SAFFORD — Safford High School wrestling coach, Herman Andrews Jr., is in rare air. The air, in fact, is so rare that is he the only one breathing it. Andrews has the distinction of being the only Arizona High School wrestling coach to ever win 700 dual meets. He reached that milestone with wins over Salpointe Catholic, Canyon Del Oro and Show Low Wednesday at Safford High.
Andrews has been the head wrestling coach at Safford for 26 years and has averaged nearly 27 dual wins per season in his career. His teams have also won 8 team championships, including 6 in a row from 2006 through 2010.
Safford Athletic Director, Toni Corona, had this to say about this impressive occasion, “Yesterday marked a monumental and historical day for Herman and the entire Arizona wrestling community. What an amazing honor and feat — And he earned it on our home mat! It was an honor to be part of this special recognition. On behalf of SHS, our community, and the hundreds of student-athletes Herman has influenced over the past 26 years, I say, Thank you and Congratulations!”
Andrews credits all of those that have been a part of the Bulldog wrestling program for the program’s success.
“I would like to thank everyone that has come through our program,” said Andrews. “When you talk about a village we’ve had a village to help our young men succeed on and off the mat. The teachers that help and tutor our team in math and English. To the true Bulldog fans that follow our teams year in and year out. To the parents that put in the time with us to help make sure our teams are ready, be it snacks or drinks. To my friends that have helped me along this journey. Frank Gutierrez, Rick Finch, Tyrell Andrews, Trey Andrews and the best conditioning coach in the country my dad, BB Andrews.”
Morenci head coach, Casey Woodall, on what Andrews has meant to wrestling.
“Coach Andrews is synonymous with Safford Wrestling. He has set himself apart from the field, even before this accomplishment. He has consistently produced individual state champions, and everybody knows the Division 3 State team title usually runs through Safford. He has set the bar for the rural communities in Arizona Wrestling”
The Bulldogs will be back in action at the Peoria Invitational on January 7th.
