Jarrod Garnett has taken the collegiate wrestling world by storm, posting a 33-4 record (including a perfect 15-0 dual match mark) in his first season with the Hokies. He took time to talk with theACC.com about getting in to the sport, choosing Virginia Tech and the success he has already enjoyed.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
Quick Facts
Favorite Movie: Anchorman
Favorite Pre-match Music: Get Back Remix by Ludacris
Favorite Pre-match Meal: Pasta
Favorite Place on Campus: Cassell Coliseum |
I used to play the clarinet.
What got you started in wrestling?
I played flag football in fifth, sixth and seventh grade. We had just lost in the playoffs and one of my buddies on the team asked me what I was doing during the winter season. He told me he wrestled for a team called the "Holy Angels", a middle school team and he told me I should come out for wrestling. I went to the first practice and loved it and I have stuck with it.
When did you realize you could wrestle in college?
Towards the end of my junior year (in high school) I realized that I was going to be able to turn that corner. Once I got to college, I realized it after my first open event.
Did you play any other sports in high school?
I played football. I was a running back. I played for two years. Unfortunately, I was only a member of the two (state) runner-up teams. They won (a state championship) after I had decided to just focus on wrestling.
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
The coaching staff. I knew Kevin Dresser was going to take the program in the right direction and thought it was a great fit for me. I knew it was a great campus and a great fan base that had a lot of support for the athletes.
How was it having a record crowd on Sunday?
It was great. Having that many fans there, all yelling and screaming whenever you got a takedown or back points. It is a completely different environment when you have 1,700 fans compared to 700. You can really feel the difference when you're out there.
What is your favorite thing to do in Blacksburg?
Over in Squires we have a recreation center where they have a bowling alley, pool hall and ping pong tables. That is where I like to go the most.
Have you gone down a weight class since high school? How has that been?
It was a little difficult. I started at about 140 and went down to 125. Once I got down to a comfortable weight - about 132 - it was just about discipline and making sure I'm putting the right stuff in my body and not overdoing after a competition.
What has been the biggest adjustment at college?
Balancing both school and wrestling. Sometimes you feel a little lazy when you get back from practice and don't feel like going to study hall and getting your work done. You really have to buckle down and work hard at wrestling and school.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Getting accepted to Virginia Tech is a big one. Also, my overall success in wrestling in the short time I've been participating. I didn't start until I was 12. I am just coming up on seven years.
What is your most memorable moment during your brief time at Tech?
My first open tournament (the NC State Open). I accomplished two things. I beat my first ranked opponent and I beat the guy that was No. 2 in the ACC (at the time) and I ended up winning it.
Who is your most influential role model?
Both of my parents are very influential on my career. Other than them, it would have to be Muhammad Ali. I use a lot of his quotes and watch a lot of his videos from when he was in his prime.
What is the best advice a coach has ever given you?
Coach Dresser told me to remain coachable.
You have the most wins by major decision, technical fall and fall. What makes you such a strong finisher?
It feels great. What motivates me is the position my team is in. If we are in a match that I have to get bonus points, then that feeds my drive. I want to make sure my job is done to put my team in the best position possible to win the match.
What are your goals for the rest of the season?
I want to win the ACC (championship). I have probably already qualified for the NCAA Tournament. I have nothing to lose, so I am going to give it everything I have and see what happens.
Are you excited the ACC Championship is in Blacksburg?
Oh yeah. That is going to be huge, having it on our home (mat) this year. There should be a lot of our fans.
Garnett and the Hokies return to action on Sunday when they host ACC foes NC State and Duke. Both matches are available on ACC Select.
|
