MARIETTA, Ga. – In the Life University Open, the University of Montevallo wrestling team found success, recording two top-five placers and one individual champion.
For the second time this season, redshirt junior Gabe Hixenbaugh earned an individual championship in the 133 open category. In addition to Hixenbaugh,
Noah Todd placed fifth for UM in the 285 bracket.
Hixenbaugh, the No. 8 wrestler at 133 in Division II earned five wins and improved his record to 12-0 overall. To begin the event, the Alabaster, Alabama native added his fourth tech fall win on the year 18-2 over Life's Frankie Font. In round three of the championship bracket, Hixenbaugh defeated DJ McNeal 15-0 for another tech fall. Against Collin Mullins, he added his third straight tech-fall win of the event, 15-0. In the semifinals, Hixenbaugh topped North Carolina's Jace Palmer 10-4 by decision to advance to the first-place match. In the championship bout, the 133-pounder topped the No. 8 ranked NAIA wrestler, Antonio Saldate, with a pin at 6:16, his third of the year.
Todd placed fifth for UM as he earned six total wins on the day. To open the day, Todd topped Southeastern's Caleb Hardeman by a decision 13-8. In the next round, Todd fell to No. 19 in NAIA, Gabe Craig, from Campbellsville. Todd bounced back from the loss with four consecutive victories, including a major decision win and a sudden victory. In the fifth-place match, Todd earned the win by forfeit.
Along with Hixenbaugh and Todd, freshmen
Jeffery Tubbs and
Carson Freeman each had a solid showing for UM on the day, winning two and three matches, respectively.
Tournament Information
WHAT: Life University Open
WHERE: Marietta, Ga.
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 18
Individual Highlights
- Hixenbuagh went 5-0 on the day and earned three tech-falls wins and one pin. He earned first-place in 133-open bracket.
- Noah Todd placed fifth in the 285 bracket and recorded six wins on the day.
- Jeffery Tubbs reached the quarterfinals of the 184 bracket and recorded his third major decision win of the season.
- Carson Freeman earned three wins in the 165 bracket and reached consolation round six. He defeated two Division-I wrestlers on the day, including a 17-2 tech fall over Florida A&M's Jarquez Knight. He totaled three wins with two tech-falls.
Team Highlights
- Montevallo earned two top-five placers and one champion in the event.
Up next, the Falcons travel to Limestone University for a dual on Friday, Dec. 1.
