Beyond the Mat: The Strength & Resiliency of Sun Devil Wrestling’s Jesse Vasquez

by Cronkite PR Lab's Thomas Cogdell and Marcus Lopez

Tempe, Ariz. -- Wrestling is physically demanding: a sport that requires the speed of a track star, the endurance of a cross-country runner, and the strength of a weight trainer. Wrestlers train tirelessly, mastering each of these elements before facing their next opponent. For Jesse Vasquez, there are even more challenges that exist beyond the mat.
 
Since stepping foot on the Arizona State University campus in 2020, Vasquez has faced obstacles that challenged his body and mind. He has sustained multiple injuries throughout his college wrestling career, including a torn hamstring, a broken finger, and a broken elbow. After each setback, Vasquez has valiantly returned  stronger than before.
 
"I refuse to give up on myself. There's a lot of people watching me, watching my story and they want to see if I'm going to quit," Jesse said.
 
After suffering from a torn hamstring his freshman year, Vasquez returned with a strong season record of 16-7 and received Pac-12 Wrestler of the Week honors. He suffered another injury before his junior season but returned in February 2024 with an 11-4 record. One month later, Vasquez won the first Pac-12 Championship title of his career, helping the Sun Devils to their 24th title as a team.
 
Each fracture, tear and sprain meant countless doctor appointments and various treatments. Vasquez used them as opportunities to rebuild his body and strengthen his mind.
 
"I had to spend a lot of time with myself, watching my teammates compete where I want to compete, where I know I should be," Vasquez said. "I understand what's going on now and what I want to be. I refuse to give up. I'm more dedicated and committed to doing this than I've ever been before."
 
Vasquez says it's been a grueling process to get to where he is currently. Head Coach Zeke Jones echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that it requires several people to aid in any athlete's rehabilitation process.
 
"It's been everything, meeting with the trainer, meeting with the physical therapist, regular doctors, check-ins and appointments, and then ultimately him (Vasquez) starting back out on the mat safely," Coach Jones said.  "Watching him go and saying, 'Hey, that looks good. Let's raise it up. Speed it up.' We speed it up until he's full go."
 
Vasquez has the talent and the skill to continuously improve himself as an athlete. However, it's his mindset, drive and determination that makes him a valued member of the wrestling team.
 
"Jesse is a hard worker. He's a vocal leader. He's not shy. He's got a big personality. He's entrepreneurial. He's an independent thinker. He loves people. He loves making contact, both physically and intellectually," Jones said.
 
Vasquez's leadership is recognized by his teammates, including Nicco Ruiz, who notes his personal growth and outspokenness as being particularly motivational.
 
"He's a great guy. He pushes me to be better. He tells me, 'Hey, I don't think you're doing enough. Hey, I need you to do more.' He's always there to push me more," Ruiz said.
 
Despite suffering so many momentum-halting injuries, Jesse continues to have his eyes set on his ultimate goal: winning an Olympic gold medal.
 
"The main goal is the Olympic 2028 gold. That's why Zeke Jones recruited me. He offered me a scholarship to help me get my degree and get a national title. Ultimately, the main goal is to be an Olympic champion. I'm just going to have to get some national titles on the way," Vasquez said.
 
With the next Olympic games being four years away, there is plenty to improve on. It all begins with the 2024-2025 wrestling season. Vasquez plans on this season being his best yet.
 
"I'm in a new weight class, and I want to show people that this weight class is mine. I just want to do whatever it takes. The whole focus is March. That's where my head is at, becoming a national champion, and everything else doesn't really matter," Vasquez said.
 
As a senior, Vasquez opened the season ranked No. 14 in the nation. This season, he dominated in his match against his first opponent from Long Island University but faced a tough challenge against 10th-ranked Kannon Webster from Illinois. He's since rebounded with a victory against Oklahoma State's Carter Young, ranked No. 18 in the country, for his second top-20 win of the season.
 
Rankings are important to some, but Vasquez values results and performance above all. With the support of his coaches and teammates, he's confident that his determination will lead to a national title and, eventually, an Olympic gold.