Takedown Report

Amateur Wrestling Reports

One leg, unmeasurable courage: An interview with Anthony Robles, subject of ‘Unstoppable’

In the history of NCAA athletics, there may not be a championship as unlikely, extraordinary and inspiring as Anthony Robles’ 2011 individual wrestling national championship at the 125-pound weight class — accomplishing the already remarkable feat with only one leg. 
Robles’ story is captured in the new film “Unstoppable” that plays in the Isis Theatre as part of Aspen Filmfest on Friday at 5 p.m. The film stars Jennifer Lopez as Robles’ mother and Don Cheadle as his wrestling coach and was produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. 
The Aspen Daily News spoke to Robles from his home in Arizona about his life and about the new film. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Aspen Daily News: Let’s take it back to the beginning. Where did you grow up? 
Anthony Robles: I was born in California, but I grew up in Mesa Arizona. We moved out here when I was 14 years-old and that’s when I got introduced to wrestling. I’ve been in Arizona ever since. 
ADN: You eschewed the prosthetic leg when you were very young, like 3 years old. What do you recall about growing up and dealing with your situation? I don’t want to call it a disability because you have never treated it like one. 
Robles: I refer to it as my challenge. That’s what my mom always called it. We tried off-and-on with the prosthetic leg. But for me, I just remember wanting to be like everybody else, to get around as quick as I could, run around with all the other little kids and I felt like the prosthetic leg just weighed me down. I couldn’t keep up with everybody else and I felt like using the crutches was my perfect outlet. They were more comfortable to me. It was more my style. And so my mom was like, “It’s your decision,” and when she gave me that choice I ditched the prosthetic leg and I never looked back on it. 
ADN: Kids are mean. Did you get teased at all? 
Robles: There were instances where kids teased me or said things, especially kids who didn’t have the experience of being around someone different, someone who’s missing a leg. … more at … https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/one-leg-unmeasurable-courage-an-interview-with-anthony-robles-subject-of-unstoppable/article_84e94502-7593-11ef-a5a4-8711ff2aa08e.html

October 5, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

UNC-Pembroke Wrestling Announces Schedule For 60th Season

PEMBROKE – Eight home dates, including hosting the NCAA Super Region 2 tournament, as well as road trips to Pennsylvania and Indiana, highlight the 2024-25 UNC Pembroke wrestling schedule that was released Tuesday by head coach Othello “O.T.” Johnson.  “I’m super grateful for the chance to compete and lead our program in its 60th year,” said head coach OT Johnson. “We have a great group of guys returning, as well as a solid crop of new wrestlers we brought in, to go along with a good group of seniors who have been and will continue to provide leadership.”
Fans can get an early look at the team on Tuesday, October 22 at 6 p.m. when the Braves hit the mat for their annual Black & Gold intra-squad event. Admission to that event, as well as all home dual meets, is free. All home dual meets are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
The Braves will officially kick off the new season on November 3 when they host the 43rd Annual Pembroke Classic. Wrestling action is slated to begin at 9 a.m. Admission to the Pembroke Classic is $10 for the day. Students with a valid student ID are free.
The Black & Gold will be in action for their first home dual meet on November 6, as they host Montevallo for Pep Rally & Schools Night, before hosting King on November 13 for Military Appreciation Night.
The Braves will hit the road in mid-December for Indianapolis, Ind. for the 45th Annual Midwest Classic. The two-day event will take place December 14 and 15 at Nicoson Hall.  “Excited to get back to this event. A tournament we’ve been to every year for the duration of our staff’s time here, and one that gives us a unique perspective as we will be going back for Nationals as part of the D2 Winter Sports Festival, so hopefully will get to cheer on our swimming and indoor track & field Braves.” said Johnson. 
The Black & Gold will return home January 2, as they host Limestone for WWE Night. The Braves will then trek north to Johnstown, Pa. for the Mountain Cat Duals on January 4.  “Obviously, we have a lot of guys on our roster from the western Pennsylvania area, so we’re excited to give them a chance to wrestle in front of their family and friends at a super-competitive event,” said Johnson.
UNCP will host Newberry on January 21 for Braves Unity Challenge Night, and then close out the home dual meet portion on January 24, as they host Mount Olive for Senior Night and Alumni Weekend, with Alumni Weekend continuing on January 25, as the Black & Gold hosts the BraveTough Open. 
The region’s best wrestlers will then flock to Pembroke as the Braves host the NCAA Super Region 2 Tournament … more at … https://uncpbraves.com/news/2024/10/1/wrestling-announces-schedule-for-60th-season.aspx

October 5, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment