The Rise of the Sun Devils: A History of the Arizona State University Wrestling Program

The Arizona State Sun Devils represent Arizona State University in athletics. As a member of the Big 12 Conference, ASU has nine men's and eleven women's varsity teams competing at the NCAA Division I level. While ASU boasts 25 NCAA team national championships across various sports, including baseball, women's tennis, and golf, the wrestling program holds a special place in the university's athletic history. This article explores the history of the Arizona State University wrestling program, from its early days to its national championship victory and the successes of its alumni in both wrestling and mixed martial arts.

Early Years and Program Development

Arizona State University's wrestling program has a rich history spanning several decades. The program has seen periods of both success and challenges, reflecting the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. The Sun Devils wrestling team has a tradition of excellence, marked by dedicated coaches, talented athletes, and a passionate wrestling community.

In its previous 46 seasons of varsity competition, Arizona State has opened the year with a victory in dual competition 32 times compared to 14 losses. The Sun Devils have won the last three season openers in a row, including a 20-17 decision at UC Davis.

The 1988 NCAA National Championship

The pinnacle of the ASU wrestling program came in 1988 when the Sun Devils captured the NCAA team national championship. This victory was particularly significant as they beat out wrestling powerhouse Iowa for the title. The Sun Devils followed up their championship win with two years as national runners-up in 1989 and 1990, losing out to Oklahoma State in both years.

Notable Wrestling Alumni

The Arizona State wrestling program has produced numerous accomplished wrestlers who have achieved success at the national and international levels. Eight Sun Devil wrestlers have participated at the Olympics, most recently in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Zeke Jones and Townsend Saunders have each won Olympic silver medals. Six Sun Devil wrestlers have participated in the World Championships of Wrestling since 1985 on 16 occasions.

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Mixed Martial Arts Stars

Beyond traditional wrestling, ASU's wrestling program has also served as a breeding ground for stars in mixed martial arts (MMA). Several wrestling alumni have transitioned to successful MMA careers, including:

Dan Severn: An inductee to the UFC Hall of Fame.
Don Frye
Cain Velasquez: Former UFC Heavyweight Champion.
Ryan Bader
Aaron Simpson
Dan Henderson: Pride Welterweight and Middleweight Champion.
John Moraga
Clifford Starks
C.B. Dollaway
Bubba Jenkins: 2011 157 lbs NCAA Champion.

Challenges and Reinstatement

The wrestling program faced a significant challenge in May 2008 when it was cut from the ASU Athletic Department due to budget constraints, along with men's tennis and men's swimming. However, the wrestling community rallied together, and just ten days later, on May 23, 2008, the program was revived with the promise of endowment.

To ensure the survival of one of the top western teams in the history of the sport, the wrestling program aimed to become the first endowed program in ASU Athletics through financial contributions.

Coaches and Leadership

Since Jones's arrival, ASU is once again at a top-tier wrestling program thanks to his dedication and knowledge of the game.

Thom Ortiz Era

Since Thom Ortiz took over coaching duties in time for the 2001-02 season, the Sun Devils have been very impressive at home, posting an overall mark of 39-18-0. Ortiz' teams also have been nearly perfect against Pac-10 foes as the Sun Devils stand 23-3-0 against league opponents after going 1-2.

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Arizona State holds a 41-9-0 record against Pac-10 foes since Thom Ortiz took over the program eight years ago, including a 23-3-0 home record and an 18-6-0 road mark.

Facilities and Training

On Saturday, January 7, 2006, the Sun Devils dedicated their new training facility in a joint celebration with the gymnastic team. The Riches Wrestling Complex, the John Spini Women's Gymnastics Training Center and the Cavanagh/Dickey Olympic Sports Plaza were dedicated and showcased as fans and over 200 supporters toured two of the premier training centers in the nation while both teams showcased their teams by holding practices. The facilities are located off Sixth Street behind the Kajikawa Football Practice Fields and beyond the o…

Team Composition and Recruitment

Arizona (12) and California (nine) provide wrestlers for more than half of the Sun Devil roster this year with other western/southwestern states adding 11 more, including two each from Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington. Three eastern states are also accounted for on the Sun Devil roster, including two wrestlers from New York and one each from New Jersey and Virginia.

Last season, the Sun Devils, at various points, had up to seven redshirt freshmen in their starting 10 with two or three seniors. This year, the team will continue to be young as 27 of the 36 athletes on the roster are freshmen or sophomores, including 12 redshirt freshmen and six true freshmen. Also, the team has two seniors (Kelsey Campbell and Preston Pruett) along with seven juniors. Of the probable 10 starters this week against UC Davis, the Sun Devils will send out four freshmen (one true freshman), three sophomores and three juniors.

Community Involvement

Over the past several seasons, the Sun Devil wrestling program has been active in the community and lending a hand where they can. Last year, the wrestlers visited with children and handed out dinner and dessert to those in attendance the day before Thanksgiving and also read to numerous children at the UMOM New Day Center in Phoenix one week later, just two name two events. This year, the Sun Devils participated in the Wilson Neighborhood Cleanup (helping the neighborhood remove debris around the elementary school in Phoenix) while also talking to children at Lomas Elementary School as part of Sparky's Tour (teaching children about the importance of education).

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The Sun Devils in the Pac-10/Pac-12 Conference

The Sun Devils have competed in the Pac-10 Conference for 30 seasons, starting in the 1978-79 season. During that time, Arizona State has won nearly 87-percent (.869) of its Pac-10 duals, recording a mark of 109-16-1 against 13 different schools. Of those 13 teams, eight are still competing in the Pac-10 Conference with the Sun Devils holding a 76-16-1 record against those teams.

Current Status and Future Outlook

The Arizona State University wrestling program continues to be a competitive force in collegiate wrestling. With a strong foundation built on tradition, dedicated coaching, and talented athletes, the Sun Devils are poised for continued success in the years to come. The program's commitment to excellence, both on and off the mat, ensures that it will remain a source of pride for Arizona State University and its supporters.

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