Hixenbaugh blew through the first two opponents at the Midwest Classic, winning the first round in a 13-0 major decision and the second with an 18-2 tech fall. The third-round quarterfinal was where Hixenbaugh beat current No. 1 and defending national champ, Gavin Quiocho of Glenville State, in a 4-2 decision. The semifinal was another win by decision, 11-4, over the sixth-ranked wrestler in Division II in Elijah Lusk of Lander. The final was a win against the second-ranked wrestler, Quentrevion Campbell of Chadron State, by decision, 9-2.
Hixenbaugh garnered 23.5 points for Montevallo at the prestigious event. Currently ranked No. 7 by OpenMat and No. 10 by NWCA, Hixenbaugh was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the Midwest Classic. He is now 17-0 overall on the season.
2023-24 Conference Carolinas Men’s Wrestling Weekly Awards
Week 6 (Dec. 19, 2023)
Wrestler of the Week: Gabe Hixenbaugh, Montevallo