T.J. Garske is a two-sport athlete who participates in Golf and Lacrosse at Saint Joseph's. He was selected as a Golf team captain this fall and scooped up 37 ground balls with eight caused turnovers for the lacrosse team last spring. As if he wasn't busy enough, T.J. was recently added to the SJC Athletic Department Staff as a student office worker.

Golf Head Coach Jamie Smyth ’92:

T.J. has been a solid performer on our golf team for the past two seasons.  He has always conducted himself in a very professional manner on the golf course and is a great representation of Saint Joseph’s College.  This year he has been selected as one of the team’s two captains and he will provide great leadership for the younger players on the team.  T.J. has always worked very hard on his game and has improved each year he has been a member of the golf team.

Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach Mike Edgar:

T.J. is very well liked by all his teammates. He is always smiling and works hard every day to improve his skills. As a new player I continue to see his game skills develop. T.J. is a three-sport athlete (club hockey) and is able to maintain his classes, a job and all that is required in his sports as well.

Bio information

Full name:  Timothy John Garske 

Born when and where?  March 6, 1990 Tacoma, WA 

Year:  Junior 

Major:  Sports Management 

Hometown:  Federal Way, WA 

High School:  John F. Kennedy Catholic 

Sport(s) and position(s):  Golf, Hockey Center, Lacrosse LSM 


Favorites

Song:  Right now its Savior by Rise Against 

Professional Sports Team:  Boston Red Sox 

Athlete:  Ken Griffey Jr. 

Food:  Nanny's Sheppard’s pie and cream chip beef 

T.V. Show(s): Sports Center, Friday Night Lights; anything on ESPN or NESN. 

Movie(s): Happy Gilmore, Miracle, Tin Cup, Slap Shot, Sandlot, Major League, Caddy Shack, What happens in Vegas, and Friday Night Lights.

Book:  Harry Potter series 


FeatureQuestions

Why did you choose Saint Joseph's College?

It was always my dream to go to school in Maine and I was looking at a few other options in Maine as well as Saint Joseph's, and when I came out to visit schools there was no other school that compared. The small class sizes, beautiful campus, home-like atmosphere, opportunity to play varsity sports. You can’t beat that. I would also like to thank Coach Sanicola - I might not be here today if it wasn’t for him taking the time to introduce himself to me and my grandfather and speak to us about St. Joes. 

How did you end up at a college in Maine from Federal Way, Washington?

My grandfather grew up in Old Orchard Beach and graduated from Cheverus and Maine Maritime Academy. He lives in Washington now but we still have lots of family out here, I grew up coming to OOB every summer for vacation and sometimes staying out here for months at a time. I have always loved Maine and considered it my second home and when it came to choosing colleges it wasn't a difficult choice to come to Maine.

What is/was your favorite class at St. Joe's and why?

All of my Sports Management classes. Lisa Ahearn is a great teacher and I have learned a lot from her classes that will help me to be successful in the future. 

What was your first job?

Pro Golf Discount. It is golf store chain in the west coast. 

Who would you like to trade places for a day with and why?

Theo Epstein. I would love to be able to sit at his desk in Fenway Park and able to call the shots for the Red Sox. 

What is on your "Bucket List?"

Play a golf round at the old course at St. Andrews in Scotland. 

Talent you'd most like to have:

Tiger Woods’ golf ability. 

What do you drive?

I just got a 99 Jeep Wrangler. I love it, can’t wait to drive it in the winter 

Why did you choose your jersey #?

My dad wore number 4 in all the sports he played from little league until now in adult leagues. When I was little I wanted to wear number 4 like my dad and it has stuck with me ever since. My little sister and brother both wear number 4 as well. We call it the family number.

What is your most memorable moment as an athlete at SJC?

Scoring my first goals in hockey and lacrosse and making my first golf tournament. 

What are the challenges of playing multiple sports in college?

It is very challenging; it is difficult to please everyone at times and sometimes you can be put in situations where you have to choose one over the other. It is also hard to keep up with all of your classes when missing so much time for games, luckily the teachers at St. Joe's are all very supportive of our athletic teams and are always there to catch me up on anything that I missed. It is a privilege to be able to play multiple sports at Saint Joseph's and be able to represent my institution in competition.

Who has had the greatest impact on your life?

My mother, she raised me as a single parent sometimes working 2-3 jobs to make sure I had everything I needed. She always pushed me to do my best, never give up on my dreams, and to never let anyone tell me I’m not good enough. I love her and I wouldn’t be the man I am today if it wasn't for her. I love you mom! 

Can you tell us something about you that most people don't know?

A lot of friends from St. Joe's probably won't believe this but when I was younger and up until high school I used to be the shy kid that never really talked to anyone. Now my friends can’t get me to be quiet 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself working in either a college athletic department (hopefully at St. Joe's) or in the front office of a minor or major league sports team. Hopefully be a proud homeowner who is settled down and possibly married. 

If you could meet anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?

My great grandmother Esther Crowley-Taylor. She passed away when I was young and never really had the chance to get to know her too well. She lived in Old Orchard Beach most her life and from what I hear from everyone is she was a great person and I would love to have had a chance to get to know her. 

What is your ideal day away from athletics?

Going to the beach with friends and just relaxing. 

Do you plan on playing sports or coaching after you graduate?

Yes, I would love to coach at either the high school or collegiate level in hockey, golf, or baseball. And I hope that I will be able to keep playing the sports I love for as long as body lets me. 

What’s it like to work in the SJC Athletics Office?

It is great! Everyone in the office treats me like another staff member and is always there to help if I have a question. I have fun every day I come to work and look forward to the new tasks I receive. Once I graduate I would love to stay working with SJC athletics in some capacity.

What are your personal and team goals for this season?

For golf is to shoot a round in the 70's and make every tournament, team goal is to win GNAC's. For lacrosse, it’s to continue to improve my skills and become a better lacrosse player and for us to be successful in our first year in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference.