Lee Wins U.S. Senior Nationals, Earns Berth to Olympic Trials

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FORT WORTH, Texas — University of Iowa junior Spencer Lee defeated Nathan Tomasello, 8-2, on Sunday in Forth Worth, Texas, to win the United States Senior Nationals title at 57 kg. 

Lee used a pair of takedowns in the opening two minutes and led 5-0 at the break. He gave up a takedown early in the second, but used a penalty point and a third takedown to come away an 8-2 winner. Lee was 5-0 in his first senior level tournament. He reached the finals by outscoring four opponents on Saturday, 44-4.

His top-five finish secured him a berth at the 2020 Olympic Team Trials, set for April 4-5 at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pennsylvania.   

Two-time Hawkeye All-American Sammy Brooks placed fifth in the 86 kg. bracket and also earned a berth at the Olympic Team Trials. Complete results are available at themat.com.