Bill Evans is a student of the game when it comes to wrestling, and the Richmond Hill coachs attention to detail has helped build one of the top programs in Georgia.

This season, the Wildcats had another impressive campaign. Richmond Hill finished second in the GHSA Class 6A State Dual Meet tournament losing to Pope 30-24 in the finals in a battle that came down to one match.

In the State Traditional Tournament, the Wildcats set a school record with three state champions in Jakeem Littles (195 pounds). Kamdyn Munro (152) and Rick Shores (132) among six place winners that included Joe Fusile, who was the runner-up in the heavyweight class; Tate Evans, Bills son who finished third at 182 pounds; and Nathan Furman, who took fifth at 126 pounds.

For the second year in a row, Evans is the Savannah Morning News Wrestling Coach of the Year.

What Ill remember most is that we had a great room this year. There was a lot of competition in our practices every day, said Evans, 46. We knew we had a team that was state championship caliber but there were some other great teams out there, too.

Evans has been coaching with the Wildcats for seven seasons, the last two as the programs head coach. He has learned a lot from Nick Purler, the highly-regarded coach who runs the Purler Wrestling Academy in Missouri. Evans knows the sport like the back of his hand and is always learning the latest techniques to pass along to his wrestlers, whom he considers to be family.

Jakeem Littles, the Richmond Hill star who became the first two-time state champion in school history when he won the 6A 195-pound title this season, is headed to Life University to continue his wrestling career in the fall. He said he wouldnt be where he is today without Evans.

Coach Evans has taught me everything I know, Littles said. Hes been supporting me since I started and taken me to all the camps to help me improve. He helped me develop my own style.

He knows how to motivate every wrestler on the team. Were all part of his family. He knows when to get tough, when to support us and hes always messing with us. Hes always there whether you need a laugh, or you need some help even if it doesnt have anything to do with wrestling.

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Wrestling coach of the year: Bill Evans, Richmond Hill - Savannah Morning News