SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Campbell’s Gabriel Hixenbaugh has been named the Southern Conference Wrestler of the Week for all competition from Jan. 11-17. The selection is made by the league office.
Hixenbaugh went 4-0 at 133 pounds last week as he went undefeated at the Virginia Duals in Hampton, Virginia, on Jan. 13-14. On the first day of competition, Hixenbaugh defeated Kent State wrestler Brendon Fenton via technical fall by a score of 18-3. The native of Alabaster, Alabama, followed that victory with a 2-0 shutout over 30th-ranked Wyatt Henson of Oklahoma.
On day two of competition, Hixenbaugh grabbed another technical fall and shutout win over Maryland wrestler Conner Quinn with a 15-0 victory. Hixenbaugh completed his weekend with a 5-2 decision against Derrick Cardinal from South Dakota State.
The Fighting Camels (8-7, 1-0 SoCon) defeated Kent State, 29-12, and fell to Oklahoma 22-9. Campbell topped No. 23 Maryland, 21-14, before falling to No. 19 South Dakota State 39-3.
Hixenbaugh earns the honor for the second time this season, previously winning on Nov. 16. The redshirt junior, who is 14-1 this season, is now ranked No. 27 in his weight class after beginning last week unranked.
Campbell hosts the Chippewa Challenge on Sunday, Jan. 22. The Fighting Camels will have duals against CSU Bakersfield, Central Michigan and American during the tournament.
Also nominated: Caleb Smith (App State), Zac Cowan (Bellarmine), John Chesser (The Citadel), Matthew Waddell (Chattanooga) and Tyler Mousaw (VMI)
2022-23 SoCon Wrestlers of the Week
Nov. 9 Sean Carter, Jr., 133, App State
Nov. 16 Gabriel Hixenbaugh, R-Jr., 133, Campbell
Nov. 23 Jon Jon Millner, R-Sr., 149, App State
Nov. 30 None
Dec. 7 RJ Mosley, R-Sr., 165, Gardner-Webb
Dec. 14 Rocky Jordan, Jr., 174, Chattanooga
Dec. 21 Will Miller, So., 174, App State
Dec. 28 Malcolm Wiley, So., 197, Presbyterian
Jan. 4 Brayden Palmer, So., 133, Chattanooga
Jan. 11 RJ Mosley, R-Sr., 165, Gardner-Webb
Jan. 18 Gabriel Hixenbaugh, R-Jr., 133, Campbell