Evergreen picks former Columbia River coach to take over football program

Christian Swain named head coach of Evergreen High School football program.

Christian Swain is the new leader of the Plainsmen

Christian Swain made no secret that he initially wanted to get back to Oregon to resume his high school football coaching career.

Then another opportunity presented itself. “We started talking about the Evergreen tradition, started talking about the kids there,” Swain said. “I thought with my background, my coaching journey, it was a great fit there.” On Tuesday morning, Swain got the OK to announce the news. He is the new head coach at Evergreen. “First of all, I’m honored and excited,” said Swain, who has been Columbia River’s coach the past three seasons. “Evergreen’s such an amazing program with tradition and history in Clark County.” Indeed, the Plainsmen won the 2004 state championship, the first big school from the county to win a state football title. The program has struggled in recent years, though. The Plainsmen have not had a winning season since 2008. “For right now, we want to focus on things we can control. Focus on our character, what we’re doing in the classroom, how we treat people in the community,” Swain said. “I can’t give you a timeline of when things will turn, from wins and losses. It’s been my experience if you do things the right way, things turn quickly. I like the trajectory of the program.” Swain resigned from Columbia River this past winter. He has worked in high schools for 17 years but never as a teacher. Now, he is working his way into the classroom. Initially, he thought he was going to go back to Oregon. Swain was instrumental in turning around the Roosevelt program prior to coaching at Columbia River. Instead, he will be doing his student teaching at Evergreen. “It will really make it a nice transition to be in the school,” Swain said. “A huge benefit.” It was Swain’s performance at Roosevelt that resonated with administrators at Evergreen. “I think his ability to relate to kids is a positive. He has done a great job at programs similar to Evergreen,” said Keenan Burris, Evergreen’s athletic director. “He’s a right fit for us. I think there will definitely be some positives as we move forward.” Swain takes over for Terry Hyde, who coached Evergreen for four seasons.