ASU suspends wrestling star due to failed drug test
Arizona State wrestling star Zahid Valencia was indefinitely suspended Thursday by the athletic department, as a report surfaced that he failed a drug test.
The failed drug test reportedly occurred Jan. 18 at an international meet in Rome as first reported by Pat Mineo via social media. A source told The Republic that Valenica tested positive for a recreational drug, not a performance enhancing drug.
ASU said in a statement: “Zahid Valencia has been suspended indefinitely from the ASU men’s wrestling team.”
The university said further information would not be released due to student privacy rights. It’s unclear if Valencia could be reinstated before the end of the season.
Valencia is a two-time NCAA champion at 174 pounds who was ranked No. 1 this season at 184. The senior is 121-3 overall at ASU, the ninth most wins in school history, and 20-0 this season. He is first in school career major decisions, second in pins, tied for second in technical falls and fifth in bonus wins.
Valencia also could be ineligible for the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials, April 4-5 at Penn State, due to the failed drug test.
Valencia’s brother Anthony also competes for ASU, this season at 174.
NCAA Championships are March 19-21 in Minneapolis. Losing Zahid Valencia is a major blow to ASU’s chances for a national title.
No. 4 ASU is competing Saturday at No. 11 Lehigh and Monday at No. 8 North Carolina.
“It’s hard to say what’s going to happen with the lineup moving forward,” ASU coach Zeke Jones said. “Our goals remain the same, we want to kick some butt. This is still a really exciting group of guys. That’s why I’m keeping my chin up.”
The Sun Devils still have six nationally ranked wrestlers -- No. 4 Tanner Hall (heavyweight), No. 6 Josh Shields (165), No. 8 Brandon Courtney (125), No. 9 Anthony Valencia (174), No. 11 Kordell Norfleet (197) and No. 12 Jacori Teemer (157).
Austin Clayton or Cade Belshay could replace Zahid Valencia this weekend.