Wrestling volunteer Charles Garrett, 56, dies from diabetes complications

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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
08/12/2002


Charles Garrett of Muskogee, Okla., 56, an active wrestling volunteer on the local, state and national levels, died on Friday, August 9 from complications of his diabetes.     Garrett was a USWOA pairing official as well as a media volunteer, assisting wrestling in any way that he could. He was one of the many volunteers who worked at the record-setting ASICS Junior/Cadet Nationals in Fargo, N.D., July 20-26.    "He always worked at every tournament in our state for as long as I can remember," said Archie Randall, USA Wrestling State Chairperson for Oklahoma. "He never missed a tournament, coming out each weekend. He also went to as many national events as he could. He worked closely with the high school team in Muskogee. He's done this forever. His love and passion has been the freestyle season. He was always there. He always did his best for us."    At national tournaments, Garrett always tracked the results of the Team Oklahoma athletes, and made sure to send the information to the newspapers in the state by FAX and phone. He would not finish his work for the day until he knew that the results had been reported to the newspapers.    "Charles has been our scorekeeper and statistician since the late '70's," said Brian Doerner, assistant wrestling coach at Muskogee High School. "He has helped us raise money for our team by selling ads to our program. He liked to go to Fargo. That was the highlight of his year. Charles was a true Oklahoma wrestling fan. He made wrestling his life as a volunteer."    "Charles was truly an unique individual," said Don Blasingame, nationally recognized wrestling announcer from Oklahoma. "His contributions and influence will be missed by those of us in wrestling."    There will be a graveside service for Charles Garrett at the Green Hill Cemetery in Muskogee, Okla. on Tuesday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m.