Pennsylvania Wrestling Club sends its first athlete to the 2024 Olympic Games

EBENSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Young Guns Wrestling Club may have its roots in the heart of central Pennsylvania, but it is known across the country for its champion challenges.

The program has been very successful over the years, producing rising stars like Bo Bassett and Jax Forrest of Bishop McCort, as well as NCAA champions like Jason Nolf and Vincenzo Joseph of Penn State.

“It’s kind of crazy how it’s grown over the years, but it’s really been special,” said Jody Strittmatter, co-founder of Young Guns.

This year, the club is sending its first athlete, Spencer Lee, to the Olympic Games. However, Lee’s illustrious career almost didn’t stop with the Young Guns.

The wrestler, then based in Erie, was looking to join a team for a dual tournament when his father approached Larry Strittmatter about a possible spot.

“I turned him down. Looking back, I’m pretty stupid,” joked Strittmatter. “We had a kid in our club who trained with us and (by staying loyal) really got his dad’s attention. He said, ‘Wow, they’re very loyal people and they’re going to take care of the kids that come to the wrestling club.'”

Shortly thereafter, Spencer joined the Young Guns, who helped him win three world championships and three PIAA championships at Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville. At the collegiate level, he won three NCAA championships at Iowa, where Strittmatter also finished his career in the early 2000s.

What really amazes Strittmatter, however, is Spencer’s skills beyond his technical falls and takedowns.

“He’s just a really special kid on the mat (and) off the mat,” Strittmatter said. “(He’s) just an incredible role model (and) someone you want to have around your kids.”

Strittmatter will travel to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris to support his former student.

“I’ll be a cheerleader,” Strittmatter said with a smile. “I’ll cheer him on and if he wins, that’ll be fantastic.”

If Spencer goes home with a gold medal, it will be because of some lessons he learned as a Young Guns wrestler.

“I would just take the medal off and put it around my coach or my parents’ neck and say, ‘This is for you,'” Spencer said.

The Young Guns Wrestling Club has locations in Pennsylvania, in Altoona, Ebensburg, Johnstown and Pittsburgh.