Fans were in awe of Franklin Regional's Spencer Lee the first time he stepped on the mat in a Panthers singlet.
Not much has changed in two and a half months.
Lee is an impressive 113-pound phenom that dominates his opponents with strength, tenacity and skill. It's led wrestling fans across the state to dub the 15-year-old Panthers freshman, “the next four-time PIAA champion.”
It's a nice compliment. But heading into this week's PIAA Wrestling Championships at Hershey's Giant Center, Lee isn't paying attention.
“I think I need to win one before I win the fourth one,” Lee said. “I won our section and a WPIAL title. Now, I hope to win my first state title.”
Lee is one of two freshman in his bracket, but he is the overwhelming favorite to be standing at the top of the podium Saturday night.
Rightly so. Lee has shown no nerves or chinks under the bright lights of the high school wrestling stage.
He came out of the box firing, winning the Walsh Ironman the second week of December. He was named Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament and solidified his spot as the No. 1 wrestler in the country at his weight according to intermatwrestle.com.
Since then, it's been pure domination. Lee's closest match this season was a 9-5 victory over Greater Latrobe's Ethan McCoy in a tournament Jan. 10. Twelve days later, he teched McCoy in a dual meet 19-4 in 4:22.
“I am pleased,” Lee said. “I have to thank my teammates and coaches for getting me where I need to be. They are the reason I'm successful.
“You look at Devin Brown, Michael Kemerer, Tyler Smith and Josh Maruca. Those guys kick my butt, and they are the reason I'm doing well.”
Doing well might be an understatement.
Lee has been called the lightweight Chance Marsteller in some circles because of the way he comes after his opponents. If you saw him wrestle, you may agree.
The Panthers standout wastes no time racking up points and is a closer. It's how he has built a 45-0 record with 27 pins and 10 tech falls.
More impressive is his maturity. He isn't full of himself and is willing to learn from coaches and teammates.
“He is a phenomenal, phenomenal wrestler,” Panthers head coach Eric Mausser said. “He has a lot of the same qualities as Nico Megaludis and a lot of great wrestlers like Marsteller. Those are the guys he has seen growing up.
“Spencer is a great kid. He is very polite and very coachable. Developmentally, he is like a senior, but we always have to remind ourselves he is a ninth grader.”
Lee, a polished speaker, isn't the type to compare himself to the likes of a Nico Megaludis, a three-time state champ from Franklin Regional that currently wrestles at Penn State. He is as humble and focused as he is good.
Instead, Lee is intent on getting better. He isn't concerned about records, rankings or who he wrestles. It's about that next win.
“To me, rankings don't mean anything,” Lee said. “It just shows me how hard I've worked over the season.
“It doesn't matter. Just because you are No. 1 in the country, it doesn't mean you're done. Anyone can win any given day. It just reminds me of my goals and what I want to achieve.”
You would think Lee would have some pressure heading to Hershey. There has been so much attention bestowed on him throughout the season.
That won't change this weekend. Especially with Marsteller and Thomas Haines looking to become four-time champs and Lee wearing the moniker of heir apparent.
“Nope, none,” Lee said. “What's the pressure for? I'm one of only two freshman in my bracket. I'm just excited to wrestle.
“No matter what you do, people want to see you take the next step. I just want to prove that I have the ability to win a state title as a freshman.”
Watch Spencer Lee in action:
* Spencer Lee vs. Nick Suriano, Bergen Catholic, N.J. (Intermat's No. 2 at 113) [Flowrestling.com]
* Spencer Lee vs. Luke Pletcher, Greater Latrobe (Intermat No. 1 at 120) [Flowrestling.com]
* Spencer Lee vs. Daton Fix, Sand Springs, Okla. (Intermat No. 3 at 113) Watch below: