Drew Lawson, Bob Jones Travelin’ Man
MADISON- In what could be the most intense and dramatic 36 hours that anyone could experience, Drew Lawson of Bob Jones turned a weekend into a whirlwind by playing in two sporting events within 24 hours spanning across two states.
The escapade began at 6:45 a.m. when he awoke in preparation for a full day of school on Friday, Aug. 30, which included suiting up with his No. 58 jersey as starting center for the Patriot’s football team. The 6-foot-2, 260-pound junior graded an excellent 85 for his role on the offensive line in team’s home opener versus Muscle Shoals. The Patriots fell to the Class 6A No. 3 ranked Trojans 46-19.
Arriving at his home after the game at 11:15, Lawson showered, packed his clothing and wrestling gear and hopped into his family’s Kia mini-van for an overnight trip to Cummings, Ga., located among the Atlanta Metro area. He wasn’t alone on his most unusual travels as his parents, Jeremy and Kim Lawson, and his 13-year old brother, R.T, were along for what was a long, but rewarding trip.
“I laid down in the back seat of the van and caught as much sleep as possible before we arrived at our hotel at 4:30 a.m.,” said Lawson. “Once we checked into the hotel I tried to get another hour and a half of sleep before getting up at 6:00 so I could make the weigh-ins set to begin at 6:30.”
Lawson, heavyweight wrestler for the Bob Jones wrestling team, made his journey to participate in the elite Super 32 Challenge qualifier tournament.
Regarded as the most competitive pre-season amateur wrestling tournament in the U.S., the Super 32 Challenge is scheduled for Oct. 12-13 in Greensboro. N.C. Although he finished fourth at the Southeast Regional and qualified for the Challenge, Lawson indicated he may not attend the October event due to the fact the competition is both near the end of the regular season football schedule, including possible playoffs, and the start of the upcoming season of high school wrestling.
“I wanted to see how I match-up with other elite competition and taking fourth means I did very well,” said Lawson. “I had four matches, finished 2-2 and had contact with the wrestling program at MTSU.”
As a football player, Lawson is being touted as a possible Div. I prospect in the class of 2021. He’s been approached by both Vanderbilt and UAB.
The 24-hour time frame enveloped by the two sports was exhausting to say the least said Lawson, who had his first match at 9:00 a.m. His last match hit the mat at 5:00 p.m. He opened the action-packed day with a 3-1 loss, then won his next two matches by a 2-1 decision and a pin. In his final match Lawson was unfortunately pinned.
In between his action on the mats Lawson would lay on the floor in the arena lobby and his mother would use a massaging gun on him to help him relax. He also played games on his phone, ate, and drank a lot of water. After completing his day-long wrestling duties, Lawson said he and his family returned to their hotel, “and I basically ate two meals as I was starving. Then I went to bed for that long awaited night’s sleep. We came back home Sunday.”
“My father drove all night without any sleep, too, and my mother and brother were also very supportive,” added Lawson. “The best part of the weekend was spending time with my family in a most unique way. The worst part was that uncomfortable sleep I had in the back of the van.”
