One of the most successful eras in Long Beach sports history came to an end last week when Wilson’s Jeff Evans announced that he is stepping down after 13 years as boys’ and girls’ golf coach. Evans will stay on as athletic director, but said he wants to spend more time with his family and two young sons.
“It’s bittersweet,” Evans said. “This is the dream job of golf jobs. You’ve got a course right up the street, and a program with a great tradition. I was very excited to take it, and it’s been a fun ride for the 13 years. This is the best thing for me, my family and the golf program as well.”
Kurt Holmes, who has served as the boys’ and girls’ junior varsity coach for the past 11 seasons, will step up to coach the varsity squads. Evans will stay involved with the programs as tournament director.
“It was time for me to take something off of my plate,” Evans said. “With the many hats I’ve been wearing here I can’t continue to do it all. My assistant coaches have been great, and they’ll step into the roles. I’ll still help them in the transition.”
Evans won more than 20 coach of the year awards while coaching both boys’ and girls’ teams. The Wilson boys haven’t lost a Moore League match since 2004, the Wilson girls haven’t lost the league title in over a decade, and Wilson has produced 21 total individual league champions in the 26 seasons under Evans.
Evans also coached for seven years at St. John Bosco before taking the job at Wilson thanks to a tip from his friend and Lakewood coach Tom Busch. Evans has been the Wilson boys’ athletic director for the last five years.
