Anthony Robles’ Impressive College Wrestling Record and Decision to Attend Arizona State University

WARNING: This article contains spoilers for the film Unstoppable.

Overview of Unstoppable

The upcoming sports biopic Unstoppable, set to release in 2024, narrates the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles and his exceptional wrestling journey at Arizona State University (ASU). The film culminates with Robles’ triumphant victory as the 2011 NCAA wrestling champion, highlighting the personal and professional challenges he overcame. Directed by the acclaimed William Goldenberg, marking his debut in feature film direction, Unstoppable draws its narrative from Robles’ autobiographical work, Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion, published in 2012. The cast features Emmy-winning actor Jharrel Jerome alongside talents such as Jennifer Lopez, Michael Peña, Don Cheadle, and Bobby Cannavale.

Unstoppable has garnered favorable reviews, achieving a Rotten Tomatoes score of 74%. Produced by industry heavyweights including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Robles himself, the film offers a portray of his life that is enriched through his active participation. Notably, Robles remains distinguished as the only NCAA wrestler to win a national championship with a single leg, and he was also the first athlete to sign with Nike after retirement. Viewers can stream Unstoppable exclusively on Amazon Prime Video starting January 16, 2025.

Examining Anthony Robles’ Impressive Record at Arizona State University

Robles Achieves an Impressive 36-0 Record

Jharrel Jerome takes down a wrestling opponent in Unstoppable

Having excelled with a perfect 96-0 record during his final two years at Mesa High School in Arizona, Anthony Robles faced a pivotal decision at the collegiate level. Although he was offered a full scholarship to Drexel University in Philadelphia – an institution competing in the NCAA Division I Coastal Athletic Association – he opted to redshirt as a freshman at Arizona State. Commencing competition in the 2007-2008 season, Robles ended that year with a respectable record of 25-11.

The subsequent year saw him improve his performance, concluding the sophomore season with a 29-8 record. His accolades included being named an All-American, winning the Pac-10 Championship, and achieving a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championship in the 125-pound division (source: National Wrestling Hall of Fame). In the 2009-2010 season, Robles notched another All-American title with a record of 32-4. Though he triumphantly claimed the Pac-10 Championship, he finished seventh in the NCAA 125-pound class after a disappointing quarterfinals loss, contrasting starkly with his earlier success.

Interestingly, the film inaccurately depicts Robles losing to Matt McDonough of the University of Iowa during the 2010 National Championship, as McDonough actually faced freshman Andrew Long from Iowa State that year. Additionally, it is important to clarify that McDonough claimed the NCAA title in both 2010 and 2012, rather than securing consecutive titles.

Understanding Anthony Robles’ Championship Legacy

A Historic Champion for ASU

Anthony Robles looking determined in Unstoppable

Robles’ final eligibility year in 2010-2011 marked a crowning achievement in his wrestling career as he ascended to an impeccable 36-0 season, ultimately becoming the NCAA National Wrestling Champion. His tenure at ASU also included four Pac-10 Championship appearances and three consecutive wins in the 125-pound division. With a total of 122 career wins, Robles ranks eighth in ASU’s history and currently holds the record for the most bonus-point wins (31) and technical falls (24) in a single season. Robles’ accomplishments have established him among the pantheon of greats at Arizona State, alongside illustrious names like Dan St. John, Zahid Valencia, and Markus Mollica, who also boast multiple NCAA titles.

According to ESPN, Phil Knight, the founder and CEO of Nike, remarked that Robles’ championship journey in 2011 represented “the most incredible athletic achievement he had ever seen.”With two state championships from high school under his belt, along with the NCAA title, Robles became a celebrated figure both at the state and university levels. He concluded his collegiate career with a record of 122-23, closely mirroring his high school performance of 129-25. His achievements also earned him two ESPY Awards for Best Male Athlete with a Disability and the prestigious Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, alongside teammate Bubba Jenkins, who won a championship in the 157-pound class. Zahid Valencia most recently brought home the NCAA title for ASU in 2018 and 2019.

The Journey to Arizona State: Robles’ Holistic Decision

Transforming from a Walk-On to an Undefeated Champion at ASU

Facing a pivotal crossroads after failing to secure spots at his top three colleges – The University of Iowa, Oklahoma State University, and Columbia University – Anthony Robles made the strategic choice to join Arizona State. He opted against the Drexel University scholarship for the chance to earn a position on the ASU Sun Devil team. This decision, though ambitious for a two-time Arizona high school state champion, reflects the intense competition in NCAA Division I wrestling, an aspect highlighted in Unstoppable through the portrayal of his state champion teammates. Ultimately, choosing to wrestle locally at ASU allowed Robles to blend his educational and competitive aspirations, transforming from a hopeful walk-on into an undefeated national champion.

Sources: National Wrestling Hall of Fame, ESPN

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