Return of The Kid: Spencer Lee Makes Season Debut
Pennsylvania’s top wrestler #1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional) has made his season debut. The Franklin Regional junior has been sidelined since September with a shoulder injury that he suffered prior to winning a UWW Junior World Championship in Freestyle.
“The Kid” was cleared to return to the mat by doctors last week and weighed in with the Panthers at the Sharon Duals on Saturday. Spencer received a forfeit at 120 lbs. in his only appearance for the Panthers who went undefeated on the day (5-0). The win officially kicked-off Lee’s run at his third WPIAL and PIAA State Championship crown. The 2x World Champion now owns a career record of (98-0) inching him closer to the century mark.
Lee’s return puts Franklin Regional head coach Eric Mausser in a difficult position for tonight’s WPIAL Team Tournament match-up with Trinity. The reigning 2x PIAA State Dual Team Champions have been hit hard by the injury bug this season with #2 Gus Solomon officially being ruled out for the remainder of the season. The Panthers are favored against the Trinity Hillers who themselves are getting over some key injuries. It is unlikely that Lee will get the nod in the first round but if Franklin Regional advances they will face the winner of #24 North Allegheny and #16 Waynesburg Central directly following. Regardless of the opponent Franklin Regional will need a strong performance to advance into the WPIAL Team Tournament semifinals.
Described by those closest to him as the hardest working athlete they have ever seen, Spencer undoubtedly wants to compete straight away for the Panthers and assist them in their quest for spot in the PIAA State Dual Team Tournament. Whether Spencer sees action tonight or not the good news for wrestling fans is Spencer Lee has returned to wrestling. This is bad news for those wrestlers at 120 lbs. where Spencer appears to be stronger than ever. During his recovery period Spencer studied film, helped coach his teammates, and trained hard at each level. Graduating from the recumbent bike, to the treadmill, and to drilling with one arm. Now fully cleared expect Spencer Lee to be hungrier than ever.
Welcome back Spencer. The wrestling world missed you.