Austin Schafer was announced as Little Rock’s volunteer assistant wrestling coach in August of 2022.

Schafer comes to Little Rock after several stints assisting high level programs at Princeton for one year, Cornell for two years, and St. Joseph High School in New Jersey for two years.

A native of Edmond, Oklahoma, he stayed in-state to compete at the collegiate level, representing Oklahoma State. In 2017, his final year with the program, he collected a Big 12 Championship and qualified for the NCAA Tournament. Schafer bumped up to heavyweight for his senior season and turned in an impressive campaign, going 22-3 overall with an unblemished 10-0 dual mark. He also finished third at the Big 12 Championships at 197 pounds during his wrestling career for the Cowboys.

Outside of collegiate wrestling, Schafer was a two-time US Open Champion, picking up his first title in 2018 and another in 2021.

The addition of Schafer will make three former Cowboys on the Little Rock staff with head coach Neil Erisman and assistant coach Albert White.