While Eli Gabrielson wrestled for St. Mary’s Ryken of St. Mary’s County during his freshman season last year, Kim Gabrielson was uplifted by her grandson’s accomplishments.
Kim enjoyed Eli’s winning a title in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference along with his runner-up finish in the Maryland Private Schools States as well as his fourth-place finish in the National Preps tournament all at 106 pounds.
“Maw Maw was my greatest supporter,” said Eli Gabrielson, who has transferred to South Carroll for his sophomore season. “She was always the first one to ask me to see my trophy when she wasn’t there once I got home from my tournaments.”
But for the first time in the lives of all of her family members, Kim Gabrielson won’t be matside for this, or any future wrestling seasons.a
Kim Gabrielson passed away on March 20, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. Kim was 71 years old.
Kim was in action for the final time at the Maryland Private Schools State tournament on the weekend of February 16-17 at Harford Community College in Bel Air, Maryland.
“Just over a month before she left us, Kim was matside to take photographs for Eli’s state finals match even through her battle. She was one tough, strong lady,” said Jill Gabrielson, 42, Kim’s daughter-in-law and Eli’s mother. “Kim was a force to be reckoned with in the Maryland Wrestling community. She knew everyone, and as we face the first season without her, hearing all the fond memories of her is a blessing for all of us.”
I called Kim Gabrielson “The Matriarch Of Maryland Wrestling.”
I knew and respected Kim for more than three decades and can assert that her devotion to and energy for the sport of wrestling will forever rival that of most, whether it be coach, wrestler or mother.
Kim became known for her tireless photographic prowess, whether shooting the Maryland public and private schools state tournaments, the National Preps and, beyond those, the NCAAs not to mention other collegiate, national and international events.
Kim’s extensive knowledge of wrestling came honestly: Her husband, Bruce, is a former Oregon State placewinner, Division II college wrestler and two-time AAU champ.
Furthermore, Kim’s eldest son, Jason, 45, was a state champion at Riverdale Baptist before winning a pair of MPSSAA crowns at Northern of Calvert County.
Another son, Kevin, 41, won two each in private school state and National Preps crowns at DeMatha.
Jason’s two sons, Eli, 16, and Clayton, 20, are also champion wrestlers who benefited from their grandmother’s love and infinite wisdom.
“She had been matside since I first started wrestling at five years old,” Jason Gabrielson said “Whether it was me, Kevin, or anyone else, she was there taking pictures. She was among the most unselfish people I’ve ever known.”
After graduating from the New York Institute of Photography with a certification and attending on a scholarship, Kim Gabrielson opened her own business, Mirror Image.
Kim was the team photographer for the Naval Academy’s ice hockey team as well as the
University of Maryland’s wrestling team.
“She taught me a lot about photography and the Maryland wrestling community. Her shoes are far too large to ever fill,” Jill Gabrielson said. “But I pray she is proud of our efforts to carry on her legacy. Her absence will be felt by many. I know she would want me to express to everyone that she loved each and every one of them and cherished all the memories.”
Kim was matside for the Terps on Thursday, October 26, 2024, where Clayton was a then- freshman competing in the Terrapins’ Red/White scrimmage.
A former wrestler at McDonogh of Baltimore and St. Mary’s Ryken, Clayton was a four-time state placewinner and National Preps All-American.
Kim continued to photograph the University of Maryland’s wrestling team until her death.
“It meant a lot to look up and see her taking pictures,” Clayton Gabrielson said. “My grandmother has always been there. She was a mainstay.”
Kim’s 14-year-old granddaughter, Kaylyn, will do her best to emulate her role model.
“When I’m matside capturing wrestling, I still feel a connection to MawMaw Cookie,” Kaylyn Gabrielson said. “I’ve discovered my love for taking photos. It fills a very small piece of my heart that was lost when she passed.”
Given Kim’s vast knowledge of wrestling, she was always in position to get the perfect shots in addition to embracing her loved ones like Eli post-competition.
“When she was there, she was always the first one to hug me and kiss me because of how I did. She was such a great grandma,” said Eli Gabrielson, who is ranked No. 1 at 120 pounds by Legacy Wrestling. “But she was a better friend, and she always had my back. God has greater plans for her. So, this year I’m going to win a state title for her and I’m going to win it with her spirit in my heart.”
All of the aforementioned qualities made her an invaluable asset to the sport and among the most knowledgeable and passionate people I have ever been blessed to know.
As a cancer survivor myself, Kim and I spoke privately numerous times. During one of final conversations, she remained strong and humble even as I expressed my admiration for her throughout her journey.
“Thank you so much, Lem,” Kim Gabrielson said. “It means so much that you think of me like that.”
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