John Andrews
11/22/2004 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Nov. 22, 2004
A typical conversation with John Andrews starts off with a simple question; Where are you from? "Virginia," he answers. Why did you come here from Virginia? "To join the wrestling team," Andrews says. If the other person knows a lot about wrestling, Andrews will talk about the sport with enthusiasm. And if the person does not know much about wrestling, Andrews will explain some of the basics. People enjoy meeting with him and they enjoy talking to him, even if they are not Missouri's number one wrestling fan.
In his young career, Andrews is already an accomplished wrestler. In high school, Andrews was the No. 1 ranked wrestler in Virginia in the 171 pound weight class. He worked hard to attain the number one ranking in the state, and the respect he earned was worth the effort. Andrews currently wrestles at 157 pounds and says the high school weight class of 171 was used as a challenge. Andrews also played football and participated in track and field, but the other sports were just a mental break from wrestling.
Andrew's accomplishments go beyond the mat. In high school, he finished with a 3.5 grade-point average and he is excited about college. Balancing wrestling and school can be tough, but Andrews is adjusting. Practice is usually six days a week, but the sports he played in high school help him handle the busy days in college. While he is undecided on his major, he is looking forward to seeing what interests him in the classroom.
When making the choice of which college to attend, Andrews looked at the universities in Virginia, but believed the Tigers' wrestling program was moving in the right direction--toward the top. He contacted the coaches at Missouri, and they invited him to walk on.
Andrews believes if he can succeed at Missouri, he will realize his full potential. Also, the great wrestlers at the top of Mizzou's team help him considerably in practice and in adjusting to college life. Andrews is a freshman and from another state, so naturally he felt a little homesick during the first couple weeks of school. But, after the other wrestlers got to know him, and practiced with him, he gained their respect and friendship. The many friends he's gained is a great thing for his wrestling career and his adjustment to college life. Andrews realizes it's good to like your teammates, but he's delighted they've become such good friends.
Although his freshman season is just beginning, Andrews is already having fun in the practice room. He lists the best parts about being on the team as having great teammates, the opportunity to get better and the tough practices. He looks forward to improving his wrestling skills and impressing his coaches and teammates. Wrestling is important to him, but the education and friendships he gains will be important to him the rest of his life.
-Written by Dave Smith Missouri Media Relations Student Assistant
