Gabe Hixenbaugh, originally from Alabaster, Alabama, is celebrated for winning the NCAA Division II 133-pound Wrestling National Championship on March 16, 2024, representing the University of Montevallo. This victory marks him as the first National Champion in any sport for Montevallo in Division II, capping off the wrestling program's inaugural season. Hixenbaugh's final match victory was against the defending champion, Gavin Quiocho of Glenville State, with a final score of 4-1, concluding his historic season with a perfect 31-0 record and 14 wins over ranked opponents.
Prior to his time at Montevallo, Hixenbaugh had a distinguished wrestling career at Thompson High School and Campbell University. His achievements include five individual state championships, a 249-16 record in high school, and SoCon All-Freshman Team honors in 2021. As a graduate transfer, he joined Montevallo to help establish the new wrestling program while pursuing his master's degree. The Alabama Legislature commends and congratulates Hixenbaugh for his exceptional performance and dedicates the resolution to him, recognizing his dedication and serving as an inspiration to young athletes.