Spencer Lee’s wrestling record is fantastic heading into his final season at Iowa, but what is even more impressive is the dominance in which he earned his career wins.
So, who is Spencer Lee and why should you know his name? The Iowa Hawkeye is seeking his 4th straight NCAA title this season. If he wins, he will go down in history as the 5th wrestler ever to accomplish this incredible feat.
To learn more about Spencer Lee, including his background, career record, big wins and losses, and expectations for this season, continue to read this article.
High School Career
Perhaps since the legendary Cary Kolat, Spencer Lee became one of the most well-known and most decorated wrestlers in Pennsylvania history. He paved the way for an incredibly prestigious high school career at Franklin Regional High School where he won three individual PIAA AAA state titles (113, 120 x2) and two team state titles.
He went undefeated going into his last high school match. In the 2017 state finals, Spencer lost his first high school match to his eventual teammate Austin DeSanto at 126 lbs. Lee later revealed that he wrestled from January through March with a torn ACL.
On the international stage, Lee won one Cadet and two Junior World titles.
What is Spencer Lee’s Record?
Leading into the 2021-2022 wrestling season Spencer Lee’s wrestling record is 75-5. Currently he holds the 2nd longest active winning streak in the NCAA at 35 wins, in which he outscored his opponents 432-42. During his four years in college, Lee has won three NCAA Championships, two Big Ten Championships, and two Hodge Trophies.
So what makes Spencer Lee so good? He is technically superior to every wrestler he comes across and is able to hit his signature tilt on anyone, whether you’re a scrub off the street or a tough opponent in the NCAA finals.
All of Lee’s NCAA Championships
Spencer Lee won his first NCAA Championship at 125 lbs. as a true freshman in 2018. In his first year out of high school, Lee pinned his way to the National finals, including a major fall over #2 seed Nathan Thomasello (OSU). Lee defeated Nick Suriano (RUT) in the finals 5-1.
The following year in 2019, the Hawkeye earned three straight bonus point victories en route to the NCAA semifinals. To make the finals in his home city of Pittsburgh, Lee avenged an earlier season loss by beating Nick Piccininni 11-4. To earn his second NCAA title, Spencer defeated Jack Mueller (UVA) in the finals 5-0.
Spencer Lee was on his way to winning his 3rd NCAA title in 2020; unfortunately, the NCAA cancelled the tournament due to COVID-19. Luckily he and other specific athletes received one extra year of eligibility.
At the 2021 NCAA tournament, Lee commanded his way to a third title by out-scoring his opponents 60-8. He also shared the Hodge Trophy with Olympian Gable Steveson. After his finals match against Brandon Courtney (ASU), Lee revealed that he won the championship with no ACLs and exclaimed that “excuses are for wusses.”
In 2022 Spencer Lee could go down in history as the 5th ever 4X NCAA Champion with the likes of Pat Smith, Cael Sanderson, Kyle Dake, and Logan Stieber.
Who Has Spencer Lee Lost To?
Because of his incredible high school career, wrestling fans across the country were asking, “can anyone beat Spencer Lee?” And yes, he does have a few career losses, technically five. I say “technically” because he lost once before the coaches pulled his redshirt in his freshman year.
After officially stepping onto the mat as a true freshman on January 5, 2018 Spencer Lee has lost only four times in his collegiate career. Lee lost for the first time in 2018 during the Big Ten semifinals. He fell 2-1 to former NCAA Champion Nathan Thomasello (OSU). Lee later avenged this loss in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships with a pin.
The next season proved to be a real challenge for Lee. He lost twice to Sebastian Rivera (NW), once at Midlands and again in the Big Ten finals. Lee also lost to Nick Piccininni (OKST) during the regular season. Piccininni shocked the wrestling world by catching Spencer Lee in a cradle and pinning him in the second period. Lee avenged his loss to Piccininni at NCAAs, but he did not get the opportunity to face Rivera again.
What is Spencer Lee Ranked?
Spencer Lee is the undisputed #1 ranked wrestler at 125 lbs heading into the 2022 year. Even with ten All-Americans returning to his weight, Spencer is still at the top and on his way to winning four titles.
Not only is Lee the #1 at his weight, but he is all the #1 pound for pound wrestler in the entire country.
Where to Watch Spencer Lee
You can watch plenty of Spencer Lee’s best matches on YouTube. But if you’re looking for an even deeper dive into his past matches, you can watch more on FloWrestling. On their website you can watch exclusive matches from Spencer’s freestyle and folkstyle career.
With an absolutely phenomenal career so far, Spencer Lee has become a household name for wrestling fans across the country. He also paved the way for the Iowa Hawkeyes to be back on top in college wrestling after helping them win their first NCAA team title in ten years.
Will Spencer Lee become a 4X NCAA Champion this season? Stay tuned to Fanco Wrestling to stay updated on the latest D1 collegiate wrestling news.