Utah Utes all-time greatest football players: No. 44 Barney McGarry

The captain of the 1938 Utes team moved on to an NFL career before the war

Utah Athletics

Barney McGarry was a significant figure in the early days of Utah football, playing a key role in the program's development. McGarry was a member of Utah's football team in the early 20th century, during a period when the sport was still in its formative stages. He is perhaps best known for being part of Utah's 1938 team, which played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation of football at the university.

McGarry's contributions to the Utah football program came at a time when the sport was growing in popularity in the Western United States. During his tenure, the University of Utah was transitioning into a competitive football program, and McGarry's leadership on and off the field helped solidify the team's presence in the region. Although detailed records of individual player statistics from this era are sparse, McGarry's impact on the program is remembered through his involvement in key games and his representation of the university in this early period of Utah athletics.

The 1938 season, in particular, is notable for Utah's participation in the Mountain States Conference, one of the earliest college football conferences in the United States. McGarry's presence on the team contributed to Utah's growing reputation in the sport, setting the stage for future success. He was the captain of the 1938 Utah Utes football team that won the MSC championship and defeated New Mexico in the 1939 Sun Bowl

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McGarry's legacy at Utah is valuable to the importance of early pioneers in college football, individuals who helped shape the sport at a time when it was still developing its rules, style of play, and regional rivalries. His contributions to the University of Utah football program remain a part of the school's rich athletic history, symbolizing the determination and passion that have characterized Utah football for over a century.