PARK CITY, Kan. –  For the first time in the NCAA Division II era, the Falcons are National Champions.
 
Gabe Hixenbaugh won the 133-pound NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championship, 4-1, over No. 3 and defending National Champion Gavin Quiocho of Glenville State, Saturday, at Hartman Arena.
 
The win makes Hixenbaugh the first-ever National Champion of any sport in Division II history at Montevallo, doing so in the first year of the wrestling program.
 
In the championship match, Hixenbaugh weathered the storm early before recording a three-point takedown toward the end of the first period.
 
Quiocho grabbed an escape point for the lone point of the second period as Hixenbaugh led 3-1 with two minutes to go.
 
In the final period, Hixenbaugh opened with an escape to go up 4-1. For the remaining 1:55, Hixenbaugh displayed exceptional defense while remaining aggressive, resulting in the 4-1 win and the national title.
 
Hixenbaugh's historic season comes to an end with a 31-0 record, 14 ranked wins, and the National Championship. Throughout 31 matches, Hixenbaugh was only taken down twice.
 
The path to the finals for Hixenbaugh saw a tech fall win in the first round, a major decision in the quarterfinals, a buzzer-beating decision win in the semis, and a win by decision in the final.

In addition to being the first National Champion in the history of the wrestling program and the entire athletic department, Hixenbaugh is also the first wrestling National Champion in the history of Conference Carolinas. 

CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION

WHERE: Park City, Kansas | Hartman Arena
WHAT: NCAA Division II National Championships Quarterfinals
BRACKET: 133-Championship Bracket

 
MATCH INFORMATION: Championship

WHO: No. 1 Gabe Hixenbaugh (31-0), Montevallo vs. No. 3 Gavin Quiocho, Glenville State (38-2)
RESULTS: Hixenbaugh 4 | Quiocho 1        
 
PREVIOUS MATCHES
 
First Round: No. 1 Gabe Hixenbaugh def. No. 14 James Anderson 20-5 (Tech Fall)
Quarterfinal: No. 1 Gabe Hixenbaugh def. No. 9 Theiron Diallo 11-1 (Major Decision)
Semifinal: No. 1 Gabe Hixenbaugh def. No. 5 Reece Barnhardt 9-7 (Decision)
Final: No. 1 Gabe Hixenbaugh def. No. 3 Gavin Quiocho 4-1 (Decision)