Football player stands strong for team, dad

Even while battling cancer, Butch Evans has kept one commitment: to always attend his son’s football games. Since 2008, Evans has been at every Pioneer game, both at home and away, cheering on his son, Shawn Evans ’12, the team’s tight end.

Diagnosed six years ago with prostate and bone cancer, Butch Evans has already been through three surgeries; doctors predict that he only has two years to live. In this Portland Tribune profile, Butch and Shawn discuss how their close relationship has helped sustain them.

“I don’t know if you could have a better relationship with somebody,” Shawn said. “I’m super blessed and privileged to have him as a father. He has been absolutely great. He is my best friend. Words can’t describe it.”

Shawn transferred to Lewis & Clark to be close to his father during treatment, but also to help strengthen the Lewis & Clark football program. He is the only player from the Northwest Conference selected for the D3 Senior Classic 2011 Preseason All-American Football Team. The D3 Senior Classic is the premier post season all-star game showcasing the talent of senior players on the NCAA Division III football level. With his help, this year’s team is off to its best start since 1996.

Though Shawn may be his only son, Butch is a surrogate father figure for many of the Pioneer players, who have all been quick to show their support. Recently, the team helped alleviate some of the family’s medical expenses by selling “Battling for Butch” wristbands. See the team’s latest efforts on Facebook.