Nov. 11, 2010

Ray and Deborah Evans watch every one of their son R.J.'s games from the second level of the Hart Center. After every game, they wait for R.J. on the first row of bleachers under the basket.

They are there to talk, to encourage and, as they have throughout their children's lives, to teach.

R.J. Evans has learned a thing or two about toughness from his dad, a former tight end at Ohio State. The lessons are about physical toughness, yes, but also about mental resolve.

"He never let us get down on ourselves," said Evans, referring to himself and his younger sister, Kastine. "If you have a bad game, move on. I think I'm good at moving on, getting it out of my head."

Evans and his Holy Cross teammates have absolutely moved on from last season, the worst in the program's long and storied history. The Crusaders have embraced the energy, enthusiasm and kick-your-butt practices of new coach Milan Brown. Last Sunday's scrimmage against Hartford almost felt like a day off, Evans said, compared to Brown's all-out sessions.

For the complete article by Jennifer Toland of the Worcester (Mass.) Telegram & Gazette click here