LaSalle senior batting a thousand

LaSalle Institute in Troy senior Mark Evers, Jr. may have a legendary ancestor, but the college-bound teen is on his way to becoming a legend in his school community.

Mark is the great-great-grandnephew of Baseball Hall of Famer John Evers, best known for the famous double-play combination of "Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance" that put the 1906 Chicago Cubs in the World Series.

Aside from having a famous last name, Mark has some remarkable achievements as well. He has been a state winner in the Wendy's High School Heisman Award program; president of the senior class student senate; ranked third in his class; an award-winner for excellence in mathematics, foreign language, English, science, religion, fine and performing arts, and physical education; captain and quarterback of the varsity football team; a member of the All-Area Baseball Team and First Team All-State Baseball Team; All-Star Defense Back; Most Valuable Player in the New York State Mickey Mantle Tournament; and the 1995 Eastern New York State Connie Mack All-Star Shortstop.

His accomplishments don't stop there. He is also active in community service, including volunteering at St. Mary's soup kitchen in Troy and at the Cerebral Palsy Telethon. He is a religious education teacher at St. Michael's Church in Troy and a member of the board of directors of a baseball league for handicapped and mentally retarded children.

Of all of his accomplishments, Mark is the most pleased by the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. The award he said, "brings out what I believe in." The award program recognizes students for excellence in academics, athletics and community service.

"The only way to success is to mix everything and get a holistic perspective," Mark said.He credits his success to the La Salle Institute community: "I excelled because of LaSalle and the possibilities they gave me. LaSalle made a 110 percent difference in my life. I don't know what I'd be if I didn't go to LaSalle."

"The best thing I can say about LaSalle is you can do the best you have in your mind to do," he said. "There are no limits."

According to Mark, the students at the school are involved and the faculty is dedicated. "At 4 p.m., you'd think it was still a regular school day," he said. "Teachers stay after to help."

Mark has a taste for what it's like to be a teacher. On Sundays, he can be found at St. Michael's Church at 8 a.m., teaching a class of fourth graders religious education.

While he's still getting used to the fact that his students call him "Mr. Evers," the experience has been a positive one. "They ask amazing questions," he said.

The service projects performed by LaSalle students are an important aspect of school life, Mark said. The service opportunities have made an impact on him: "It's a treat to help people out."

The experiences have also helped develop his faith, which is important in his busy life. "My faith has given me the confidence to get involved and help," he said. "I try to do the best I can even if I'm not fit for the job."

The biggest challenge in his life is finding the time to fit all of his interests in. "Time management is an issue," he said. "I do my homework whenever I can based on when my practice is."

Sports have played a big role in his life, like that of his famous great-great-uncle. While he plays several sports, baseball is in his blood.

"My favorite sport is baseball," he said. "I plan to continue playing in college."

Mark even plays the same position that his great-great-uncle did. Of his famous ancestor, he said, "It's kind of neat to have the relationship, especially living in Troy with its heritage for sports."

Having a famous last name is not a problem for Mark. "It pushes me, but it's not pressure," he said. "It's kind of neat. Even when I'm out of this area, people ask if I'm related."

Mark's plans for the future include studying psychology in college; he hopes to become a clinical psychologist. To younger students, he offers these words of advice: "Get involved in as many things as you can when you're young. Don't close any doors early; you'll improve your success."

(01-30-97)

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