Former Louisville wrestler Garett Lautzenheiser transferring to Ohio State from West Virginia

Former Louisville state champion wrestler Garett Lautzenheiser is on his way back to the Buckeye State. Lautzenheiser is set to transfer to Ohio State after starting as a true freshman last season for West Virginia.

"I enjoyed my time at West Virginia," Lautzenheiser said. "It was a great experience. I think as I went through the year I just realized that West Virginia was not the best fit for me. I felt like finding a fresh start was going to be what was best."

Lautzenheiser was 7-14 at 133 pounds last season and was 5-5 in tournament matches for the Mountaineers. West Virginia went 6-8 overall as a team and was 1-6 in the Big 12. Lautzenheiser was named to the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll last season.

Louisville Leopards Wrestling: Louisville wrestling team reflects on the challenges of a season unlike any other

"I learned a lot last year," Lautzenheiser said. "I had my losses but I think ultimately it is going to make me a better wrestler in the long run."

Lautzenheiser is returning to the state where he had so much success as a high school wrestler at Louisville. He had a career record of 134-11 and helped guide the Leopards to the OHSAA state duals team tournament championship in 2020. He won an individual state championship in 2019 and was the favorite in his weight class in 2020 before the coronavirus canceled the tournament. He holds Louisville records for the fastest pin (six seconds) and most tech falls in a season (15).

"I really liked the coaching staff at Ohio State when I visited with them," Lautzenheiser said. "I like the culture they have built. Everybody has a winning mindset and it is a really good team."

Having a chance to wrestle for the Buckeyes in an area of the state that practically bleeds Scarlet and Grey was also a nice add-on.

"It feels really good to have an opportunity to represent Ohio," Lautzenheiser said. "I always kind of looked up to Ohio State wrestlers as a kid so having a chance to be a part of that team is really cool."

Stark County Wrestling: Decade Rewind: 'I’m sure the perception has changed’ of Louisville wrestling

Moving a bit closer to Louisville doesn't hurt either. Ultimately, Lautzenheiser is happy to have his decision made and to return his focus to the mat.

"I'm just ready to go in and get to work at this point," Lautzenheiser said.

Reach Cliff at cliff.hickman@cantonrep.com

On Twitter: @chickmanREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Garett Lautzenheiser transfers from West Virginia to Ohio State