The Greco-Roman style of wrestling varies slightly from what Andrus is accustomed to with MSU — collegiate wrestling — but MSU head coach Tom Minkel said the style is what Andrus is most comfortable with because of his athletic build.

“It is really a significant accomplishment for Steve,” Minkel said in a release from the athletics department. “Competing in the Olympics is the ultimate goal and ultimate prize. For Steve to have an opportunity at this young of an age is significant for him.

“It is the greatest wrestling event on the planet, and it only comes around every four years.”

Andrus finished his junior season with MSU as one of six Spartans who qualified for the NCAA championships and came out with an overall record of 24-16.

In the summer of 2010, Andrus won the FILA Junior Greco-Roman National Championships as well as the FILA Greco-Roman World Team Trials in Budapest, Hungary. Last summer, he also qualified for the 2011 Pan American Championships in Rionegro, Columbia, but he did not end up competing because of an injury.

“This experience is invaluable for him — to get a chance to actually compete in the trials (and) get a sense for what it is really like and what the level of competition is,” Minkel said. “I certainly think that down the road, he will be a legitimate Olympic hopeful.”