SW Iowa Times

The top-ranked University of Iowa wrestling program was dealt a big blow to begin 2022 when it was revealed that redshirt senior Spencer Lee will require season-ending surgery.

According to the program, Lee, his family, and the Iowa coaching staff and medical team together made the decision for the 5-foot-3-inch, 125-pound Murrysville, Pennsylvania, native to undergo the procedure for his knee.

Lee took to Twitter to thank the coaches and medical staff for their support during his time in Iowa City and explain the circumstances around his injury.

“It was my goal to compete this year, for this team and with my teammates that I care so much about, but when I returned to competition it became clear I would not be able to perform as I did the prior year due to instability in both knees and extreme soreness during and after competition,” he tweeted on New Year’s Day.

Go Iowa Awesome reported that Lee has a history of knee injuries and ACL reconstructions.

As a high school senior, he tore the ACL in his right knee but wrestled through it on it through the remainder of the season, the website said.

He underwent reconstructive surgery after the completion of the season.

Lee’s victory in the 2019 NCAA Tournament final came with a price as he tore the ACL, according to Go Iowa Awesome.

Two years later, in last year’s Big Ten Tournament final, he tore the ACL in his left knee.

With his left knee unresponsive to rehabilitation, Lee eventually opted for surgery.

“It’s well documented my respect for Spencer Lee, this program’s respect (for him), my brother’s respect (for him and) respect for the family,” Iowa coach Tom Brands said, The Gazette reported. “You can’t say it enough, the sacrifices. You can’t say it enough, the courage that he has and will have and will have to have, regardless.”