Gavin posted a perfect 27-0 record and was Pitt's first national champion since Pat Santoro won back-to-back championships in 1988 and 1989. A runner-up in the 2007 NCAA Championship, Gavin maintained his No. 1 preseason ranking in the 174 lbs. weight class throughout the year.
"We are obviously excited to keep Keith," said Stottlemyer. "He epitomizes what you're looking for in a division one athlete. He displays a great example of hard work, commitment and dedication, and that is why he was the only undefeated division one guy in the nation."
In addition to being a two-time All-America selection and a three-time NCAA qualifier, Gavin has found success on the international level. Most recently, he brought home the bronze medal in the 74 kilo (163 pound) division at the 2008 World University Wrestling Championships, held July 9-13 in Thessaloniki, Greece. He earned his seed at the World Championships by claiming the top spot at the University Freestyle Nationals, held in Akron, Ohio, April 10-13.
Gavin also took part in the USA Olympic Trials, held June 12-15, in Las Vegas, Nev. He posted a 2-2 record, picking up wins over Eric Luedke (0-1, 6-0, 3-1) and Casey Cunningham (1-0, 1-2, 2-0), while suffering setbacks to Travis Paulson (1-0, 5-3) and Tyrone Lewis (1-1, 1-0, 1-0).
Currently, Gavin is training in Colorado Springs, Col., helping to prepare members of the United States Olympic Team for the Beijing games.
The Panthers concluded the 2008 season with a 16th-place finish at Nationals, their best since the 1988-89 squad took 13th.
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