Agatha Andrews
Akiak’s Agatha Andrews feels the weight of Alaska on her shoulders every time she walks on a wrestling mat.
It’s not a burden, but a blessing. She takes great pride in representing her home state every time she steps foot on a wrestling mat for the University of Jamestown.
That motivation has pushed the University of Jamestown star all the way to No. 1 in the nation as Andrews finds herself sitting atop the NAIA rankings in the 191-pound weight class.
“My success means a lot to me because not only do I hear that I make my parents Ronald and Dorothy Andrews and family proud but my village and the other places in Alaska with families and friends,” she said.
“Being thousands of miles away from home, all the support I receive nudges me to get through this tough sport.”
Andrews, of Mt. Edgecumbe High fame, defended her No. 1 ranking in style by winning the Grand View Open title in Des Moines, Iowa.
She pinned all three opponents, including No. 4-ranked Elisa Robinson of Baker University in 3 minutes, 19 seconds in the championship match.
Andrews, a junior, is a two-time WCWA All-American who last year advanced all the way to the national finals in her weight class. Her second-place finish tied her for the highest finish in Jamestown women’s wrestling history.
“I’m still in shock with how much I’ve accomplished in my collegiate wrestling career,” she said.
Andrews strives for excellence on the mat and in the classroom to remind younger Alaskans what is possible.
“I strive to be a role model they need.
Andrews sits atop her weight class in the national rankings with 85 points – 15 more than the No. 2 wrestler. That margin is tied for the largest lead among the 10 weight classes.
Joycelyn Katcheak
Krystal Fabricante
Andrews is one of three Alaska women ranked nationally in the NAIA, the only one in the top 8.
Jamestown sophomore Joycelyn Katcheak of Stebbins is ranked No. 9 at 155.
Eastern Oregon University junior Krystal Fabricante of Kodiak is ranked No. 19 at 136.