Plank Jr. High Wrestler Earns All American Status, Undefeated at School

Plank Junior High wrestler Andrew Okayama finished his eighth grade career with a flourish.

Andrew remained undefeated for Plank Jr. High and took second place at the IKWF State tournament for his club team Force Wrestling.

He is currently a team member of IKWF Silver and Illinois Orange and Blue, two highly ranked national middle school dual teams.  IKWF Silver placed 7th nationally and Andrew's individual performance earned him the all American award. 

“A huge thank you to Coach Josh Edwards at Plank Jr.  High for taking Andrew from beginner level to conference champion, to state finalist in just 3 seasons with his outstanding coaching, mentoring and patience;  and to Coach Joe Arquilla and all of Force Wrestling for their perseverance, high level coaching and dedication to Andrew's success," said Jessie Okayma, Andrew's mom. "Both coaches have gone above and beyond for Andrew and it has really helped him grow.”

"Andrew has come a very long way from learning the sport in sixth grade," said Edwarsd. "He has put in endless work to make himself better and that work has paid off."  

Andrew also recently place third at the  Cliff Keen USA Wrestling Nationals in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He competed in a 22-man bracket with high ranking kids from all over the nation.

Congrats to Andrew for all his accomplishments. 

Special thanks to Coach Josh Edwards for the information and photos.