PROCTORVILLE — Garrett Wireman will get to continue his career at a college that’s just getting started.

Wireman has wrestled the past four years at Fairland and came within two wins of the state tournament this past season. He signed a letter-of-intent to wrestle at Ohio Valley University in Vienna, W.Va., near Parkersburg.

The Fighting Scots just announced the addition of the wrestling program starting this fall and Wireman is happy to be part of the school’s initial season.

“I enjoy the friendliness and personal attention that comes from a small college,” said Wireman. “I also consider it an honor to be part of a new sport on the OVU campus in a town that is already so rich in wrestling.”

Wireman also ran cross country and is a member of the track team to help him stay in shape for wrestling.

“Cross country helped get me in shape. Track is for fun and to help stay in shape,” said Wireman.

The Dragons’ senior wrestled at 145 pounds but will be in the 149-pound class in college. He plans to get his weight up to 165 and then trim down to 149 “to get as strong as possible.”

Wireman almost didn’t finish his wrestling career. He shattered his ankle during his junior year and missed most of the season.

“It still hurts some now,” Wireman said of the ankle. “The first day back it was a little different. My legs were uneven and my confidence went down. I just got it out of my mind.”

Fairland coach Chuck Wentz said the ankle was a setback, but Wireman battled back to his old form and finished with a 133-30 career record.

“He would have been the winningest wrestler at Fairland if he hadn’t broke his ankle,” said Wentz.

“Everything he has is just from hard work. He’s a guy you want on your team. He works year-round. He’ll be a good wrestler at the college level because of his hard work.”

The new program at Ohio Valley will be coached by Pat Sole who was a member of the USA 1980 Olympic team that didn’t compete due to its boycott of the games that we held in the Soviet Union.

Wireman is glad to not only wrestle under Sole but at a Christian school.

“I would like to thank coach Sole for believing in me, coach Wentz for his encouragement and dedication, Robbie Archer for treating me like one of his, and Dr. Jeff Shook for saving my wrestling career,” said Wireman.

“Most of all I’d like to thank God for answering my prayers.”

Wireman has narrowed his major plans to psychology, physical therapy or computers.