Local wrestler caps perfect season with first NCAA title in Montevallo history

Gabe Hixenbaugh earned five state championships during his time at Thompson High School, setting up a collegiate career that began at Campbell University.

But for his final season of eligibility, he returned closer to home to join Montevallo for the school’s first ever wrestling season. And Hixenbaugh made it a season to remember.

• 31-0 record
• 4 pins, 10 tech falls, 7 major decisions
• All-Conference First Team by Conference Carolinas
• All-American
• 133-pound NCAA Division II Wrestling National Champion

Being crowned champion

Hixenbaugh wrapped up his perfect season with a 4-1 decision in the national championship match against defending champion Gavin Quiocho. He grabbed three points on a takedown in the first period before using defense the rest of the way to secure the title.

“I feel really good. I was waiting all year and a long time to prove something like this. It feels amazing to have these guys in my corner and the support i’ve had all year, it’s been unmatched.”

– Gabe Hixenbaugh said in an interview after the championship match

It is the first NCAA championship in Montevallo athletics history.

What’s next for the Falcons?

It took just one season for Montevallo to put itself on the radar of wrestling programs across the country. The Falcons had six duals wins this season and had two wrestlers place at the regional championships.

“Stepping stone this year, national champ this year, team trophy next year.”

~ Montevallo coach Daniel Ownbey said

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