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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Gonzaga Prep defensive end Evan Weaver says he will play for Cal Bears

Gonzaga Prep defensive lineman Evan Weaver announced his commitment to University of California.

A week ago, Gonzaga Prep defensive end Evan Weaver tweeted that he planned to announce his oral commitment today.

After taking a second unofficial visit to the University of California last weekend, Weaver couldn’t wait to reveal his college choice.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Weaver is going to be a Golden Bear.

“I took my first visit to Cal in February,” Weaver said. “This visit was to confirm it was the right choice. I’ve known for a month that I wanted to go to Cal. I like the school’s academics, the coaches and the position I’ll be playing. Those were all factors.”

Weaver picked Cal over Washington State, Utah, Arizona, Boise State and Washington, Cal, Utah and WSU were his top three.

“The coaches are genuine, they know the game really well and they know how to put their players in the best position to compete,” Weaver said.

Weaver will be the second Bullpup to play at Cal since tight end Chris Carpenter went to Berkeley in 1989.

And Weaver will get to wear his favorite number – 89, which he has worn at G-Prep.

G-Prep coach Dave McKenna gave Weaver the number as a sophomore because he reminded him of another Bullpup standout who wore the number.

“They gave it to me because they thought I resembled Travis Long,” Weaver said.

Weaver is young for his age. He just turned 17 last week.

“I should be going into my junior year,” Weaver said.

Weaver said his parents started him in school early because he was bigger than most boys his age.

He has grown considerably since last year. He’s added an inch in height and 30 pounds.

“I was way, way weaker last year,” he said. “I was barely benching 225 pounds last year. Now I’m at 325. And I’ve gone up 120 pounds in the squat.”

McKenna is thrilled Weaver chose Cal.

“He’ll do well there,” McKenna said. “They’re blessed to get him. He’s a great kid, not just a great football player. He’s in the same position Travis Long was in at his age. Travis was young and look what he’s done. Evan’s got a great motor. He’s so strong and he can run. He has all the tools.”

Weaver will be a defensive end at Cal, too.

“I’ll have my hand in the dirt most downs and move back into outside linebacker in some blitz packages,” Weaver said. “I want to play right away. They have four defensive ends and they all graduate. I just have to go out and prove myself.”

Mead hires volleyball coach

Longtime Panthers assistant coach Shawn Wilson has been named the school’s volleyball coach.

Wilson spent 15 years as an assistant to highly successful varsity coach Judy Kight. During that time, Mead qualified for state 14 times and won seven state championships.

Wilson replaces Elaina Rankin, who has taken a counseling position at Rogers. In her two years following Kight, Mead won league, district and regional titles in 2013.