Lafayette, La. (KLFY) – Gerard Andrus wasn’t going down the right path, “drugs, gun violence, just the wrong people not showing you the right way.”

The right way was the direction that Northside High School Basketball Coach, Coach Clark, was trying to push Andrus.

Because of that, he was able to turn his life around.

“High school coach gave me a chance to try to better myself,” Andrus explained,  “giving me an opportunity, putting me in the right position, places.”

“He really stayed on him,” said Gerard’s mother Jeanne, “I commend him.”

 After high school, Andrus headed west for California to continue to better his life.

It was there, at Feather Rivers Community College, that he worked hard both in school and on the court, which led him to a pivotal moment. 

“I picked the best situation and that’s Prairie View A&M,” said Andrus, “to go there, play ball and understand that I’m about to really grow up and see life and my future’s bright.”

 Now, not only does Andrus want to inspire others who may be heading down the wrong path but he wants to thank those, like Coach Clark and his mentors, for everything they did to brighten his future.

“Looking out for me, showing me the ropes, understanding that I do have a purpose in this world and that I’m not just anybody and that I can be somebody.” 

Andrus will study Criminal Justice while he plays his last two years of collegiate basketball.