ASU's 1988 Wrestling Dynasty

The Legacy of the 1988 Arizona State Sun Devil Men’s Wrestling Team

When it comes to legendary teams in Arizona State University (ASU) history, several standout squads often come to mind. From the recent football team that claimed the Big 12 title to the men's golf team that won the PAC-12 in 2024, there are many impressive achievements. However, one team that deserves special recognition is the 1988 Men’s Wrestling team. This squad not only achieved a historic victory but also set a standard that remains unmatched to this day.

A Historic Achievement

The 1988 ASU wrestling team made history by winning the NCAA Wrestling Championship. This was a monumental feat, as they became the first team west of the Rocky Mountains to claim the title. Prior to their victory and even after, no other team from that region has managed to bring home the trophy. This record has stood for over three decades, making it an extraordinary accomplishment in college wrestling history.

In addition to the team title, every wrestler who competed for the Sun Devils during the 1988 season earned All-American honors. Furthermore, each of these seven athletes secured individual PAC-10 Championships, showcasing the depth and talent of the team.

The Star Players

While no single wrestler on the 1988 team finished first in the NCAA Finals, the collective performance of the squad was strong enough to secure the championship. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players:

• Zeke Jones: Now the head coach of the ASU wrestling program, Jones was a standout wrestler during his collegiate career. He placed sixth in the finals, marking the beginning of a legacy that would continue into his coaching tenure.

• Mike Davies: As the team captain, Davies was arguably the most dominant wrestler on the roster. His regular season record of 40-3 translated to a 93% win rate. Over his time at ASU, he amassed 136 wins, which still stands as the school record. Davies placed second in the finals.

• Dan St. John: Known for his exceptional skill, St. John placed third in the finals and is now a member of the ASU Hall of Fame.

• Chip Park and Jim Gressley: Both wrestlers placed third in the finals, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

• Thom Ortiz and Rod Severn: Ortiz placed fourth, while Severn placed fifth. Like Jones, Ortiz later became a coach at ASU, continuing the tradition of excellence.

The Coaching Excellence

Behind every great team is a visionary coach, and the 1988 ASU wrestling team was led by Bobby Douglas, a figure whose influence extended far beyond the mat. Douglas had a distinguished athletic career before transitioning to coaching. He reached the NCAA finals as a competitor, and that experience helped shape him into one of the most effective coaches in the sport.

Douglas took over as head coach at ASU in 1975. During his 18 seasons with the program, he led the team to nine seasons with a winning percentage of 75% or higher. One of those seasons saw the team go undefeated in the regular season.

In 1988, the Sun Devils posted a 17-2 regular-season record, demonstrating their dominance. Although Douglas faced some challenges in later years, his ability to rebuild and lead the team back to success was a testament to his coaching acumen.

A Winning Combination

The 1988 ASU Men’s Wrestling team exemplified what it means to be a complete team. They had a strong roster of talented athletes, a proven leader in Mike Davies, and a coach with both experience and vision in Bobby Douglas. Their accomplishments—winning the NCAA title, producing multiple All-Americans, and setting a record that still stands—make a compelling case for them being the best ASU team of all time.

What do you think? Do you believe the 1988 wrestling team deserves the title of the greatest ASU team? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.