Arizona State senior Anthony Robles is unbeaten this season. Larry Slater photo.

How inspiring is the incredible story of Arizona State senior Anthony Robles?

It’s even captured the attention of elite wrestlers like Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo.

“Anthony Robles, wow, it’s amazing what he’s doing,” Cejudo said. “How can you not be inspired by what he’s doing? The kid is unbelievable. I think he’s going to dominate at the NCAAs.”

Robles was born without a right leg, but that hasn't stopped him from destroying the competition this season at 125 pounds. He's unbeaten and ranked No. 1 in the country.

“Anthony’s just been phenomenal,” Arizona State coach Shawn Charles said. “He’s really focused and he’s wrestling at a really high level right now. He really believes he’s done everything that he’s needed to do in order be a national champion in 2011. That’s all he wants to do – finish his career with that title.”

Robles was seeded 12th before placing fourth at the 2009 NCAA Championships. He was the No. 4 seed at the 2010 NCAAs before finishing seventh.

“It was extremely disappointing last year,” he said. “It’s not where I wanted to finish. I have to learn from it and improve. I am going full blast when I get back to nationals. I’ve been there before and I know what to expect. I’m excited to get back there.”

Robles is ranked No. 1 nationally by Amateur Wrestling News. Iowa sophomore Matt McDonough, the returning national champion, is ranked No. 1 by InterMat and WIN Magazine.

Northwestern’s Brandon Precin was ranked No. 1 before suffering a recent loss to McDonough.

Robles has not faced Precin or McDonough this season. Robles beat Precin in the 2009 NCAA tournament quarterfinals before losing to him in the third-place match. He has never wrestled McDonough.

“I have a lot of respect for both of those guys,” Robles said. “They are tough wrestlers. I am just going to go in there and go 100 percent and give them all they can handle.”

Robles, from Mesa, Arizona, has gained national media exposure during his college career as he’s excelled while wrestling with only one leg.

“It means a lot to have all the support I’ve received,” he said. “It pushes me and motivates me. Wrestling in that packed arena at nationals is exciting. I want to thank all the fans who have supported me. It’s been great.”

During his time at ASU, Robles saw the Sun Devil program dropped briefly in the spring of 2008 before it was reinstated.

“It’s been a pleasure to wrestle for Arizona State,” he said. “I’m glad I was able to stay here after they dropped the program and then brought it right back. It’s an honor to wrestle here and put ASU back on the map as a legitimate program.”

Charles said Robles has been a pleasure to work with.

“Anthony’s just the All-American kid,” Charles said. “He works hard, he’s a great student and he’s a great person. You couldn’t ask for any more from him. He leads by example. He never tries to get out of anything. A lot of times you don’t even realize he has a disability. If the team is running three miles, he runs three miles. He’s such an inspiring guy to be around. He’s been a blessing. I’ve been very fortunate to have an opportunity to coach him.”

Robles is scheduled to graduate in May with a degree in business communications. He plans to become a motivational speaker.

“The message I want to share with people is that they can overcome obstacles,” he said, “and achieve anything they want.”

That is exactly the plan for Robles when he takes the mat at next month’s NCAA Championships. It will be the final wrestling tournament he competes in at any level.

“Wrestling has meant a lot to me,” he said. “It made me a stronger person and paid for my college education. I’m very appreciative of what the sport has taught me. It’s taught me about discipline and hard work, and working toward a goal.”

The final goal Robles is chasing in wrestling will come at the NCAAs in Philadelphia.

“It’s kind of hitting me now that this is my last season,” he said. “I want to go out the right way and that’s on top of that national podium. My heart’s really in it and I’m going for it. I’m going to give it my best shot and I will walk away satisfied no matter what happens.”