Andrews excelling on field, in classes MMA standout got start at John Bapst

Cody Andrews has spent numerous memorable summer days on the Maine coast, taking trips on the family speedboat out of Bucks Harbor.

Those experiences created in Andrews an affection for being on the water, so perhaps it is no surprise he chose to attend Maine Maritime Academy in Castine.

“Being in Maine, you really have to try hard to get away from the ocean sometimes,” said Andrews, a senior from Holden. “It’s pretty calm and tranquil. I thought coming down to Maine Maritime was a pretty good choice for me.”

MMA has been a great fit for Andrews. He has enjoyed the scenic location while excelling in the challenging academic offerings and the school’s competitive Division III football program.

This season, the former three-sport athlete from John Bapst High School in Bangor is serving as a captain for coach Chris McKenney’s Mariners, who open their season Saturday in Portland against the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Andrews, a 6-foot-4, 240-pounder, is a two-time All-New England Football Conference pick at defensive end.

“He’s a good pass rusher and he plays the run real well,” McKenney said. “He plays intense.”

Andrews has come a long way since his days as a two-way tackle at John Bapst for coach Dan O’Connell, whom he credits with convincing him to play college ball.

Andrews also is more than three inches taller and 50 pounds heavier now, thanks to a late growth spurt and some serious work in the weight room.

“I didn’t really lift that much in high school. I really bought into the whole program down here. Chris McKenney, he works miracles down here,” Andrews said with a laugh.

Last fall, Andrews registered 52 tackles (6.5 per game), including 6.5 quarterback sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss (of yardage) on his way to All-NEFC Bogan Division second-team honors.

He said he has benefited from his experience as a wrestler under coach Frank Heaney at John Bapst. The same hand fighting skills taught in wrestling help defensive players shed would-be blockers in the trenches.

“It really gave me a lot more balance and toughness,” Andrews said. “How you win football games is winning one-on-one matchups.”

Andrews is serving this fall as one of the Mariners’ senior captains. Fulfilling that role has made him even more determined to set the proper tone for the younger players.

It is a responsibility he finds both challenging and gratifying.

“I was a little nervous coming into preseason,” Andrews admitted. “It really has helped me a lot, motivating me and knowing that I’ve got to set an example for everybody.”

Andrews said a key responsibility of being a captain is serving as an intermediary between the players and coaches while making sure everyone is committed to the team’s success.

McKenney said it is Andrews’ ability to balance schoolwork, football and his participation in the MMA’s Regiment of Midshipmen that make his accomplishments so impressive.

Andrews is studying marine systems engineering, which is a five-year undergraduate program. He also does regimental training and, late in the day, heads off to the football field.

“He’s in a tough major and he does real well,” McKenney said. “He’s in the regiment, and he practices hard. He’s a great representative for us as a football player and student.”

“You really have to use a lot of time management,” Andrews said. “It becomes like a routine after a while. I’m definitely glad that I’m in the regiment. It’s a really nice learning experience.”

Despite a grueling regimen, Andrews enjoys the challenge. This summer, he traveled with his peers on the ship the State of Maine during its extensive trip that included Bermuda and the Canary Islands.

He said it was a challenge living on a 200-foot ship with 500 other midshipmen, but he learned a great deal about operating machinery on the ship.

With the season set to begin, Andrews is doing everything he can to make sure MMA emerges as a title contender in the always-tough NEFC.

“I’m trying to help our team win a championship,” he said. “I think we’ve got our mind set on the prize.”

Once his football career is over and he completes his MMA education, Andrews will contemplate graduate school. Regardless, he knows he’ll have smooth sailing in his chosen field.