Seven Minutes with Spencer Lee presented by College Wrestler Recruiting

Seven Minutes is a series of interviews with top wrestling coaches and athletes. Most of the question-and-answer sessions last roughly seven minutes. Hence the name. Two-time NCAA champion and three-time age-level World champion Spencer Lee of Iowa is seeking his third NCAA title in three seasons. You can listen to the entire interview above or read the transcript below. 

If you could take what you know now and have a conversation with yourself at 15, what advice would you give yourself?

I think I was trying to get bigger. I probably would have just told myself to just focus on wrestling and not worry about weight or anything. I think I would have just told myself to focus on getting better and just enjoy your summer a little bit more.

Let's go back to recruiting when you were in high school. What do you remember about it? What were your top three schools and why did you pick Iowa?

My top three schools were Iowa, Penn State, and Ohio State. They were the only schools that I took visits to. My recruiting process was long and pretty tough for me. All three schools have a lot of great things to offer. I couldn't imagine not being in a place that didn't feel like home and Iowa just felt like home. I fell in love with the coaching staff and the team environment. It just felt right. And I was told by a lot of people in the recruiting process that you'll know when it is the place. That's kind of what happened to me.

If you could take one skill from any other wrestler and add it to your game, what do you think would benefit your wrestling most?

Probably a Burroughs double leg. I can't do that, but no one in the world can.

Let's say wrestling has one governing body and you're the president, what would you want to change?

I probably want more weight classes for an Olympic year -- at least two more. That's something that I would really advocate for because it is hard for a lot of countries because some guys can't go down and some guys can't go up. I think it helps the sport grow rather than remove participation in the Olympics. 

What is the last thing you tell yourself before you set your foot on the line?

I say things like ‘smart, hard, takedown, to turns, seven minutes or more if needed.’ Stuff like that. Just little reminders knowing that you can wrestle a full match hard and score lots of points. 

What is the greatest compliment someone could give you?

A great compliment people give me is that I'm not just a good wrestler but I'm also a good person off the mat. My dad told me when I was five or six years old that he would rather people go up to him and tell him I’m a good kid rather than a good wrestler. That saying still sticks true today. That’s the greatest compliment someone could give me: I’m not just a wrestler but I’m also a good person. 

What is the strangest thing that's ever gone through your mind during a wrestling match?

When I was younger, songs used to randomly play in my head. You’re thinking about the lyrics when you’re shaking hands with someone. That’s weird because I’m supposed to be focused and ready to go. Why are these lyrics in my head? 

What is the most interesting thing about you that has nothing to do with wrestling?

I play competitive Pokemon. I don’t compete much because, obviously, I can’t, but that’s probably the funniest thing about me.

You got a lot of buzz for that being your walkout song at nationals. Why did you pick that?

I mean, it's got good lyrics, right? ‘I want to be the very best, like no one ever was. To catch them is my real test, to train them is my cause.’

What is your greatest fear?

Not enjoying the sport. Not doing it because I love it. I guess it's fear of mine. I want to enjoy the sport for the rest of my life. And that's why I love it like I do. I hope nothing ever takes that away from me, and I don't plan on anything ever taking it away from me.

What is the best way to motivate Spencer Lee?

Be positive with everything.

 

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