Oregon Institute of Technology Athletics

By Steve Matthies – OIT Athletics
 
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - If anyone ever was destined to become a Hustlin' Owl – meet Oregon Tech men's basketball senior Garret Albrecht.
 
The 6-foot-9 forward from Redmond's Ridgeview High School never really had knowledge of OIT. In his senior year, his cousin, former Hustlin' Owls Brandon Halter, called Albrecht.

"I was excited because I knew a little bit about the Klamath Falls area, came on a visit, really liked it," he said. "After I researched it, talked with my cousin, and knew there was a winning tradition and would provide a good education, everything I wanted definitely was all met."

There was the potential major in environmental science.

There was winning basketball, something Albrecht had not always experienced in his career.

There was hunting and fishing.

There were plenty of outdoor options for the biology minor.

"I wanted to keep a smaller-town feel, and I felt I could do well at this level," Albrecht, who will turn 24 this month said. "I wanted to go where I could play and enjoy the time I had doing it."

Visiting with new head coach Justin Parnell helped Albrecht make his decision.

"After talking to him, I trusted this would be the right place for me. After a redshirt year as a freshman, it was fun to watch, I loved his coaching style and I knew I would love my time here."

Among the first individuals to spend all four years of high school at Ridgeview, Albrecht has fulfilled much of what he wanted.

To date, he has a single-game high of 32 points, 17 rebounds (first), four assists, three steals, and two blocked shots (tied for second among current players).

With his major, Albrecht said he could see living in Klamath Falls after he receives his bachelor's degree.

"I never really thought about it, but would love to stay here," he said as he reflected on his time at Oregon Tech. "I would really like to get into something like fishing and wildlife, something along those lines."

He said he believes his major could lead in many directions.

"I could be an advocate of Klamath Falls and could tell people what I love about it," he said. "It has everything I, or someone else, could want.

"Among the highlights, I have had are the people I've met. I can look up in the stands and recognize people I have met. I like that we can have a personal relationship with the fans."

There are plenty of basketball highlights, too.

"I have had some great highlights every year, including a game against the University of Antelope Valley in the non-league part of the season, preseason team outings to Bend and to be able to "hang out with the guys."

Steve Matthies is the former sports editor of the Klamath Falls Herald and News. He has covered Oregon Tech athletics for more than 30 years.
 
GARRET ALBRECHT AT A GLANCE

• Favorite author – Gary Paulson.
• Favorite TV show – Yellowstone.
• Favorite movie – Saving Private Ryan.
• Favorite actor – John Wayne.
• Favorite place visited – the state of Oregon.
• Place would like to visit – Hawaii.
• Favorite food – backstrap of elk, or a nice steak.
• Parents – John (track and field athlete at Linfield College) and Tami basketball player at the University of Portland) Albrecht.
• Siblings – older sister Jesslyn, younger sister Jenna (who has signed to play basketball at Corban University).

 
 
 
 
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