I got to know Evan because he was one of the neighborhood kids that I used to hang out with a lot in elementary school. For a few years, just about every guy I was friends with was into wrestling and we were so into it that we made our own little wrestling federation, EKW (Extreme Kid Wrestling). Our ring was a couple of futon mattresses with chairs in the corners, we had a belt, and we pretty much just beat each other up after school for fun. The funny thing is, I don't remember us ever planning out matches, I think we just went along with it until someone actually tapped out or a finishing move was landed and was deemed worthy of a victory. I think it suffices to say that we got a hurt a few times, but it was a blast. Wrestling in the basement of the Cloyd house are some of my favorite memories from elementary school, and it just wouldn't have been the same without the passion that Evan brought with it, a passion for wrestling that's still with him today.
These days, Evan is one of the most intriguing people to follow. I last saw him at MSU on St. Patrick's Day when he was on the street doing some magic for people. He was always entertaining in high school but damn, he was doing things that were more impressive than stuff I've seen people who claimed to be professional magicians do. When I saw him we chatted for 10-15 minutes about life, I found out he was moving to California soon and that he was gonna be wrestling for a company out there, which is pretty dope. He's also been doing motivational speeches, helping kids realize their potential and whatnot, which is something that I, as a future educator, find to be incredibly admirable. Evan is a guy who figured out exactly what he wants in life, exactly who he is, and exactly how he plans to reach his goals, and for those reasons alone he is an inspiring person. I would wish him luck in the future, but honestly, he has the kind of work ethic that makes luck curl up into a ball and weep in inadequacy. I look forward to hearing about the big things he's doing for years to come.
Cheers,
-Andrew
