Six Repeat as State Champions Crowned in Class AA
The 2013 PIAA Class AA State Finals went as planned with six total wrestlers winning a State Championship for a their second or third time. Those wrestlers were 2x Darian Cruz (Bethlehem Catholic) at 120 lbs., 2x Ryan Diehl (Trinity) at 126 lbs., 2x Jason Nolf (Kittanning) at 132 lbs., 2x Zain Retherford (Benton Area) at 138 lbs., 3x Mikey Racciato (Pen Argyl Area) at 145 lbs., and 2x Ryan Solomon (Milton Area) at 195 lbs.
At 106 lbs. sophomore Devin Brown (Saegertown) cashed in on his first career season wrestling in Pennsylvania as he captured his first PIAA State Championship with an overtime victory over Bethlehem Catholic freshman Luke Karam. The two went into overtime tied (2-2) when Brown connected on a takedown straight to his back for the pin in (6:12).
At 113 lbs. freshman George Phillippi (Derry Area) was able to hold off senior Seth Carr (South Fayette) by score of (1-0) for his first career PIAA State Championship. It may not have been Jimmy Gulibon dominate but it sure was impressive for Phillippi who surprised many when he advanced to the finals after beating 2012 State runner-up Korbin Myers in the semi-finals.
At 120 lbs. senior Darian Cruz (Bethlehem Catholic) earned his second straight PIAA State Championship major decision over Bedford junior Ryan Easter (16-4). Cruz who won the 106 lbs. Championship is 2012 will continue his wrestling career at Lehigh University where his older brother Randy is a redshirt freshman.
In one of the most anticipated match of the finals Ryan Diehl (Trinity) came out strong against 2012 State runner-up Zeke Moisey (Bethlehem Catholic). After Moisey attempted a cement mixer Diehl was able to counter and put him on his back and pick up the fall in (0:46). It was Diehl’s second straight PIAA State Championship and fourth overall State Championship as he won two West Virginia State titles in West Virginia as a freshman and sophomore.
In the 132 lbs. finals Jason Nolf (Kittanning) made it three wins in a row against Nick Zanneta (Keystone Oaks) to capture his second PIAA Championship in three years.