Name: Frank Tristan
Graduation Year: 2003
Major: Business Education
Current Position: Head Football Coach Western New Mexico University
City and State: Silver City, NM
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
I am starting my 14th season of coaching football. I began my career in Springfield Public Schools as a Special Education teacher as well as coaching baseball and football. For the last seven years, I have been coaching college football at SAGU and now at WNMU.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
Two things come to mind that I remember the most. The times spent with friends and teammates on road trips or in the dorms. And, most importantly, the encounters I had with the Lord at the alter during spiritual emphasis and chapel services. Those defining moments have helped sustain me over the triumphs and trials over the last several years.
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
My baseball and football coaches really helped developed my passion for training young men to be good dads, husbands, and Christ followers. More is taught than caught; I caught my coaches being these type of men and it still makes a huge impact on my life.
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
Most of all, it gave me a firmer foundation to be able to defend my faith and know why I believe what I believe. As you work in the public school system, you have to know the reason behind what you do.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce? Know who you are in Christ. Your identity is not in work but in Christ. You will always reap what you sow. Pray like everything depends on God and work like everything depends on you.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
I would look for consistency and a genuine love for people. Without love for people, it is hard to do anything positive for the Lord.