Reaching a goal he had set for himself, former Gainesville High School athlete and scholar Damon Evans was named athletic director at the University of Georgia in 2003. He succeeded the legendary Vince Dooley, who recommended Evans for the position.

After receiving a master’s degree in education and sports management, Evans held positions with the Southeastern Conference and the University of Missouri.

Evans was a star athlete in football, basketball, and track at Gainesville High and played wide-receiver for the Georgia Bulldogs.

To learn more about Damon Evans and other athletes from the area, visit the Northeast Georgia History Center.