Drury's Andrews makes history by reaching regional

NORTH ADAMS -- In many ways, Drury junior Nik Andrews is just like most high school students. In his free time, Andrews likes to jam on the guitar, hang out with his friends and revel in a teenager's diet, scarfing down brownies and ice cream sundaes.

But in many ways, Andrews is not your typical teen. Besides being a honors student in the classroom, the 17-year-old is a star three-sport athlete for the Blue Devils. And while all of Berkshire County's athletics have already wrapped up their seasons, Andrews is still competing.

He will race in today's New England Track and Field Championships in Burlington, Vt., lacing up as the 13th seed in the 400 meter dash.

According to Drury Athletic Director John Franzoni, Andrew's appearance in New Englands is a first for the school.

"I've talked to veteran teachers in the school and no one can recall a Drury athlete going to the New England meet," Franzoni said.

Andrews owns the school record in the 400, running a 49.9 at the Western Massachusetts race on May 30. He's within a half-second of three other records (100, 200, 800) with one more year remaining in his prep career.

Last weekend, Andrews placed sixth at the state meet, in the 400 at Fitchburg State College. And to think, two years ago Andrews was precariously close to leaving the squad.

"I was on the verge of quitting track to play spring soccer," Andrews said. "But I stuck with it. Track is what you make of it. You can't rely on

While many students are prepping for rest and relaxation this summer, Andrews spends his afternoons on the Drury track.

On Tuesday, Andrews ran sprints with friend and teammate Sean Derby-Kilfoyle. Last week, former Drury track star and current Navy runner Alex Schueckler was in town to help Andrews with his training.

Andrews' family and the entire Drury community have rallied behind the speedster throughout his journey to New Englands, but it was Andrews' hard work and dedication that paved the road to Burlington.

"Nik is on a different level all on his own," Derby-Kilfoyle, a relay partner of Andrews, said. "He's the guy to beat on the track."

Along with Derby-Kilfoyle and Andrews' parents, Blue Devils boys' track coach Jim Buffoni will attend today's meet. Buffoni has done wonders for the Drury track squad, inheriting a program that once went 16 consecutive years without winning a meet, and he turned out a Western Mass. champion team last year.

Buffoni said that Andrews is one of the most talented athletes he's seen come through Drury, and his potential has room to peak.

"He's a junior and he's really sort of untapped," Buffoni said. "He's a big, strong kids who hasn't really explored the weight room. [College] coaches see that."

Franzoni and Buffoni said that several schools are already inquiring about Andrews, sending handwritten notes and pamphlets to the athletic office. Yale University is one of several Division I programs that are keeping tabs on Andrews, who still has a full year to raise his stock.

He also plays soccer and basketball for the Devils, and was named to the All-Transcript teams in both sports. As much time as he devotes to sports, Andrews said that school is his No. 1 priority.

"He's a role model for the younger kids," Franzoni said. "He's a great student, a great kid and a great leader. He's the type of kid that you want as the focal point on a team.

"He's a special kid and we're proud of his efforts. The sky is the limit for him going forward."

Take, for example, the 400 meter dash, a race that is over in less than a minute. It's a flat-out sprint that strains both the muscles and the mind.

"The 400 is a tough race," Andrews said. "I focus on cutting my time in the first 200 [meters], then the rest of it you're just running on pure adrenaline.

"You have to believe in what you're doing to be successful."

Before any race, Andrews likes to be on his own with no distractions. He said it's important to get into your own psyche because it'll allow a runner to stay focused during the race.

He said that today's race will be a much different experience because he'll be competing alongside the region's elite group of runners, but his preparation won't change. On the track, Andrews is aiming for a personal-best mark, and off of it, he looks forward to soaking in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"Just to say you're going to New Englands is unbelievable," Andrews said. "Whether my time is what I want it to be, just being there is going to be unreal. I'll be nervous, but a good nervous.

"It's going to be an awesome experience. Some of the runners I'm racing will go on to Division I school and will make it big someday."

Andrews will compete in the Bay State Games this summer, with qualifying races starting up next week. He won the 400 last July and is a favorite to win the gold again this summer.

"He's a huge influence on the younger kids and someone they all look up to," Buffoni said. "At first, the kids are in awe [of Andrews] because of all he has accomplished, but they soon realize that he's just like everyone else, except faster."