LARAMIE, Wyo. (Oct. 23, 2022) – With a new season on the horizon, the Wyoming Cowboy Wrestling squad welcomes a new class of grapplers. Get to know the Cowboy Newcomers through this Q&A series.
Garrett Ricks joins the Cowboy roster after a very impressive run at Western Wyoming College where he was a two-time NJCAA all-American including winning the 2022 NJCAA National title at 125 pounds.
What tournament and/or dual are you most looking forward to this season?
I am looking forward to the dual with Oregon State. I had a close match last year with Brendon Kaylor and I want to get my revenge.
After competing at Western Wyoming, what does it mean to you to get to stay in state and compete for the Cowboys?
I love the state of Wyoming it honestly feels like home to me know, and being able to stay in Wyoming made it feel like I never left home.
What are you most looking forward to going into your first season at UW?
Being able to compete with the best guys in division 1 every weekend. I think this will help me improve and grow very quickly.
What's the best piece of advice you have been given during your wrestling career so far?
Hard work will always pay off eventually, so never give up on working hard.
Why did you decide to come to Wyoming?
I loved the opportunities that it provided me and the coaches and all the staff I met were all so amazing.
How has it been, getting to come to Wyoming with one of your teammates form Western Wyoming?
It has been really good to come with someone who understands all the changes and adjustments that have to be made. It is also someone who I trust a lot and who I know I can always rely on.
How did your third-place finish at the 2021 NJCAA tournament effect your outlook going into the 2022 tournament?
I went into the tournament with confidence knowing that I could/would do good and carried that confidence through the 2022 season and the 2022 tournament.
What were your emotions after winning the NJCAA Title?
I was so pumped up!! I had never won a tournament that big and I had worked so hard, it was so amazing to see all that hard work pay off.
How do you think that the NJCAA National Title run has prepared you to compete for Wyoming?
It gave me the confidence to know that I can compete with the best guys and that I am here to compete and win just as I always have.
