Garry Barton was Clarion University’s first NCAA Division I National Champion, winning at 134 pounds in 1972.

That same year he placed third at the NCAA Division II Championships before winning his title. He also won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference individual title at 134 pounds and also participated in the East-West All-Star Classic. Garry helped the team win the PSAC title in 1972, plus place sixth in team scoring at nationals.

He had a career record at Clarion of 46-25-l.

A 1972 Clarion graduate in elementary education, he earned a master’s degree in physical education from Rhode Island University in 1979. Barton was named Class AAA "Coach of the Year" in 1986 and inducted into the PSCA Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1987 and into the Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.