March 21, 2007
TEMPE, Ariz. - Anthony Robles, a member of the Arizona State University wrestling team, was honored with a Gene Autry Courage Award at a ceremony held March 19 at the Wyndam Buttes Resort in Tempe. Named in honor of the legendary cowboy, sportsman, and owner of the Anaheim Angels, the Gene Autry Courage Awards are presented annually during baseball spring training.
Robles, born with one leg, has excelled on the wrestling mats, going undefeated in his final two years of high school competition, culminating with a national championship. The Mesa resident is the seventh Sun Devil earn the prestigious honor which are given to outstanding men and women in sports who have overcome disabilities and hardship. Other ASU recipients include Colin Curtis (2006, baseball), Emmanuel Franklin (2005, football), Justin Allen (2002, basketball), Michael Martin (1998, football), Alyssa Johnson (1997, softball) and Dr. Jim Brock (1995, baseball).
Prior to redshirting this past season, his first year with the Sun Devil program, Robles built a 129-15 career record at Mesa High School with identical 48-0 records as a junior and senior. A two-time Arizona state champion, Robles entered the 2006 Senior National Championships where he won the 112-pound division. His triumphs on the mats has garnered national attention, including a nomination for an ESPY Award and appearances on various shows, including Jimmy Kimmel Live and ESPN's Cold Pizza.
Joining Robles as 2007 honorees were Mark Fields and Bev Kearney while Joe Garagiola was presented with the Gene Autry Achievement Award. The awards are presented by Angels Care, a fund of the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation, and the Tempe Sports Authority to provide courageous role models to inspire young people nationwide. Proceeds from the event benefit Angels' Care and are used to fund scholarship programs for minority students at Arizona's three state universities, selected community colleges and local youth charities.