Mount Airy’s Andrew Meadows Off to a 6–0 Start as His Pursuit of a Third State Title Continues

Mount Airy NC, Mount Airy senior Andrew Meadows has opened his final high-school season with a steady and confident 6–0 start, collecting back-to-back tournament titles at the Atkins Invitational and the Danny Linker Memorial. His early-season performances have reflected the poise and consistency of a wrestler entering his senior year with clear goals and a strong sense of purpose. For Meadows, this season is another chapter in a journey that began years ago. He still remembers entering the sport in seventh grade with a simple hope. “When I started wrestling in seventh grade, my goal was just to win state one time,” he said. “I really thought it wouldn’t happen until my senior year.

Work Ethic / Offseason Commitment

"Going for my third lights a fire under me. I want to make history and set an example for the guys who look up to me.” What started as a simple dream has evolved into a realistic pursuit of a third state championship. One of Meadows’ defining traits is his commitment to staying on the mat. He doesn’t take long breaks or ease into the offseason instead; he treats each year as a continuous cycle of improvement. “I think the biggest thing for me is just staying on the mat. Every year the day after the state tournament I’ve gone right back to practice. I just make sure I have good partners, even if I have to travel like 2 hours to get to them,” he said.

That consistency has shaped the wrestler he’s become and remains one of the biggest factors in his growth.

Early Season Results

His early-season results backed up the work he put in throughout the offseason. At the Atkins Invitational, Meadows earned the tournament title and was selected as the event’s Most Outstanding Wrestler, recognition of how well he handled the field. He carried that momentum into the Danny Linker Memorial, where he continued to compete with confidence and consistency on his way to another first-place finish. The back-to-back titles reflected a strong start to his senior year and showed he is wrestling with a clear sense of purpose as he moves deeper into the season.

Impact of Last Year’s Team Success

Last year’s team state championship continues to influence the mindset inside Mount Airy’s program. The title elevated expectations within the room and strengthened the standard for how the team operates. Meadows understands the impact of leadership and works to set an example for younger wrestlers who look to him for guidance and inspiration.

Goals Beyond the State Level

Beyond the pursuit of another individual state title, Meadows has his sights on challenging himself against tougher competition and making an impact on the national stage. “I want the competition. I want to take out big names. I want a national ranking. And I want a Virginia Beach national title even if nobody but me thinks I can do it,” he said. His goals reflect a desire to grow beyond the borders of North Carolina and test himself in bigger settings.

Recruitment and the Next Level

Recruiting is also a major part of this season. Meadows has already taken college visits and approaches the process with a clear idea of what matters most to him. “I want coaches who are really good at what they do coaches who will develop me so I can compete with the best guys in the nation. I don’t want to just be a good college wrestler. I want to be a national champion.” His focus is on long-term development and finding a program where he can continue to grow both athletically, academically and personally.

Upcoming Showcase/Conclusion

Now at 6–0, Meadows turns toward today’s pre-match showcase against Logan Mummy, which takes place before the Davidson vs. Purdue dual. The match gives him another opportunity to stay sharp and continue building toward the heart of the season. For a senior chasing a third state title, each step is part of a larger process.

As the year progresses, Meadows’ approach remains rooted in consistency and steady improvement. His pursuit of another championship is driven not by pressure but by preparation and belief in the work he has put in. Six matches into the season, the mission is well underway and today it continues.