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Pennsylvania wrestling club sending its first athlete to 2024 Olympics
By Riley Holsinger,
30 days ago
EBENSBURG, Pa. ( WTAJ ) — Young Guns Wrestling Club may be rooted in the heart of Central Pennsylvania but it’s well-known across the country for crafting champions.
The program has seen much success over the years, producing rising stars like Bishop McCort’s Bo Bassett and Jax Forrest, along with NCAA Champions like Penn State’s Jason Nolf and Vincenzo Joseph.
“It’s kind of crazy where it’s kind of grown over the years, but it’s been really special,” said Young Guns co-founder Jody Strittmatter.
This year, the club will send its first athlete to the Olympic Games in Spencer Lee. However, Lee’s storied career almost didn’t include a stop at Young Guns .
The then-Erie-based wrestler was looking to join a team for a dual tournament when his father Larry approached Strittmatter about a potential spot.
“I turned him down. I’m pretty dumb looking back at it,” Strittmatter joked. “We had a kid in our club that was training with us and (by staying loyal to him it) really turned his dad on to us. He’s like, ‘Wow, they are very loyal people, and they are going to take care of the kids who come to the wrestling club.'”
Spencer Lee (left) takes a photo with Jody Strittmatter (right) (Courtesy: Jody Strittmatter)
Franklin Regional’s Spencer Lee, left, has his hand raised in victory after defeating General McLane’s Joe Wheeling during their 113-pound finals match in the PIAA 3A wrestling championships in Hershey, Pa., Saturday, March 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Chris Knight)
Spencer Lee (right) takes a photo with Jody Strittmatter (left) after winning an NCAA Championship (Courtesy: Jody Strittmatter)
Spencer Lee, left, reacts after defeating Thomas Gilman during a 57-kilogram match at the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team Trials in State College, Pa.,, Saturday, April 20, 2024. Lee won the bout 8-2. (AP Photo/Jackson Ranger)
Shortly after, Spencer joined Young Guns , which helped propel him to win three world championships and three PIAA Championships at Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville. Collegiately, he won three NCAA Championships at Iowa , which is also where Strittmatter wrapped up his career in the early 2000s.
What truly amazes Strittmatter, though, is Spencer’s attributes that go beyond his tech falls and take downs.
“He’s just such a special kid on the mat (and) off the mat,” Strittmatter said. “(He’s) just an amazing role model (and) someone you want your kids around.”
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