The night before a big game, which was attended by college recruiters, he intentionally injured himself (either by dislocating both of his shoulders or faking a knee injury as accounts vary) while doing a keg flip at a party. At the time, he had the interest of many elite universities but couldn't handle the pressure of other people's expectations. His many admirers at school included his fellow classmate Annie Edison who would later join him at Greendale and eventually become his roommate. A popular figure at Riverside, Troy was the star quarterback of the football team and also the prom king. Troy Barnes is a graduate from both Riverside High School and Greendale Community College.