Steve Barrett was the 1972 and 1973 California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section champion for Miraleste High School.

He won the 1973 CIF state championship and went on to become the first CIF state champion to win an NCAA Division I championship, capturing the championship in 1977 at 142 pounds.

Oklahoma State's first four-time Big Eight Conference wrestling champion, Barrett was a three-time All-American finishing third at 142 pounds in 1976 and fifth at 134 pounds in 1975.

After earning his master's degree, Barrett joined Athletes In Action and has represented the organization as an athlete and administrator, including being the liaison for trips between Russia and the United States for many years.