MONTEVALLO, Ala. – For the first time in school history, the University of Montevallo wrestling team will compete, on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Patriot Open in Williamsburg, Kentucky.
Saturday's matchup is the first of 18 scheduled competitions for UM's inaugural season.
"I can see the enthusiasm. They are ready for competition, I know I am," said Head Coach Daniel Ownbey. "We finally get to compete on Saturday. They finally get to see this hard work they've been putting in since the beginning of the year pay off. It'll give them more to work hard for, but this preseason has been incredible in my eyes."
The 2023-24 squad features 37 student-athletes from seven states, including 19 from Alabama. The inaugural class arrived on campus in August and hit the ground running ahead of the first season.
"The guys have looked really good so far," added Ownbey. "It's taken a little bit of adjusting. Some of the freshmen have realized that the college atmosphere and college practices are going to be a little bit harder than in high school. However, I am really pleased and proud of the progress they have made. From the preseason practices to the mat practices, we are having now, I can already see a jump in their level."
The Falcons have joined the Conference Carolinas as an associate member for wrestling and are one of 14 programs competing in the league this season. The conference is divided into two divisions, East and West. The Falcons are placed in the West Division with Emory and Henry, Bluefield State, Emmanuel, Lincoln Memorial, King, and the 2022-23 national runner-up, Lander.
UM was picked to finish 12
th in the Conference Carolinas Preseason Poll and three student-athletes, Gabe Hixenbaugh,
Noah Todd and
Carson Freeman, were named to the Wrestlers to Watchlist.
Included in the inaugural roster for Ownbey are five transfers, including Gabe Hixenbaugh, a Division-I transfer from Campbell University. Hixenbaugh, a native of Alabaster, Alabama is a multiple-time Alabama State Champion and went 17-1 last year at Campbell.
Montevallo's first dual of the season will take place on Nov. 8 at Newberry and will also mark the first conference matchup in program history.
On Nov. 15, the Falcons will host its first-ever home competition, a dual against Midway University at 7:30 p.m. in Trustmark Arena. Admission is free.
"Please come support. Wrestling fans in Alabama have been longing for this. We are finally giving it to you, and it is going to be a great product," said Ownbey. "We are going to give you a great atmosphere. With Thompson and McAdory High School wrestling right before us, you get two awesome duals. Our guys are excited to wrestle in front of a home crowd. We are hoping to pack the SAC and show everyone here in the campus and community how fun wrestling can be."
