Mesa High wrestling coach Anthony Robles' has made a name for himself locally and nationally as a celebrated wrestler and motivational phenom.

He was a former state champion at Mesa, and NCAA champion at Arizona State and the subject of books and movies.

For the better part of a decade, he includes hosting and representing a wrestling tournament equal amongst those other accomplishments.

"It was named nine years ago after me and it's an amazing honor," Robles said late Saturday afternoon. "

"Now I'm trying to give back to this sport and trying to give back to (Mesa). We've had some tough competition here tonight, and we're just trying to grow this tournament to be one of the best in the state." 

Robles is in his second season as the Mesa wrestling coach, and it won't be shocking if the Jackrabbit wrestling program continues to flourish under Robles guidance.

Mesa captured the team title Saturday, finishing with 249 total points, which was 50 more than runner-up Williams Field (199). Rounding out the top 5 were ALA Gilbert North (178), Basha (147), and Marcos de Niza with 69.5 points.

Five Mesa wrestlers placed first, including Cameron Weeks (106), Brenden Weeks (126), Jacinto Gomez (138), Andrew Montero (150), Dante Parra (190).

Longtime Mesa wrestling coach David DiDomenico was on hand for the tournament as the public announcer. He spent three decades teaching and coaching in Mesa, and shared his pride for Robles, one of his many former wrestlers.

"(Anthony) is just an amazing human being and what better role to have for these kids as a coach and a person," DiDomenico said Saturday.

"He brings so more much more than wrestling and he's a great inispiration."

Robles was born without a right leg, but by junior high had gained tremendous upper body strength, and took up wrestling after watching relatives practice. He eventually won state titles his junior and senior year in the 125 pound weight class, going undefeated both seasons.

In 2011 Robles went 36-0 and won a national title in the same wieght class, and by then he was already recognized as one of the country's most inspiring individuals.Despite all the opportunities that came with his story, Robles never doubted where he wanted to end up long term.

Mesa wrestling coach Anthony Robles (right center) hands out medals and congratulates wrestlers at the conclusion of the wrestling tournament named in his honor.  Photo by Ben Stapley

"Getting back here to coach at Mesa is something I always wanted to do long term, so it's only my second year, and we have plenty of work to do, I couldn't be happier."

Individual Results

106-Cameron Weeks (Mesa)

113-Wyatt Perry (ALA Gilbert)

120-Isaac Rogers (Williams Field)

126-Brenden Weeks (Mesa)

132-Nelson Situ (Wiliams Field)

138-Jacinto Gomez (Mesa)

144-Weston Powell (ALA Gilbert) 

150-Andrew Montero (Mesa)

157-Christian Villafranca (Williams Field)

165-Jaxon White (ALA Gilbert)

175-Ridge Jobe (ALA Gilbert)

190-Dante Parra (Mesa)

215-Collin Campbell (Williams Field)

HWT-Roy Pouncil (ALA Gilbert)