into golf, so I thank them for teaching me how to first begin playing. When I got into my teens, I mostly learned from my dad. He stuck with me throughout high school and stuck with me and worked with me every weekend. This year I can thank my coach, Ted Smith, now that we have a team.
Q: What’s the toughest course you played on this year?
A: Probably the league match at Schuylkill Country Club. During the league match it was kind of raining and windy, so that was definitely the toughest course I played all year.
Q: Being a three-sport athlete (golf, basketball, baseball), what’s your favorite sport?
A: Right now we can say golf is my favorite because I’m playing it right now. Definitely basketball is my favorite during that season. I do like baseball, but no offense to my coaches, baseball is my least favorite sport.
