Reigning 97kg U.S. Open champion and Oklahoma native Austin Schafer has announced he is returning to the Sooner State after signing with the Oklahoma Regional Training Center in Norman.

“He’s one of us, he’s an Oklahoman, a native," OKRTC board member Chance Leonard. "It was important to bring him home.” 

Schafer added: “I will be moving to Norman and training under coach Eric Guerrero and the OKRTC. He and coach (Lou) Rosselli are building something truly special for the state of Oklahoma and I am beyond excited to be a part of it. I will finish out training for the WTT and Final X in Ithaca, then making the move."

The U.S. Open champion, originally from Edmond, also had an appreciative note about the New York RTC. 

“I can never begin to explain how grateful I am for all to Rob Koll, Corey Cooperman, and what everyone at Cornell has done for me and the opportunities they have given me," Schafer said. "But I’m coming home and proud to be representing the state of Oklahoma once again!”

—Oklahoma Regional Training Center press release