Hixenbaugh Named Wrestler of the Year by TheOpenMat.com
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, … more at … Montevallofalcons.com/Hixenabugh-named-wrestler-of-the-year-by-theopenmat
Joey Simcoe Named The Open Mat DII Wrestling Coach of the Year
Grand Valley State first-year head coach Joey Simcoe was named The Open Mat DII Wrestling Coach of the Year it was announced Friday. Simcoe played a major role with the resurgence in wrestling that GVSU made during if first year as a varsity program after a 32-year hiatus. Simcoe took over as the program’s head wrestling coach after spending the previous 11 seasons leading the Tiffin University wrestling program.
It was a groundbreaking season for GVSU. Josh Kenny secured the national title at 174 pounds and Wyatt Miller earned All-America honors with an eighth-place finish at 197 pounds to help the Lakers finish 13th at the 2024 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships.
Kenny, seeded No. 4, reached the national finals at 174 pounds with an overtime victory, a major decision and a technical fall in the semifinals. In the finals, Kenny pinned Central Oklahoma’s Anthony Des Vigne in the second period, becoming GVSU’s first national champion since 1988. He finished the season with a 32-5 record.
The unseeded Miller defeated multiple All-Americans to reach the podium at 197 pounds. He won his round of 12 match in overtime. … more at … GVSulakers.com/Joey-simcoe-named-the-open-mat-dii-wrestling-coach-of-the-year
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
Takedown Report 