Derry Area's three-time state champion and Penn State recruit Jimmy Gulibon won the prestigious Walsh Ironman last year with overtime wins, but he wasn't as fortunate this season.
Dean Heil of St. Edward, Ohio pinned Gulibon in 4:19 in the 126-pound finals of the Ironman. Gulibon, ranked No. 1 in the nation at 126, led 4-3 in the third period, but Heil countered a Gulibon shot and put him on his back following a scramble. Heil was voted the Outstanding Wrestler on the tournament.
Bethlehem Catholic's Randy Cruz, who lost to Gulibon, 6-5, in the state finals, won the 132-pound title, beating St. Edward's Edgar Bright, 5-2, in the finals. Reynolds' returning state runner-up Austin Matthews was pinned by Walsh Jesuit's Nate Skoneiecz in 4:42 of the 138-pound finals.
National power Blair Academy, N.J. won the team title by 12 points over St. Edward, 252.5-240.5.
Rizzo loses in finals
A week earlier, Cruz was beaten by Blair Academy's Mark Grey, 4-2, in the finals of the Beast of the East. Richland's two-time state champion John Rizzo reached the 220-pound finals, but he was beaten by Good Counsel's Kyle Snyder, 2-1.
Bethlehem Catholic's Darian Cruz, who finished third in Hershey last season, captured the 103-pound title with a 9-1 win over Pittsburgh Central Catholic's Vincenzo Joseph.
Blair Academy won the team title by 142.5 points over Wyoming Seminary.
