4/4/2017 3:16:00 PM
|
Wrestling
NCAA Champion Cruz, Lehigh wrestling program to be recognized by city of Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Tuesday, April 4, 2017 will be known as
Darian Cruz Day in the city of Bethlehem as Lehigh's recently-crowned national champion will be recognized Tuesday evening. Both Cruz and the entire Lehigh wrestling program will receive proclamations from the Mayor's office prior to Tuesday evening's City Council meeting.
Cruz won Lehigh's 28th individual NCAA wrestling championship and first since 2011 March 18 in St. Louis, going 5-0 as the No. 4 seed to claim the title at 125 pounds. He capped a 31-2 junior season by defeating previously unbeaten Thomas Gilman of Iowa in overtime in the NCAA semifinals and then avenged his most recent loss with a 6-3 decision over Minnesota's Ethan Lizak in a matchup of Lehigh Valley wrestlers in the national finals. Cruz won his final 21 bouts in 2016-17 and Cruz added EIWA Wrestler of the Year honors to his mantle following his national title.
An Allentown native and Bethlehem Catholic High School graduate, Cruz owns a 90-18 career record for Lehigh. He is now a two-time All-American and also won his second EIWA title last month. Cruz hopes to earn his undergraduate degree in English in May and take graduate classes in his final season of eligibility.
In addition to Cruz's national championship, Lehigh's program will also receive a proclamation from the city for its long, successful history. The most accomplished wrestling program among private institutions, Lehigh ranks sixth with 28 NCAA wrestling championships and eighth with 147 All-Americans. Lehigh has also been a dominant force in Eastern wrestling with a league-best 34 EIWA team titles and 209 individual conference championships.
Lehigh will be represented at Tuesday's City Council meeting by Cruz and head coach
Pat Santoro.