One-legged wrestler loses in NCAA semis

ST. LOUIS – Arizona State sophomore Anthony Robles has lost in the semifinals of the NCAA wrestling tournament.

Born with one leg, the No. 12 seed at 125 pounds made it to the semifinals of the NCAA wrestling tournament Friday before losing to unbeaten top seed Paul Donahoe of Edinboro. Donahoe (35-0) prevailed 5-2 in a mostly defensive match.

Robles (28-7) tied it at 1 with an escape 9 seconds into the final period before Donahoe used his strength to pull away in the final 1:29.

“He didn’t beat me because I was born with one leg,” Robles said. “He beat me because he was just the better wrestler tonight. It’s that simple.”

The Pac-10 champion still has his sights set on a third-place medal today against third seed Angel Escobedo of Indiana, last year’s champion.

“That would be a great accomplishment,” Robles said. “I’d be happy with that.”

Robles reached the NCAA tournament as a redshirt freshman last season, winning four of six matches, but did not place after losing to Escobedo in the second round.

He won 12 of 13 matches before the semifinal loss in this year’s tournament, upsetting fifth seed Charlie Falck of Iowa 8-3 in the second round and fourth seed Brandon Precin of Northwestern in the quarterfinals.

Locals compete

Ohio State won three of four semifinals, taking a big step toward its first championship.

Boise State, in 10th place, had two local wrestlers with local ties competing Friday, both in the consolation bracket.

Cory Fish, a University High graduate, lost his first match of the day and was eliminated.

Adam Hall, from Bonners Ferry, won his first two matches before suffering his second loss of the tournament to end his weekend.

Brian Owen (University HS) competed on Thursday, but he did not reach Friday’s competition.