Former state and national collegiate wrestling champion Anthony Robles confirmed will be taking over the Hamilton program. Robles coached the last two seasons at Mesa High, where he also starred as a two-time state champion in the 125 pound class, despite only having one leg. He became a national icon after winning a national championship in 2011 at Arizon State University.
Anthony Robles is a Mesa alumnus who became a national wrestling icon. Photo by Ben Stapley

Robles became an inspirational force, winning an ESPY in 2011, and sharing his story as a highly sought after motivational speaker. Last Friday afternoon, Mesa announced that Robles would be stepping away. 

"This is a tough one," Mesa athletic director said over the weekend. "He's been an inspration throughout his life, and especially to the Mesa High community."
 

Track and Field

Several Arizona athletes continue to dominate on the national stage, this time at the Arcadia invitational in Southern California over the weekend. Hamilton's Kori Martin won the 100 meter hurdles with a recorded time of 13.67, just weeks after breaking the all-time Arizona mark with a 13.32 time at the Chandler Rotary invitational. Cesar Chavez sophomore Mayen Usoro took second in the 100 meters (11.63) and 200 meters (24.19). 
The Canyon View girls took the seeded 4x400-meter relay with a time of 3:50.68, led by Annaleise Taylor, Madyson Goodman, Brooklyn Grizzell and Aniya Smith.

Gilbert's Vance Nilsson won both the 300 and 110 meter hurdles with impressive performances. His 36.29 time in the 300 hurdles was more than a full second ahead of the runner-up (37.42). Nilsson also got closer to the Arizona state record of 36.24, which was run by Bobby Grant of Brophy in 2012.

Taylor Searle of ALA Queen Creek continued his dominant season in the pole vault, clearing a height of 17 feet. The next closest competitors were at 15 feet, nine inches. 

Striving for perfection 
Valley Christian's baseball team is the only remaining club in all of Arizona with a perfect record. The 16-0 Trojans lineup has been dominant, with six players batting .500 or higher. Junior Caleb Danzeisen leads the way with a .590 average including three homeruns. Valley Christian reached the 3A title game last season before falling to Northwest Christian.

The Trojans facing a tough test Monday night when they travel to Gilbert Christian (13-3) in a big 3A South Central region matchup. Senior Jeremy Kuiper has been dominant at the plate for Gilbert Christian, hitting .587 with eight homeruns 35 RBI's.

Toro Tennis Takes Mesa 

Mountain View made it a clean sweep Friday at the All Mesa-City invitational held at Gene Autry Park. The girls side finished with a clean sweep and a perfect 60 points out of 60. The tournament was a round-robin format with 10 singles matches and 10 doubles. The Toro boys won with 54 points.

Mountain View girls tennis team celebrates its sweep in the Mesa All-City tournament. Photo courtesy of Dave Filhart

Girls coach David Filhart was excited about the Toros performance. "In a tournament like this, cleaning with 60 points and not losing one match is almost unheard of," Filhart said. "Im not sure if its been done in this tournament but I'm really proud of these girls."