NOTE: The Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet will be held on October 7th at the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Six former greats will be enshrined as the Class of 2023 with three more being recognized for Outstanding Achievement and Service. Leading up to gala event the Jackson Parish Journal will run a special feature on each of the inductees and honorees. This Edition: Charles Andrews

Since it’s inception in 2008, close to one hundred athletes have been enshrined in the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame for their outstanding athletic achievements. The majority earned their place in the hallowed hall primarily due to their exploits in primarily one sport. There are a special few that excelled in more than one sport. 

Then there is Charles Andrews.

He excelled in them all. 

One would be hard pressed to find another in JHHS athletic lore who possesses the resume of the multi-talented Andrews, who from 1982 – 1985 led the Tigers to great heights in virtually every sport that Jonesboro-Hodge competed in. 

Former Houston Oiler and New Orleans Saints head coach Bum Phillips once said when referring to legendary NFL running back Earl Campbell  – “He may not be the best that ever played at the position, but it sure don’t take long to call the roll.”

The same is true for Andrews – only it can be related to his football, basketball, track and baseball talent. 

Andrews gave the first glimpse of his tremendous game changing ability as a sophomore football player when he returned an interception for a 76 yard touchdown which was the longest defensive score from scrimmage that season.

Then in 1983 Andrews did something that has still never been matched. In the district opening contest against Coushatta, Andrews returned an interception for a score, caught a touchdown and threw for another. His senior year, he was voted the Offensive MVP of district 3-2A. 

Football was just one of the sports Andrews excelled in though.

In basketball Andrews was also a dominating force. During his final two years of varsity experience JHHS won two district championships, including going undefeated in district play for the first time in nearly twenty years. Twice the Tigers reached the Class 2A quarterfinals and the 31-3 record compiled his senior season (1984-85) still ranks as second best single season winning percentage. 

Spring sports were also bailiwick’s of Andrews exceptional talent.

Possessing a cannon right arm, Andrews posted a 9-0 record and an incredible 0.60 ERA in district play and pitched JHHS to a district title his senior season while earning All-State designation. In track he set a school record in the triple jump during the 1985 season that still stands today. 

Were it not for a career ending and life threatening medical condition incurred while at NLU where was a scholarship football player that has him still wheelchair bound today there is no telling how far Andrews sports career would have taken him. 

There is one thing that is an absolute though. What he did while at JHHS has taken him into the hallowed ground of being inducted in the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame. 

For most that would be where the story ends.

Not in this case though. 

The courage and resilience Charles displays every day just to stay alive now resonates as strong as his desire was to be the best athlete he could be. His uncompromising “will to win” he displayed in athletics as a young man is reflected every day as he refuses to let his unfortunate circumstance dampen his spirit and zeal.

See below for a testament to Andrews as given by Jonesboro Mayor Dr. James “Spike” Harris.