THEOPENMAT.COM RELEASE

MONTEVALLO, Ala. – 2024 133-LB National Champion, Gabe Hixenbaugh has been named the NCAA Division II Wrestler of the Year by TheOpenMat.com, Friday.

Hixenbaugh, who finished the season 31-0 as the 133-LB National Champion, was chosen as the top wrestler, regardless of weight class, in all of Division II by TheOpenMat.com.

Since winning the 133-LB bracket at the Midwest Classic in December, Hixenbaugh has been ranked No. 1 in the 133-LB rankings by TheOpenMat.com.

Hixenbaugh's historic season saw him become the first All-American in program history and the first National Champion in all of Division-II history at Montevallo – in the wrestling program's inaugural season.

With his 31-0 record he tallied a team-leading 72 takedowns, was 14-0 against ranked opponents, had seven major decision wins, 10 tech falls and four wins by pin. Throughout 31 matches he surrendered just two takedowns. Additionally, Hixenbaugh was the sixth most dominant wrestler in all of Division II.