CHAMPAIGN – Jonathan Rulo has etched his name in school history as a two-time state champion for Belleville East High School.
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Last season, Rulo captured the first state wrestling title winning the Class 3A 285-pound championship with a 7-2 decision over William Cole of Round Lake.
This year, Rulo left no doubt. He powered through the bracket in dominant fashion, pinning Ajani Williams at the 3:07 mark in the preliminaries before sticking Pierre Nelson in just 17 seconds in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, he rolled to a 10-0 major decision over Gavin Ericson.
“It feels great to be a two-time state champion. It feels great putting in all the work in the room,” Rulo said.
In the championship match, Rulo capped his historic career with a commanding 14-4 major decision over Joseph Favia of Marmion.
With the victory, Rulo becomes the first wrestler in Belleville East history to win two state titles.
Rulo will now turn his focus to football at the collegiate level, finishing his high school wrestling career on top as a two-time state champion.
