OUTLOOK: One of Missouri's most-used utility wrestlers, senior Joey Garrity has wrestled in four weight classes throughout his five-year career. Garrity is expected to compete at 174 pounds for the 2008-09 season.
"Over the years, Joey has competed in our lineup in several weight classes," Missouri Head Coach Brian Smith said. "He's our best utility wrestler. The problem is that Joey has always been surrounded by All-Americans who have just edged him out for the starting spot in our lineup. His season ended last year with knee surgery and he's been preparing this summer to work his way back into the practice room."
2007-08: Competing at 174 pounds, Garrity began his season Nov. 11 at the Central Missouri Open in Warrensburg, Mo., with an 8-6 win by decision over McKendree's Josh Bryant. Riding a four-match win streak, Garrity took second at the tournament, his highest tournament finish of the season. Garrity recorded his highest finish ever at the Missouri Open with a sixth-place showing on Nov. 18. Opening the tournament with an 18-5 win by major decision over Lindenwood's Matt Burns, Garrity followed with a 3-1 win over Illinois' Ben Friedl.
2006-07: Garrity took second at the Central Missouri State University (CMSU) Open Nov. 12 after falling to teammate Ben Askren in the championship round finals. Wrestling at 174 pounds, Garrity ended the season with eight wins, including a season opening win by fall over Tom Edwards (McKendree) in 5:33, two technical falls and an 11-2 major decision over Antione Love of Ohio. Garrity made his third career start in the Tiger lineup Jan. 13 at the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Cliff Keen Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Wrestling against eventual National Champion Jake Herbert, Garrity suffered a hard-fought loss. Garrity reemerged in Missouri's lineup Feb. 4 when the Tigers took on Oklahoma in Norman, but fell to 0-2 in dual competition.
2005-06: Wrestling in 42 matches, Garrity collected 21 victories and claimed the Missouri Valley Open title at 184 pounds, Feb. 4. A redshirt freshman, Garrity competed at 174, 184 and 197 pounds. Competing in 12 duals for the Tigers, Garrity had two extra-point wins, a 17-0 technical fall over Dan McGee of CMSU and an 8-1 major decision in his final bout of the year against Kane Smith of UNC-Greensboro. Wrestling at the Lindenwood Open, Oct. 29, Garrity opened the season with a 3-0 shutout of Brandon Wyms of McKendree College, finishing the day in third place. One month later, Garrity finished fourth at the CMSU Open.
2004-05: Garrity opened his redshirt season at 174 pounds by pinning Emmett Wilson of Lindenwood in 1:59. Garrity won five matches Nov. 21 in the Hearnes Center, finishing third at the Missouri Open. Wrestling a ranked opponent for the first time in his young career, Garrity lost by fall to E.K. Waldhaus of Oklahoma (No. 10) on Feb. 5. Garrity closed out the season by grappling his way to fourth-place finishes at the Roger Denker Open, Jan. 15 and the Missouri Valley Open, Jan. 29.
HIGH SCHOOL: Garrity was a member of the Orion wrestling team and was coached by Bob Milton. Wrestling at 171 pounds, the Charger finished fourth at the Illinois State Championships as a junior (2003) and helped his team to three state qualifications his freshman (2001) junior (2003) and senior years (2004). Garrity closed his high school campaign with a 116-26 record and was named the senior Athlete of the Year, as well as the wrestling and track Most Valuable Player.
PERSONAL: The son of Tim and Steph Garrity, Joey was born Aug. 14, 1985, and has two sisters, Ellen (17) and Katie (14). Garrity's father, Tim, was a member of the track team at Augustana College. A biology major, Garrity was born in Moline, Ill.
