NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
Robles, Jenkins, PSU capture titles in Philly
By Craig Sesker PHILADELPHIA – The next step in life for Anthony Robles is
a career as a motivational speaker. And oh what a story he has to tell. “Believe in your dreams,” Robles said, “and anything is possi-
ble.” Robles didn’t let being born without a right leg stand in the
way of pursuing his dreams. And teammate Bubba Jenkins did- n't let anything stand in his way either. The Arizona State seniors achieved their lifelong dreams by
earning dramatic finals victories on a memorable night at the NCAA Championships before a sellout crowd of 17,687 fans March 19 at the Wells Fargo Center. Robles downed returning champion Matt McDonough of Iowa
8-1 to win the title at 125 pounds before Jenkins cradled and pinned unbeaten freshman David Taylor of Penn State in the 157 finals. Jenkins was an NCAA runner-up for Penn State in 2008.
Robles, who placed fourth and seventh in this event the last
two years, received a standing ovation from the sellout crowd following his breakthrough win in the finals. He was named Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. “I have dreamed about this moment for so long, stepping up
on that stage, and wrestling in the finals,” Robles said. “I’ve been praying for that moment. I felt super confident out there. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to do this.” Second-ranked Penn State, which clinched the team title in Saturday’s first session, finished with 107.5 points. Penn State won its second national title, after also winning in 1953. The Nittany Lions crowned a champion in sophomore Quentin Wright at 184. “I’m really proud of these guys,” Penn State coach Cael Sanderson said. “It’s just a gutsy performance from some real tough kids and that’s what it takes. These guys, they’re young, but talented and aggressive. They created a lot of expectations for themselves. Then they had to deal with it. We’re the national champs and that’s something to be really happy about.” Top-ranked Cornell finished second with 93.5 points. Big Red sophomore Kyle Dake (149) won his second NCAA title. Cornell was second for the second straight season, matching its best- ever finish. “We obviously wanted to win it,” Cornell coach Rob Koll said.
“But you know, we had five All-Americans, a school first. It was the first time we ever beat Iowa. It was the most points we’ve ever scored in this tournament. I have to be thankful. We have a great group of kids.” Third-ranked Iowa, winners of this event the last three years, finished third with 86.5 points. The Hawkeyes lost eight starters off last year’s team and started the season ranked No. 11 nationally.
10 USA Wrestler
Arizona State’s Bubba Jenkins captures the NCAA 157- pound championship. John Sachs photo.
“We earned what we got,” Iowa coach Tom Brands said. “I
think we underachieved. That’s how much I believe in our guys. It stings, man, it stings to finish third.” Jenkins, a past Junior World champion in freestyle, trans-
ferred to Arizona State from Penn State this season and entered this tournament as the No. 4 seed at 157. He became ASU’s 10th NCAA champion. Jenkins trailed 1-0 in the second period when he locked the third-seeded Taylor, the Big Ten Wrestler of the Year, in a cradle and turned him to his back for the stunning fall. An excited
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