Jadyn Wilgus is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Hamilton High School for AZPreps365.com

Arizona State University alum Anthony Robles, the 2011 NCAA wrestling champion who defied the odds by winning despite being born without a right leg, has begun a new chapter as the head wrestling coach at Hamilton.

After inspiring millions with his story and the release of the film "Unstoppable" in January, Robles is now focused on turning Hamilton’s wrestling program into a powerhouse. He approaches it with the same relentless mindset that made him a national champion.

"Unstoppable means always improving," Robles said. "As an athlete, it meant finding a way to win no matter what. Now, it means pushing forward as a coach, a father and a mentor."

Coaching, he said, is an extension of the mentorship he received along the way. Dr. Judy Robles, Anthony's mother, influenced his approach to coaching in many ways.

“I had to figure out when to back off and let Anthony be his own person,” Judy Robles said. “I wanted him to know I was there, but also that he could stand on his own.”

Robles’ transition from athlete to mentor is a new challenge for him, but he is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. His coaching philosophy echoes his own wrestling journey.

"I tell my team we’re chasing greatness," Robles said. "It’s not just about wins and losses—it’s about knowing you gave everything you had. That’s what truly makes you unstoppable."

"When I first started wrestling, I got my butt kicked," he said. "But I fell in love with the sport. I knew I had to push myself every single day, and that’s what I want to instill in my athletes now."

Robles’ journey has always been about pushing past limitations. When he won the 2011 NCAA championship, he didn’t see himself as disadvantaged—he saw himself as having a different path to success.

"There are going to be obstacles, there are going to be people who doubt you. But it’s about focusing on the voices that matter," Robles said. "Ignore the negative noise. Lean on the people who support you, and keep pushing forward."

Robles' ability to connect with his wrestlers goes beyond the mat. It's about mental toughness, self-belief, and learning to face challenges. He thinks about how his coach, Bobby Williams, played a crucial role in his development—not just as an athlete, but as a person.

"Coach Williams treated me like I was already a champion, even when I wasn’t winning yet," Robles said. "That belief made all the difference, and now I want to be that same mentor for my wrestlers."

Robles’ story came to life in the film "Unstoppable." He was deeply involved in the production, even serving as his own stunt double in the wrestling scenes.

"Every single wrestling scene in the movie—that’s me," he said. "I wanted it to be real, to show the work, the sweat, and the grind that went into it."

Despite the film’s success, Robles remains grounded, choosing to focus on his wrestlers rather than the spotlight. For him, coaching is about giving back and providing young athletes with the same opportunities he had.

At Hamilton, Robles said he is committed to developing champions both on and off the mat by preparing his athletes not just for competition, but for life beyond high school wrestling.

"I’ve been blessed with incredible opportunities, and now it’s my turn to give back," he said. "Wrestling is about more than just winning matches. It’s about building character, confidence, and the mindset to tackle any challenge life throws at you."

Hamilton athletic director Brett Palmer has already seen Robles’ impact.

"Anthony has changed the culture—getting the kids, the community, and the parents to buy in," Palmer said. "You can already see an immediate impact on the wrestling style and the results, and it’s building into the future."