What’s that old-saying about a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest? Yeah, they may want to re-think that one. Arizona State’s Anthony Robles took the Division I wrestling crown for his weight class Saturday night with a 7-1 decision over Matt McDonough of Iowa, capping a perfect 36-0 season. The caveat? Robles was born without a right leg, making any excuse you’ve ever had not to do anything look pretty weak in comparison. What was the toughest part for Robles? Oh, just some jitters before the title tilt. I guess “tough” has a different definition when you’ve lived the life of Anthony Robles.
“I had a lot of butterflies going out there.,” said Robles, who admitted he’s most likely done as a competitive wrestler but wants to remain involved in one facet or another. “This year I think that was the biggest difference in my wrestling, was my mental game. Going into every match I was real relaxed, real calm. But before that, before this match, it was nothing but butterflies. I felt like I was going throw up, I was so scared I almost started crying.
“But it’s just the atmosphere. It’s the true athletes that are able to just overcome that.”
If anyone knows anything about overcoming obstacles, it’s the young Mr. Robles, so it shouldn’t come as too much surprise that he was able to shake the butterflies before the biggest match of his life. Just advancing that far is an amazing accomplishment, and to come out as NCAA champ is an inspirational finish your best Disney movie would surely be envious of. And it’s real.
Congratulations, Anthony, you have certainly earned it.
***
Penn State wins NCAA wrestling title [Associated Press]
-
- lewp - Mar 20, 2011 at 8:56 PM
-
No wise comment here, congrats Anthony Robles !!
-
- bigplans12 - Mar 21, 2011 at 12:41 AM
-
Way to “hop to it” Robles.
-
- bigplans12 - Mar 21, 2011 at 12:46 AM
-
He had a leg-up on the competition.
-
- goforthanddie - Mar 21, 2011 at 7:42 PM
-
Congratulations. And how long til Vince McMahon tries to cash in on this?
