Drumeco Archer, President of the Bahamas Track & Field Federation was pleased to be in attendance at an assembly of Saint John’s College during which time,19-year-old Antoine Andrews signed a letter of intent to attend Texas Tech University.

President Archer in his remarks before introducing Andrews said that the occasion was very special not only for the school but also for the world of sports in The Bahamas. “This is a day we should all be very proud of.” This day was for a giant, and the giant for this day was a junior gold medalist in the 110m hurdles with a national record of 13.23 seconds. Andrews was named to the 2022 Carifta Team where he earned a bronze medal.

In fact, his coach had no idea as to his potential when he took him on as he did not know him as an athlete but he believes Andrews will continue to improve and excel in college.

During his introduction, to inspire the crowd, President Archer asked what is a giant? Archer responded, “A giant makes incredible steps. A giant makes himself known not only here at St. John’s but known throughout the world.” Archer continued to put Andrews further on a pedestal, and for good reason, stating “Antoine Andrews is a giant, an academic giant, a scholarly giant, and an athletic giant. He is a Jolly Green Giant. We hope he inspires the community to produce more giants like Antoine Andrews.” In addition, Archer made it known that the goal is to produce not only great athletes in The Bahamas, but also great citizens.

Andrews, a very talented, yet humble young man, took the stage and gave thanks to God, and his family for pushing him to be the best and standing beside him during the highs and lows of his journey. Andrews noted the special bond with his coach, who he appreciates for being there for him. As is appropriately stated, “a good coach can change the game. A great coach can change a life.”

While Andrews has had significant success, he has not been without rough times, admitting to bumps in the road both mentally and physically. This is where his faith in God, his positive mindset, his principles and morals come into play. Andrews sees his journey like a relay race, passing the baton onto the new chapter of living with a defined end goal. It’s very clear that Andrews is far matured beyond his years.

Leg one was his introduction to athletics in grade nine where he began as a long and triple jumper. Andrews drifted to hurdles, where he instantly gravitated towards. Later that year, he joined “Jumpers Inc” coached by Peter Pratt. Quoting Biblical scriptures throughout his speech showed the great faith Andrews has.

Leg two was Andrews athletic journey the following year in grade 10. Attending C.R Walker Senior High School, he became increasingly serious in improving on the track, beginning to realize his God given gift. Acquiring more ability and confidence, Andrews went into meets with the mindset of winning. During his senior year, Andrews won four golds and one silver. In 2019, Andrews participated in the Carifta trials however he fell just short of qualifying by a mere .06 seconds. Although understandably discouraged and considering quitting, he drew back to his faith, quoting, “if we didn’t have obstacles and never faced impossible situations, we wouldn’t see the greatness of God’s power.”

Leg three, Andrews hard work and dedication awarded him a full scholarship to attend Saint John’s College. New challenges arose when covid hit with virtual learning, lockdowns, and curfews, but Andrews stayed focused on his goal. With so many races cancelled, including the World Juniors U20, the Olympics and the Penn Relays, the focus was onward to the 2020-2021 season.

During this time, Andrews came to the forefront in junior track and field qualifying for national and a senior team and also training with Olympic athletes. Andrews traveled to the NACAC U18 and U23 games in Costa Rica, earning two gold medals. In addition, Andrews traveled to Nairobi, Kenya for his first World Athletics, World U20 Championships. While falling short and missing the semifinals, Andrews learnt from the discouragement and came back stronger, holding on to his faith.

Heading to the anchor leg, Andrews has eyes set on the Olympic games and why not? He’s one of the Bahamas’ Top Junior Athletes, a World Ranking Athlete in several events, the U20 World Junior Lead, and a Junior National Record holder for The Bahamas.

Andrews intends to major in Kinesiology at Texas Tech, his dream school after visiting this past summer. He knows he must work hard to achieve his goals, which include a NCAA title and Olympic medal. Reading a quote he wrote on his behalf, Andrews stated, “As I jump from Hurdle to Hurdle, I remember that life has its ups & downs but if I continue to work hard & persevere, there is a success and a Gold Medal at the end.”