A rivalry that will likely be revisited during the postseason was born Friday evening in the newly named Tony Iasiello Christmas City Tournament at Bethlehem Catholic High School.
Bethlehem Catholic’s Randy Cruz (No. 7 @ 132) earned a 1-0 decision over 2009 state champion Arty Walsh of Schuylkill Valley in the 132-pound final. Cruz rode out Walsh during the second period, then was granted an escape to start the final two minutes. Walsh, who won a PIAA Class 2A title while at Wyomissing, just missed a takedown in the waning seconds.
Cruz was one of seven Golden Hawks crowned champion as the host school ran away with the team title. The Hawks totaled 308 points compared with second-place Palmerton’s 125.5.
“I expected him to try some dumps and other big moves,” Cruz, a two-time state runner-up, said of Walsh. “He tied me up real nice … I couldn’t get any offense going. I’ll see him at regions and states but I’m glad I got to see him here now. I know what to work on. He’s a real tough opponent.”
“I definitely thought I had it,” Walsh said of the near-takedown, “but the ref didn’t give me the points. He’s tall and long, and he’s tough to score on. But I can definitely do it next time. I hope I see him again.”
Both wrestlers said they expect to remain at 132 pounds for the postseason.
Cruz will certainly be battle-tested once February and March roll around. Besides meeting Walsh at his home tournament, the Lehigh-bound senior competed against national-level competition at the Walsh Ironman and Beast of the East. He went 1-1 against perhaps the country’s top 132-pounder — Blair Academy’s Mark Grey.
“He (Walsh) put the pressure on me a little bit there at the end, but I’m used to it from wrestling in the Ironman and Beast,” Cruz said. “It’s all preparing me for states, and trying to win a state title.”
Bethlehem Catholic coach Jeff Karam said Cruz learned some things that will help him in the future.
“Walsh has been to the Promised Land and that’s something Randy is still trying to achieve. They both probably respected each other a little too much. Randy had a problem generating offense, so there are areas we need to focus on for the rest of the season,” Karam said.
Cruz’s younger brother, Darian, was among the Golden Hawks’ other gold medalists. Darian Cruz won at 113 pounds, Zane Heller at 126, Richie Cruz at 138, Ryan Todora at 152, Elliot Riddick at 170 and Jose Ortiz at 182. Riddick, whose Christmas City title is his fourth, took home the trophy for the most pins in the least amount of time with three falls in 4:26.
Aaron Morekin (145), Josh Alpha (195) and Benjamin Bunce (285) all placed second for Becahi.
For Complete Article by Michael Blouse, Special to The Morning Call
