Triple threat from
Andrew Goodman

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Andrew Goodman has one down, two to go.
The George Washington High School senior already was part of a championship title on the football field this fall, but he’s not quite done yet.
Goodman hopes to relish the sweet taste of victory on the basketball court, and follow that up on the baseball diamond this spring.
Sure, he has some high hopes.
But he also has the goods to back it up.
The 6-foot-1, 165-pound player trains year-round for his athletic endeavors. But his dedication and perseverance to excel at three sports leave little time for Goodman to do much else.
"I don’t have time for myself at all," he said. "It’s definitely tough, but I think it makes me the person I am. I can balance a lot with my time. Nothing really gets me rattled. I’m always ready."
And now Goodman is ready for another shot at the crown. The senior guard scored 136 points last year on the basketball court and already is making a strong start to surpass that this season, sinking 48 points in the first four games.
"I like to really set the tone for our games," said Goodman. "I take it with passion. If the other team is doing well, I like getting the ball and controlling the tempo of the game."
The Eagles’ basketball team has qualified for post-season play in five of the last six seasons. Goodman has been part of that success for three years, and plans to continue the tradition of excellence.
"I really hope to make the playoffs this season," said Goodman. "We’re all working real hard. I think we definitely have a good-enough team to reach that goal. I know we can do it."
Goodman got his first glimpse of triumph last month, when the Eagles captured the Public League football title after an undefeated season in the Red Division.
"That was an unbelievable experience," said Goodman, a tight end who scored 40 points this season. "That’s what we came out to do, and it felt amazing to get there.
"It’s such a long process too — we started in August and didn’t stop until December," he continued. " We had a lot of returnees, and other guys that didn’t play too much last year came out strong. So I definitely felt we were going to win it all."
The four-year player got a chance to join the varsity squad as a junior, but he didn’t see too much time on the field. This year, however, he was up for the challenge.
Goodman, a captain of the football squad, led the Eagles in receiving yards this season, catching 23 passes for 585 yards.
"Football has always been my passion," he said. "It’s so much more glorious. It’s real big here (George Washington High School), and there’s no greater feeling than scoring a touchdown. I love it."
His good fortune on the football field didn’t give him much time to rest before tipping off the basketball season.
"We had a game that Saturday for football, and Monday was our first non-league game for basketball, so I had no break at all," said Goodman, referring to the football team’s participation in the state PIAA Class AAAA championship tournament. "It just doesn’t stop. It’s definitely an advantage, though. I’m already in shape. I’m used to the competition. I’m used to getting everyone hyped for the games."
For Goodman, enthusiasm has never been an issue. After all, he juggles three sports with the demands of his academic responsibilities.
"Right now, it’s to get me into the best place I can be in college," said Goodman, who is talking with Lafayette and Georgetown, among other schools. "I’m just trying to get to the next level."
Goodman’s grades should certainly help his college quest. The 4.0 student is ranked eighth among 390 students in his class at George Washington High School.
"I really like school," he said. "Classes are good. Plus, I live about five minutes away from here, so I’m definitely settled in."
He’d like to study business management in college, with the goal of opening his own business one day.
"I definitely want to stay involved with sports as well, so something sports-related would be perfect," said Goodman. "I got to stay involved in the game. I love sports." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com