SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — One of Arizona's most inspiring athlete stories will be celebrated at the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade.
Anthony Robles, a lifelong Arizonan and 2011 NCAA wrestling champion, will be the grand marshal for the parade on Dec. 28. Robles is a Mesa High School and Arizona State graduate known for his journey to becoming a three-time All-American wrestler.
“To be the Grand Marshal in my own state is an honor. It’s where I grew up, I went to Mesa High School; Arizona is home for me. To represent Arizona and all the good things that are here, it’s very special,” Robles said in a news release. “I’m really proud to be a part of this and part of the Fiesta Bowl because of all that they stand for and what they do in the community.”
Robles was born without his right leg and was a walk-on to the ASU wrestling team. Overcoming the odds, Robles worked his way to becoming a champion and is an inductee to the National Wrestling Hall of Frame, Arizona Hall of Fame, and the ASU Sports Hall of Fame.
“Anthony Robles has lived his life in a way we all aspire to – with perseverance, humility, determination, honor and courage. His journey is an inspiration to us all and a testament to the indomitable human spirit. He is a great person to lead our Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe,” Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses said in a news release. “By moving the Fiesta Bowl Parade into the heart of Bowl Season with a stronger tie-in to our postseason college football games, we expect even higher engagement from college football fans and all segments of our community.”
His life is also the subject of an upcoming Amazon MGM Studios movie called "Unstoppable," starring Jennifer Lopez as Robles’ mother, Jharrel Jerome as Anthony and Don Cheadle as ASU Head Coach Shawn Charles. The film is produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
Robles joins a list of previous Fiesta Bowl Parade grand marshals including Charles Barkley, Jerry Colangelo, Alice Cooper, Richard Jefferson, Randy Johnson, Al McCoy, Jake Plummer, Kerri Strug, Diana Taurasi and more.
“Having experienced Anthony’s magnetic personality and touching story in person, I can’t wait for fans lining the streets to witness one of Arizona’s greatest success stories at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe,” Fiesta Sports Foundation Board Chair Judy Bernas said in a news release. “The Fiesta Bowl Parade is such a celebration, where a variety of entry units come together and showcase all the best that Arizona has to offer for our live audience and those who watch on television.”
The city of Phoenix is home to four major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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