'Excuses are for wusses': Iowa wrestler Spencer Lee wins his third consecutive NCAA title on torn ACL

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — That's three for Spencer Lee.

And he did it without any functioning ACLs in his knees.

The Iowa's star lightweight collected his third consecutive individual NCAA title Saturday night, defeating Arizona State's Brandon Courttney, 7-0, in the finals at 125 pounds.

Afterward, Lee said during his post-match interview with ESPN that he wrestled this week with a torn ACL.

"Eight days ago, I tore my ACL in my other knee. I'm wrestling with no ACLs," Lee said. "Whatever, man. I didn't want to tell anybody, because excuses are for wusses.

"That was a tough tournament for me. I could barely wrestle. I could barely shoot. I can't sprawl. But you know what? I believe in my coaching staff and everybody who believed in me."

Makes what he did this week all the more impressive.

After a scoreless first period, Lee put up four points in the second thanks to an escape, a takedown and Courtney's third caution call. Lee added another takedown midway through the third period, and another point for riding time.

This week was another masterclass in domination from Lee. He outscored his five opponents 59-8, securing a technical fall and three major decisions to reach Saturday night's final. He's won 35 matches in a row, during which he's outscored his opponents by a whopping 430-40.

"Honestly, you're probably looking at a two-time Hodge Trophy winner," Iowa coach Tom Brands said.

Only four other wrestlers in NCAA history have won four NCAA titles. Spencer Lee could become No. 5 by winning No. 4 next season — hopefully after an offseason of healing.

Cody Goodwin covers wrestling and high school sports for the Des Moines Register. Follow him on Twitter at @codygoodwin.

This article originally appeared on Hawk Central: Iowa's Spencer Lee wins third NCAA wrestling title on torn ACL