The past three seasons, Mercer Island senior grappler Jonah Andrews didn’t get as far as he wanted to in postseason action.

Andrews, who has advanced to the regional tournament every season of his high school career, is determined to experience the goal every wrestler who laces up their wrestling shoes on the mat aspires for during the 2017-18 season. The senior team captain aims to compete in the Mat Classic Class 3A state wrestling tournament in February 2018 at the Tacoma Dome.

“Participating in state (tourney) is what I really want to do,” Andrews said. “I was hoping to make it to state last year. I put in a lot of work but I fell short. I really hope this year I can do it.”

Andrews put in the extra work in the offseason to hone his skill set on the mat. Andrews practiced with the Bear Claw wrestling Club and the Eastside Wrestling Club. He believes competing against some of the best grapplers in Washington will make a difference in his performance on the mat this coming season.

“I think that I have just improved tremendously. It was a good experience,” Andrews said.

Mercer Island wrestling head coach Lee Jahncke has already noticed the improvements Andrews has made in early season practices and matches.

“I think that it has really helped his development, especially on his feet when he is wrestling in the neutral position,” Jahncke said. “He is getting a lot slicker and smoother working on his feet, which is good to see.”

Andrews competes in the formidable 160-pound weight division.

“I definitely think its one of the harder weight classes because you have mostly upperclassmen. There is a lot of good competition,” Andrews said.

Andrews relishes being one of the Islanders’ team captains. This is the second consecutive season he’s been a captain.

“It is great leading these guys. I’m really excited to see how we do this year,” he said.

Recently the Mercer Island Reporter had an opportunity to ask Andrews a few questions about his life away from the wrestling mat.

Mercer Island Reporter: What is your favorite restaurant on Mercer Island?

Jonah Andrews: I have to go with Qdoba. I go to Qdoba after every meet pretty much. I just love it. It fills me up.

MIR: What is your dream vacation spot?

JA: Hawaii. My best friend lives there and he knows all the good places to go to.

MIR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

JA: LaDainian Tomlinson (National Football League Hall of Fame running back). He is my favorite football player of all time. I just love what he is about. He is a great guy.

MIR: What is the last movie you saw in the theater?

JA: I think it was “Get Out.” It was pretty good.

MIR: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

JA: I want to go to college and enroll in the ROTC program. Hopefully I come out as a special forces officer.

MIR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

JA: When I open the door for people and they don’t say thank you.