Spencer Lee

Last updated
Spencer Lee
Personal information
Full nameSpencer Richard Lee
Born (1998-10-14) October 14, 1998 (age 25) [1]
Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Home town Murrysville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height5 ft 3 in (160 cm) [1]
Weight57 kg (126 lb)
Sport
CountryFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Sport Wrestling
Event(s) Freestyle and Folkstyle
ClubHawkeye Wrestling Club
Young Guns Wrestling Club
Coached by Tom Brands
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing the Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Pan American Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2024 Acapulco 57 kg
US National Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2019 Fort Worth 57 kg
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2023 Fort Worth 57 kg
U20 World Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2015 Salvador 50 kg
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2016 Mâcon 50 kg
U17 World Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2014 Snina 50 kg
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Iowa Hawkeyes
NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2018 Cleveland 125 lb
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2019 Pittsburgh 125 lb
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2021 St. Louis 125 lb
Big Ten Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2020 Piscataway 125 lb
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2021 State College 125 lb
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2023 Ann Arbor 125 lb
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2019 Minneapolis 125 lb
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2018 East Lansing 125 lb

Spencer Richard Lee (born October 14, 1998) is an American freestyle and former folkstyle wrestler who competes at 57 kilograms. [2] In freestyle, he was the US Olympic Team Trials and Pan American champion in 2024, a two-time US National champion and a three-time age-group World champion, once in the U17 level and twice in the U20 level. [3]

Contents

In folkstyle, Lee won the James E. Sullivan Award and the Dan Hodge Trophy twice, as well as three NCAA Division I national championships out of the University of Iowa. [4] Lee was often considered one of the most dominant athletes in college athletics. [5] [6]

Career

Background

Lee was born in Denver, Colorado, but grew up in Saegertown, Pennsylvania before moving to Murrysville, where he attended Franklin Regional High School. [1]

While in high school, Lee became a three-time PIAA state champion and recorded 144 wins before suffering his first and only loss in a dramatic upset while going for a fourth state title. [7] In the freestyle department, Lee became a two-time U20 World champion and a U17 World champion during his high school years. [8] [9] [10]

Before his senior year, Lee committed to wrestle at the University of Iowa. [11] A multiple-time national champion in different tournaments, Lee was the top-ranked wrestler in the country at the time of his commitment. [12]

College

2017–2018

Lee initially competed under a redshirt during his first year of collegiate wrestling, winning the UNI Open and placing sixth at the Midland Championships before having it pulled and competing as a true freshman instead. [13]

During regular season, Lee recorded wins over NCAA champions and All-Americans, before placing third at the Big Ten Championships. [14] At the NCAA championships, Lee had an outstanding run into the finals, where he defeated undefeated-in-the-season Nick Suriano to claim his first national championship. [15]

Lee was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and closed out the year with a 22–2 record. [16]

2018–2019

After an action-packed regular season, where he notably placed second at the Midland Championships, Lee placed second at the Big Ten Championships and headed off to the NCAA tournament. [17] Lee captured his second-straight national crown after running through the bracket, defeating Jack Mueller in the finals and closing out the year 23–3. [18]

2019–2020

On December of 2019, Lee made his senior-level debut, becoming the US National champion in freestyle and qualifying for the US Olympic Team Trials with notable wins over eventual World champion Vito Arujau and NCAA champions Darian Cruz and Nathan Tomasello. [19]

During his third season in college, Lee compiled an 18–0 record, grabbed his first Big Ten Conference title and was a favorite heading into the NCAA championships. [20] However, the national tournament was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. [21]

After the cut-short season, Lee was awarded the James E. Sullivan Award as the most outstanding athlete in the United States and the Dan Hodge Trophy as the best college wrestler in the country. [22] [23] He was also named the Big Ten Wrestler of the Year after outscoring the opposition 234 to 18. [24]

The US Olympic Team Trials, where Lee was set to compete in, were delayed for 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [25]

2020–2021

Before folkstyle season started, Lee pinned four-time All-American Zach Sanders at the HWC 1 in freestyle. [26]

Lee then pinned all of his opponents in the first period during regular season, grabbed his second Big Ten title and became a three-time NCAA champion, dominating everyone throughout the season. [27] Lee later revealed he had torn his left ACL eight days before the tournament to match a torn right ACL suffered in the 2019 NCAA finals. [28]

Lee was then named the Dan Hodge Trophy winner for the second straight time, along with Gable Steveson. [29] He was repeated as the Big Ten Wrestler of the Year. [30]

Lee was then set to compete at the US Olympic Team Trials in freestyle, however, he opted against participating due to his knee injuries. [31]

2021–2022

Since the NCAA granted athletes an extra year of eligibility after the 2020 season was cut short, Lee was set to compete in his last year of collegiate wrestling. [32] However, he achieved a 3–0 record before being pulled out of the season due to requiring surgery on both knees after recurring injuries, using a medical redshirt. [33]

2022–2023

Lee started off his final year of folkstyle wrestling undefeated in dual action and claiming the Soldier Salute and Big Ten titles. [34] [35] At the NCAA tournament, where he was looking for a fourth national title, Lee cruised to the semifinals, where he faced Matt Ramos, whom he had previously pinned at a dual meet. [36] After an electric match, Lee was defeated by Ramos in one of the biggest upsets in the sports' history, and proceeded to medical forfeit out of the tournament, placing sixth. [37]

Lee graduated with three NCAA Division I National titles and Big Ten Conference titles, and a record of 95–6. [37] After his college career was over, Lee switched his focus to freestyle. [38]

Freestyle

2023

In April, Lee wrestled in his first freestyle tournament since 2019, at the US Open National Championships. After three straight wins to reach the semis, where he was set to wrestle Nick Suriano, Lee forfeited out of the tournament due to his knee injuries, placing sixth. [39]

Lee then competed at the Bill Farrell Memorial in November. [40] He racked up dominant wins over the likes of Commonwealth Games medalist Muhammad Bilal and U20 World silver medalist Luke Lilledahl to make the finals, where he defeated NCAA and US Open champion Nico Megaludis to claim gold and qualify for the 2024 US Olympic Trials. [41]

Despite having already qualified for the US Olympic Trials, Lee competed at the US Senior Nationals on December, where he once again defeated Megaludis and picked up a gold medal to extend his win-streak. [42]

2024

To start off February, Lee competed internationally for the first time since 2016, grabbing a Pan American title with quick victories over 2020 Olympian Óscar Tigreros and multiple-time Pan American medalist Pedro Mejías. [43] [44]

In April, Lee competed at the US Olympic Team Trials, defeating NCAA champion Nico Megaludis for a third time and reigning US World Team Member Zane Richards to advance to the best-of-three finals, where he faced World champion and former teammate Thomas Gilman. [45] He defeated Gilman twice in a row to become the US Olympic Team Member at 57 kilograms. [46]

Lee is now set to compete at the World Qualification Tournament, in an attempt to qualify the weight for the United States and earn the right to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics. [47]

Personal life

Lee's mother, Cathy, was an Olympic alternate judoka and a native of France, and his father, Larry, also practiced the sport. [48] Lee is a Pokémon enthusiast. [49]

Freestyle record

Senior Freestyle Matches
Res.RecordOpponentScoreDateEventLocation
2024 US Olympic Team Trials Gold medal icon.svg at 57 kg
Win23–0 Flag of the United States.svg Thomas Gilman FallApril 20, 2024 2024 US Olympic Team Trials

Flag of the United States.svg State College, Pennsylvania

Win22–0 Flag of the United States.svg Thomas Gilman 6–3
Win21–0 Flag of the United States.svg Zane Richards 13–6April 19, 2024
Win20–0 Flag of the United States.svg Nico Megaludis8–0
2024 Pan American Championships Gold medal icon.svg at 57 kg
Win19–0 Flag of Venezuela.svg Pedro Mejías TF 12–2February 24, 2024 2024 Pan American Continental Championships

Flag of Mexico.svg Acapulco, Mexico

Win18–0 Flag of Brazil.svg Davi Silva GiovannettiTF 10–0
Win17–0 Flag of Colombia.svg Óscar Tigreros TF 10–0
2024 Pan American Championships Gold medal icon.svg at 57 kg
Win19–0 Flag of Venezuela.svg Pedro Mejías TF 12–2February 24, 2024 2024 Pan American Continental Championships

Flag of Mexico.svg Acapulco, Mexico

Win18–0 Flag of Brazil.svg Davi Silva GiovannettiTF 10–0
Win17–0 Flag of Colombia.svg Óscar Tigreros TF 10–0
2023 US Nationals Gold medal icon.svg at 57 kg
Win16–0 Flag of the United States.svg Nico Megaludis6–2December 16–17, 20232023 US National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Fort Worth, Texas

Win15–0 Flag of the United States.svg Josh RodriguezTF 12–1
Win14–0 Flag of the United States.svg Gary SteenTF 10–0
2023 Bill Farrell Memorial Gold medal icon.svg at 57 kg
Win13–0 Flag of the United States.svg Nico Megaludis7–4November 18, 20232023 Bill Farrell Memorial International

Flag of the United States.svg New York City, New York

Win12–0 Flag of the United States.svg Luke LilledahlTF 11–0
Win11–0 Flag of the United States.svg Devan TurnerTF 11–0
Win10–0 Flag of Pakistan.svg Muhammad Bilal TF 10–0
2023 US Open 6th at 57 kg
Loss Flag of the United States.svg Nick Suriano FFApril 27, 20232023 US Open National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Las Vegas, Nevada

Win9–0 Flag of the United States.svg Caleb Smith9–4
Win8–0 Flag of the United States.svg Sheldon SeymourTF 10–0
Win7–0 Flag of the United States.svg Darrion HarrisTF 10–0
Win6–0 Flag of the United States.svg Zach SandersFallNovember 1, 2020HWC Showdown Open

Flag of the United States.svg Iowa City, Iowa

2019 US Nationals Gold medal icon.svg at 57 kg
Win5–0 Flag of the United States.svg Nathan Tomasello 8–2December 20–22, 20192019 US Senior National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Fort Worth, Texas

Win4–0 Flag of the United States.svg Vitali Arujau TF 14–4
Win3–0 Flag of the United States.svg Darian Cruz TF 10–0
Win2–0 Flag of the United States.svg Shane KimTF 10–0
Win1–0 Flag of the United States.svg Jacob MoranTF 10–0

NCAA record

NCAA Division I Record
Res.RecordOpponentScoreDateEvent
End of 2022–2023 Season (senior extra-year)
2023 NCAA Championships 6th at 125 lbs
Loss98–6Matt RamosFallMarch 16–18, 2023 2023 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win98–5Anthony NotoMD 14–4
Win97–5Jack MedleyTF 17–0
Win96–5Tucker OwensFall
2023 Big Ten Conference Gold medal icon.svg at 125 lbs
Win95–5Liam Cronin8–2March 3–5, 20232023 Big Ten Conference Championships
Win94–5Patrick McKeeTF 20–2
Win93–5Jack MedleyTF 17–0
Win92–5Reece WitcraftFallFebruary 19, 2023Iowa - Oklahoma State Dual
Win91–5Jack MedleyMD 11–2February 10, 2023Iowa - Michigan Dual
Win90–5Patrick McKee7–1February 3, 2023Iowa - Minnesota Dual
Win89–5Marco VespaTF 18—2January 27, 2023Iowa - Penn State Dual
Win88–5Eric BarnettFallJanuary 22, 2023Iowa - Wisconsin Dual
Win87–5Liam CroninFallJanuary 20, 2023Iowa - Nebraska Dual
Win86–5Michael DeAugustinoFallJanuary 13, 2023Iowa - Northwestern Dual
Win85–5Matt RamosFallJanuary 8, 2023Iowa - Purdue Dual
Win84–5Maximo RenteriaFallJanuary 6, 2023Iowa - Illinois Dual
2022 Soldier Salute Gold medal icon.svg at 125 lbs
Win83–5Drake AyalaFallDecember 29–30, 20222022 Soldier Salute
Win82–5Jore VolkMD 15–5
Win81–5Charlie FarmerTF 19–1
Win80–5Damion RyanFall
Win79–5Corey CabanbanMD 16–5December 4, 2022Iowa - Iowa State Dual
Start of 2022–2023 Season (senior extra-year)
End of 2021–2022 Season (senior extra-year)
Win78–5Jakob Camacho6–1December 21, 2021North Carolina State - Iowa Dual
Win77–5Jaret LaneMD 8–0December 20, 2021Lehigh - Iowa Dual
Win76–5Brock BergelinTF 17–0Central Michigan - Iowa Dual
Start of 2021-2022 Season (senior extra-year)
End of 2020-2021 Season (senior year)
2021 NCAA Championships Gold medal icon.svg at 125 lbs
Win75–5Brandon Courtney7–0March 18–20, 2021 2021 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win74–5Drew HildebrandtMD 11–0
Win73–5Devin SchroderMD 10–2
Win72–5Killian CardinaleMD 15–5
Win71–5Patrick McCormickTF 17–1
2021 Big Ten Conference Gold medal icon.svg at 125 lbs
Win70–5Devin SchroderTF 21–3March 6–7, 20212021 Big Ten Conference Championships
Win69–5Rayvon FoleyFall
Win68–5Dylan RagusinTF 19–4
Win67–5Brady KoontzFallFebruary 7, 2021Iowa - Ohio State Dual
Win66–5Justin CardaniFallJanuary 31, 2021Iowa - Illinois Dual
Win65–5Patrick McKeeFallJanuary 22, 2021Iowa - Minnesota Dual
Win64–5Liam CroninFallJanuary 15, 2021Nebraska - Iowa Dual
Start of 2020-2021 Season (senior year)
End of 2019-2020 Season (junior year)
2020 Big Ten Conference Gold medal icon.svg at 125 lbs
Win63–5Devin SchroderMD 16–2March 8, 20202020 Big Ten Conference Championships
Win62–5Jack MedleyTF 19–3
Win61–5Nicolas AguilarFall
Win60–5 Nick Piccininni MD 12–3February 23, 2020Oklahoma State - Iowa Dual
Win59–5ForfeitFFFebruary 15, 2020Minnesota - Iowa Dual
Win58–5Jack Medley8–1February 8, 2020Iowa - Michigan Dual
Win57–5Logan GriffinFallFebruary 2, 2020Iowa - Michigan State Dual
Win56–5Brandon MeredithTF 16–1January 31, 2020Penn State - Iowa Dual
Win55–5Hunter LucasTF 18–0January 24, 2020Ohio State - Iowa Dual
Win54–5Alex ThomsenTF 18–0January 18, 2020Nebraska - Iowa Dual
Win53–5Devin SchroderTF 15–0January 12, 2020Iowa - Purdue Dual
Win52–5Liam CroninTF 15–0January 10, 2020Iowa - Indiana Dual
2019 Midlands Championships 5th at 125 lbs
Win51–5Connor RyanFallDecember 29, 20192019 Midlands Invitational Championships
Win50–5Christian MoodyFall
Win49–5Liam CroninFall
Win48–5Michael CullenTF 16–0December 1, 2019Wisconsin - Iowa Dual
Win47–5Alex MackallTF 17–2November 24, 2019Iowa - Iowa State Dual
Win46–5Fabian GutierrezMD 16–5November 17, 2019Chattanooga - Iowa Dual
Start of 2019-2020 Season (junior year)
End of 2018-2019 Season (sophomore year)
2019 NCAA Championships Gold medal icon.svg at 125 lbs
Win45–5Jack Mueller5–0March 23, 2019 2019 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win44–5 Nick Piccininni 11–4
Win43–5Sean RussellFall
Win42–5Sean FauszMD 10–1
Win41–5Bryce WestTF 18–0
2019 Big Ten Conference Silver medal icon.svg at 125 lbs
Loss40–5Sebastian Rivera4–6Mar 10, 20192019 Big Ten Championships
Win40–4Sean RussellMD 8–0
Win39–4Elijah OliverFall
Loss38–4 Nick Piccininni FallFeb 24, 2019Iowa - Oklahoma State Dual
Win38–3Ethan RotondoFallFeb 17, 2019Iowa - Wisconsin Dual
Win37–3Elijah OliverFallFebruary 15, 2019Indiana - Iowa Dual
Win36–3Brandon CrayFallFebruary 8, 2019Maryland - Iowa Dual
Win35–3Zeke MoiseyMD 18–4February 3, 2019Iowa - Nebraska Dual
Win34–3Travis PiotrowskiFallJan 25, 2019Iowa - Illinois Dual
Win33–3Nick DeNoraFallJanuary 18, 2019Rutgers - Iowa Dual
Win32–3Sean Russell4–0January 13, 2019Iowa - Minnesota Dual
2018 Midlands Championships Silver medal icon.svg at 125 lbs
Loss31–3Sebastian Rivera3–7December 29, 20182018 Midlands Invitational Championships
Win31–2Pat Glory12–6
Win30–2Drew HildebrandtTF 18–0
Win29–2Bryce WestTF 17–0
Win28–2Malik HeinselmanFall
Win27–2Luke ResnickTF 15–0December 8, 2018Lehigh - Iowa Dual
Win26–2Alex MackallMD 13–4December 1, 2018Iowa State - Iowa Dual
Win25–2Pat GloryTF 18–2November 16, 2018Princeton - Iowa Dual
Win24–2Alejandro Hernandez-FigueroaTF 18–0November 9, 2018Iowa - CSU Bakersfield Dual
Win23–2Tomas GutierrezTF 16–0November 9, 2018Iowa - Kenn State Dual
Start of 2018-2019 Season (sophomore year)
End of 2017-2018 Season (freshman year)
2018 NCAA Championships Gold medal icon.svg at 125 lbs
Win22–2 Nick Suriano 5–1March 17, 2018 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win21–2 Nathan Tomasello Fall
Win20–2 Nick Piccininni Fall
Win19–2Luke WelchTF 18–0
Win18–2Alonzo AllenTF 18–0
2018 Big Ten Conference Bronze medal icon.svg at 125 lbs
Win17–2Luke WelchTF 16–0Mar 3, 20182018 Big Ten Championships
Win16–2Sebastian RiveraMD 12–0
Loss15–2 Nathan Tomasello 1–2
Win15–1Rayvon FoleyFall
Win14–1Sinjin BriggsFallFeb 18, 2018Iowa - Iowa State Dual
Win13–1Carson KuhnFallFeb 10, 2018Iowa - Penn State Dual
Win12–1Sebastian Rivera7–4February 4, 2018Northwestern - Iowa Dual
Win11–1Ethan LizakTF 15–0February 2, 2018Minnesota - Iowa Dual
Win10–1Drew MattinTF 15–0Jan 27, 2018Michigan - Iowa Dual
Win9–1 Nathan Tomasello 3–2Jan 21, 2018Iowa - Ohio State Dual
Win8–1 Nick Piccininni 10–5January 14, 2018Oklahoma State - Iowa Dual
Win7–1Rayvon FoleyFallJanuary 5, 2018Michigan State - Iowa Dual
2017 Midlands Championships 6th at 125 lbs
Loss6–1Ronnie Bresser1–3December 29, 20172017 Midlands Invitational Championships
Win6–0Sean RussellTF 15–0
Win5–0Travis PiotrowskiTF 17–2
Win4–0Killian CardinaleFall
2017 UNI Open Gold medal icon.svg at 125 lbs
Win3–0Skyler PetryFallDecember 9, 20172017 UNI Open Tournament
Win2–0Johnny JimenezFall
Win1–0Dack PunkeTF 16–0
Start of 2017-2018 Season (freshman year)

Stats

SeasonYearSchoolRankWeigh ClassRecordWinBonus
2023Senior++ University of Iowa #1 (6th)12520-195.24%85.71
2022Senior+DNQ3–0100.00%66.67%
2021Senior#1 (1st)12–0100.00%91.67%
2020Junior#1 (COVID)18–0100.00%88.89%
2019Sophomore#3 (1st)23–388.46%73.08%
2018Freshman#3 (1st)22–291.67%75.00%
Career98–694.23%81.73%

[50]

Related Research Articles

Cael Norman Sanderson is an American former folkstyle and freestyle wrestler who is the current head coach of Penn State's wrestling team. As a wrestler, he won an Olympic gold medal and was undefeated in four years of college wrestling at Iowa State (159–0), becoming a four-time NCAA Division I champion (1999–2002).

The University of Iowa men's wrestling program is one of the most successful NCAA Division I athletic programs. The Hawkeyes are 37 time Big Ten Conference champions and second in NCAA history with 24 National Championships.

Michael Najeeb Zadick is an American former folkstyle and freestyle wrestler. He competed in the Men's freestyle 60 kg division at the 2008 Summer Olympics. He lost in the 1/8 finals to Vasyl Fedoryshyn.

Anthony Tony Ramos is an American former folkstyle and freestyle wrestler. He competed on the international circuit as a freestyle wrestler for the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daton Fix</span> American wrestler (born 1998)

Daton Duain Fix is an American freestyle and former folkstyle wrestler who competes at 61 kilograms. In freestyle, Fix is most notably a World Championship runner-up and U20 World champion, a Pan American Games gold medalist and a US National champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas Gilman</span> American freestyle wrestler

Thomas Patrick Gilman is an American freestyle wrestler and graduated folkstyle wrestler who competes at 57 kilograms. In freestyle, Gilman is a 2020 Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist and the 2021 World Champion and Pan American Continental champion. In folkstyle, Gilman was a three-time NCAA Division I All-American, the 2016 NCAA national runner-up, and a Big Ten Conference champion out of the University of Iowa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jaydin Eierman</span> American freestyle wrestler

Jaydin Selsor Eierman is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler who competed internationally at 65 kilograms and collegiately at 141 pounds. In freestyle, Eierman won the US Open Nationals in 2021, medaled at the 2019 Pan American Games, earned runner–up honors at the 2018 US Open Nationals and was the 2019 US U23 National Champion. In folkstyle, he was the 2021 NCAA DI National runner-up and won a Big Ten championship in 2021 for the University of Iowa. He was a three–time NCAA All-American and a three–time MAC champion for the Missouri Tigers, before transferring to Iowa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zain Retherford</span> American wrestler

Zain Allen Retherford is an American freestyle wrestler and graduated folkstyle wrestler who competes at 70 kilograms. In freestyle, he is a gold and silver medalist at the World Championships, as well as a Pan-American champion.

Jason Michael Nolf is an American freestyle and former folkstyle wrestler who competes at 74 kilograms. In freestyle, he is a three-time U.S. national champion and a multiple-time medalist in international tournaments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathan Tomasello</span> American freestyle wrestler

Nathan Khalid Tomasello is an American freestyle and graduated folkstyle wrestler who competes at 57 kilograms. In freestyle, Tomasello has medaled at multiple national and international competitions, most notably the Alexander Medved Prizes, Bill Farrell Memorial, and US Nationals. In college, he was an NCAA champion in 2015, a four–time Big Ten Conference champion, and a four–time All–American for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Isaiah Alexander Martinez is an American freestyle wrestler and graduated folkstyle wrestler who competes at 79 kilograms. In freestyle, Martinez is a two-time US Open National champion and was the 2017 US U23 World Team Member. As a folkstyle wrestler, he was a two-time NCAA Division I National champion and a four-time Big Ten Conference champion.

David Aaron Carr (born March 28, 1999) is an American freestyle and former folkstyle wrestler who competes at 165 pounds. In freestyle, Carr is a U20 World Champion and U17 World bronze medalist.

James Patrick Downey III is an American submission grappler, freestyle wrestler, and professional mixed martial artist who competes in the middleweight division. As an amateur wrestler, Downey competed at 86 kilograms and was a 2019 Pan American Games medalist and the 2019 US Open National champion. In college, he was an NCAA Division I All-American in 2016 for the Iowa State Cyclones and an NJCAA champion for Iowa Central Community College.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gable Steveson</span> American professional and freestyle wrestler

Gable Dan Steveson is an American professional wrestler, freestyle wrestler and folkstyle wrestler who is currently signed to WWE and is performing on the NXT brand.

Vitali Orujov is an American freestyle and former folkstyle wrestler who competes at 61 kilograms. In freestyle, he was the 2023 World Champion, Pan American champion and US National champion.

Aaron Marquel Brooks is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler who competes at 86 kilograms. In freestyle, he is qualified to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics, is a U23 World champion and US National champion, and was a U20 World silver medalist and U17 World champion.

Yonger Pauli Bastida Pomares is a Cuban freestyle and former folkstyle wrestler who competes at heavyweight for the Iowa State Cyclones. In freestyle, he is most notably a U23 and U20 World Championship medalist. In folkstyle, Bastida is an NCAA Division I All-American out of the Iowa State University.

A.J. Ferrari is an American freestyle wrestler and former folkstyle wrestler who competes internationally at 92 kilograms and collegiately at 197 pounds. He was previously signed by the WWE under its NIL program. In freestyle, he claimed a bronze medal at the 2018 Cadet World Championships and was the 2020 US junior national champion. In folkstyle, Ferrari is a NCAA Division I national champion and Big 12 Conference champion out of Oklahoma State University, and was the top-ranked high school wrestler at the time of his commitment. Ferrari left the OSU wrestling team after local police announced he was under investigation for sexual assault. On August 3, 2022, Ferrari was charged with felony sexual battery. On October 6, 2023, the case was dismissed, with the 15 month citation being closed by the plaintiff's lawyer, citing "vicious attacks" and "harassment" directed at the client as the principle reason.

Nicholas Boone Lee is an American freestyle and former folkstyle wrestler who competes at 65 kilograms. In freestyle, he is a Pan American champion and a US National champion.

Austin Klee Gomez is a Mexican-American freestyle and former folkstyle wrestler who competes at 65 kilograms. In freestyle, he is qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics and is a Mexico National champion.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "hawkeyesports wrestling club". hawkeyesports.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  2. Goodwin, Cody. "'Excuses are for wusses': Iowa's Spencer Lee wins his third consecutive national title on torn ACL". Hawk Central. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  3. Goodwin, Cody. "Wrestling: Iowa's Spencer Lee wins Senior Nationals, qualifies for 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials". Hawk Central. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  4. "Spencer Lee - Wrestling". University of Iowa Athletics. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  5. Goodwin, Cody. "Most dominant male college athlete in the country? Iowa wrestler Spencer Lee has a strong case". Hawk Central. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  6. "Spencer Lee Named NCAA's Most Dominant Wrestler". Go Iowa Awesome. 2020-03-24. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  7. "Three-time Pa. state champ Spencer Lee suffers first loss in final match". USA TODAY High School Sports. 2017-03-12. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  8. "Spencer Lee Wins Cadet World Freestyle Championship". PA Power Wrestling. 2014-07-19. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  9. "World Champion Spencer Lee Dominates Junior World Championships". PA Power Wrestling. 2015-08-15. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  10. "Spencer Lee the Comeback Kid Wins Third World Championship". PA Power Wrestling. 2016-09-03. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  11. "How Terry Brands recruited Spencer Lee to the Iowa Hawkeye wrestling program". Hawk Central. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  12. RossWB (2016-04-20). "Iowa Wrestling Lands Commitments From Spencer Lee and Gavin Teasdale". Black Heart Gold Pants. Retrieved 2020-04-03.
  13. Goodwin, Cody. "Hawkeye wrestling: Inside the decision to pull Spencer Lee's redshirt". Hawk Central. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  14. Leistikow, Chad Leistikow and Chad. "The most impressive part of Spencer Lee's title run? He kept getting better". Hawk Central. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  15. "Spencer Lee Wins NCAA Championship". University of Iowa Athletics. 2018-03-18. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  16. "Spencer Lee Named B1G Freshman of the Year". Hawkeye Heaven. 2018-03-06. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  17. "Big Ten wrestling 2019: Final team scores, championship results". www.thegazette.com. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  18. Goodwin, Cody. "Iowa's Spencer Lee repeats as national champion, defeating Virgina's Jack Mueller, 5-0". Hawk Central. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  19. "Spencer Lee Wins Senior National Championship, Qualifies For Olympic Trials". Go Iowa Awesome. 2019-12-23. Retrieved 2020-05-26.
  20. "NCAA Wrestling Championships canceled". InterMat. Retrieved 2020-04-03.
  21. Goodwin, Cody. "NCAA cancels Division I, II, III wrestling championships amid COVID-19 pandemic". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 2020-04-03.
  22. "Spencer Lee Wins Dan Hodge Trophy". University of Iowa Athletics. 2020-03-30. Retrieved 2021-03-29.
  23. Pilcher, K. J. "Iowa's Spencer Lee wins AAU James E. Sullivan Award". The Gazette. Retrieved 2021-03-29.
  24. "Injury Knocks Spencer Lee Out of Olympic Trials". HawkeyeNation. Retrieved 2021-03-29.
  25. Goodwin, Cody. "USA Wrestling announces that 2020 Olympic Trials are postponed". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 2020-05-26.
  26. Goodwin, Cody. "Wrestling: At HWC's Showdown Open, Jaydin Eierman adds signature win ahead of Iowa career". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  27. "Spencer Lee Wins NCAA Championship, Hawkeyes Capture Team Title". University of Iowa Athletics. 2021-03-20. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  28. Goodwin, Cody. "'Excuses are for wusses': Iowa's Spencer Lee wins his third consecutive national title on torn ACL". Hawk Central. Retrieved 2021-03-20.
  29. HawkeyeSports.com. "Spencer Lee Repeats as Hodge Trophy Winner". HawkeyeNation. Retrieved 2021-03-29.
  30. "Iowa Claims Big Ten Wrestling Title". bigten.org. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  31. Goodwin, Cody. "Iowa wrestler Spencer Lee won't compete at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Team Trials due to ACL injuries". Hawk Central. Retrieved 2021-03-26.
  32. Slackman, Samuel. "NCAA grants extra year of eligibility to winter sport student-athletes". The Daily Targum. Retrieved 2020-10-20.
  33. Goodwin, Cody. "Iowa wrestler Spencer Lee, a three-time NCAA champ, will miss the remainder of the 2021-22 season". Hawk Central. Retrieved 2022-03-09.
  34. "Spencer Lee nabs sixth career Big Ten Wrestler of the Week honors". Hawkeyes Wire. 2023-01-25. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  35. Kosko, Nick (2023-03-05). "Spencer Lee wins third Big Ten title, sets up for history at NCAAs". On3. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  36. "Iowa wrestler denied 4th straight title in stunner". ESPN.com. 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  37. 1 2 "Iowa's Spencer Lee medically forfeits out of NCAAs, ending college career | Trib HSSN". 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  38. "No More Registration Speculation: Spencer Lee Is On List For The U.S. Open - FloWrestling". www.flowrestling.org. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  39. "Spencer Lee withdraws from U.S. Open shortly after reaching semifinals". www.thegazette.com. Retrieved 2023-05-06.
  40. "Spencer Lee Registered For 2023 Bill Farrell - FloWrestling". www.flowrestling.org. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
  41. "Former Iowa wrestler Spencer Lee qualifies for Olympic Trials". Hawk Central. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  42. Roering, Kenna. "Six Hawkeyes place in top five at Senior Nationals, earn berth to 2024 Olympic Trials". The Daily Iowan. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  43. Maitra, Shayni (2024-02-24). "Pan American Championship: Spencer Lee Reigns His Dominance With a Quick Tech Fall for Gold". EssentiallySports. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  44. "2024 Pan American Wrestling Championships Results Book" (PDF). United World Wrestling. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 February 2024. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  45. "Spencer Lee, Jason Nolf advance to Olympic wrestling trial finals | Trib HSSN". 2024-04-19. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  46. "SESSION III: Spencer Lee wins battle of former Hawkeye lightweights to win 57 kg at U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Wrestling". www.themat.com. 2024-04-20. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  47. "Spencer Lee wins at US Olympic Team Trials, one step from qualifying for Olympic Games". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  48. ""Do You Want to Fight?" -Larry Lee - HWC". hawkeyewrestlingclub.com. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  49. Leistikow, Chad Leistikow and Chad. "Iowa's Spencer Lee talks Pokémon obsession, outstanding-wrestler controversy". Hawk Central. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  50. Wrestlestat.com. "Spencer Lee". WrestleStat. Retrieved 2020-04-23.