What springs to mind when you think about a record-breaking weightlifter? You would probably imagine an absolutely ripped guy who lives in the gym 24/7, forever working out and shaking his protein bottle about.
Dave Andrews is quite the exception. Although he looks like a weightlifter at first glance, Andrews is the new coach of the boys’ soccer team.
Holding several world records in his age group, Andrews’ weightlifting achievements are indeed notable. Not only has he lifted his way to a 435-pound bench press world record, Andrews also holds the world record for the squat, deadlift, and bench press combined.
Not content with his past accomplishments, Andrews is currently seeking yet another weightlifting world record at the ripe age of 60.
Coach Andrews’ passion for weightlifting emerged in his freshman year of high school. He still remembers those early days “When I realized that I could easily out lift seniors as a freshman, I immediately discovered the joys of weightlifting,” Andrews said.
He continued to describe his passion for his sports “Weightlifting is a good way for me to relieve stress because it is what I love to do,” he commented.
So why then, begin such a decorated weightlifter, did he decide to start coaching soccer?
“I grew up playing soccer in Ojai at a time when Mr. Hall-Mounsey [the current CEO of OVS helped out the soccer team,” Andrews said. “Soccer was a sport that I loved and continue to love wholeheartedly, and that’s why I’m still coaching today.”
Inspired as a kid, Andrews has worked in the field since 1981, going on to coach a number of soccer teams consisting of boys, girls, and co-ed teams.
Based on his rich coaching experience, Andrews has good reason to be optimistic about the OVS soccer program. “The OVS soccer team consists of willing and passionate young men, and I anticipate a strong season alongside this talented group of youngsters,” Andrews said.
Andrews clearly loves soccer as much as he loves weightlifting. Recently, thanks to his coaching, OVS was able to secure an incredible 5-0 victory over Besant Hill in their first game of the season. Through hard work and determination, Andrews is looking forward to leading the team to even better results in the future.
“The OVS soccer team is obviously not perfect, but then again, not even professional teams are perfect,” Andrews said. “Our goal is just to keep striving for better things so we can have the most successful season yet.”