Spencer Lee's season in review: From 'free the Lee' to national champion

Spencer Lee became the first Iowa true freshman to win a national title since Lincoln McIlravy in 1993.

Earlier this season, there were questions about whether he'd even be competing this week at the NCAA Tournament in Cleveland.

Lee came to Iowa as a highly-touted recruit with a Cadet and two Junior freestyle world titles in tow, to go with three Pennsylvania state titles. But Iowa was considering redshirting him as he was coming off offseason surgery to repair an ACL torn in the middle of his senior year.

After Lee beat Rutgers' Nick Suriano 5-1 to capture the 125-pound national title Saturday night, let's take a look back at his freshman year.

First action

Lee made his collegiate debut as an unattached wrestler at the UNI Open on Dec. 9. He cruised to the 125-pound open division title with a technical fall and two first-period pins, showing signs of things to come.

Free the Lee

By the time the Midlands rolled around, Iowa fans were clamoring for Tom Brands and company to 'free the Lee' from his redshirt.

'Free the Lee, but you know what,' Brands teased media before the tournament. 'Lee's like Houdini, so he can free himself.'

What did that mean?

'I have no idea,' Lee responded. 'I think maybe he means I control my own destiny. Go with that.'

Lee was dominant on the first day in Chicago, but lost in the semifinals 3-1 to Oregon State's Ronnie Bresser.

Lee is free

Iowa announced during the week before a Jan. 5 home dual against Michigan State that Lee would get the nod at 125 pounds.

The redshirt was about to be shed.

'This seemed like the best time,' Lee said. 'We don't want to wait. There's no point in waiting. Might as well go out there, get some matches in and wrestle in a Hawkeye singlet.'