Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2023
- Class:
- 2008
Gavin is a major part of Pitt's rich wrestling heritage as one of just 12 men in program history to win an NCAA championship. Competing for the Panthers from 2003-08, he compiled a 120-37(.764) record. His victory total still ranks among the top 10 all-time at Pitt. Gavin went a combined 55-4 (.932) over his final two collegiate seasons, including a 33-0 mark as a senior when he claimed the NCAA 174-pound title. He was a two-time All-American, two-time Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) champion and two-time EWL Wrestler of the Year. Gavin received enshrinement into the EWL Hall of Fame in 2013. Gavin was a member of the U.S. national team for six years, placing third at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials before winning the U.S. National Championship in 2013 and 2014. Named Pitt's head wrestling coach in 2017, he has led the Panthers to three consecutive NCAA Top 25 finishes. Pitt placed 11th in 2021, the program's highest final ranking since 1970. This past season, he mentored Nino Bonaccorsi, who captured the NCAA's 197-pound title, becoming Pitt's first national champion wrestler since Gavin in 2008.
