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Lee wrestles with upset bid
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Boise State freshman wrestler Nate Lee hopes to turn some heads next weekend at the NCAA tournament in Auburn Hills, Mich. Lee finished third at last month’s Pac-10 championships to punch his ticket for the chance to become an All-American.
It will be Lee’s first trip to nationals as he and teammate Tyler Sherfey vie for wrestling supremacy on a national stage.
“I’m ready to go and make some upsets over some guys that are ranked,” Lee said. “Anything can happen at the NCAA tournament and that’s what makes it so fun to compete in.”
After having red-shirted last year for the Broncos Lee has come on strong this season and has helped carry his team through a challenging schedule. Boise State wrestling coach, Greg Randall, believes Lee is ready for the challenge of competing with the best in the country.
“These guys have been working real hard to get here,” Randall said. “Nate will go out and compete hard and could surprise a few people. He has done some good things for us this season and we hope he can do well at nationals.”
At the Pac-10 Conference tournament last month Lee vanquished Luke Feist as the buzzer sounded to win 6-5. Lee held a 5-2 lead before Feist stormed back and evened the score 5-5. But Lee captured the win, which came by decision for second consecutive match to earn his spot at nationals.
“Going into the tournament I feel as though I’ve matured a lot more and I was ready to go in focused and compete hard,” Lee said. “It felt great to do this as a freshman and to be able to accomplish my goal I set at the beginning of the season.”
Lee has been hampered by injuries throughout the year, but for him, when it comes time to step out on the mat and compete there is no such thing as an injury.
“When I step out on the mat I’m not injured anymore,” Lee said.
“I’m just going to shut it out, give it my best, and walk off the mat proud of myself.”
The freshman does understand, however, that the season is lengthy and tedious and he must be cautious.
“The season is long and I’m starting to understand that more and more,” Lee said. “It’s a battle the whole way on the mat and in the practice room and I feel like I progress in there everyday and that is what is important to me.”
Before coming to Boise State Lee was a four-time regional and state champion in Arizona. Remarkably, Lee compiled a 196-3 record as a high school wrestler and mounted a 98.5 winning percentage, which is one of the most impressive in Arizona high school wrestling history.
After a challenging year on the mat for Lee and the rest of the Boise State wrestling team this season, those high school memories may seem long ago. But for Lee, he seeks validation next weekend with an opportunity to be named an All-American.
“That would wrap up the season pretty well for me,” Lee said.
“The season’s been pretty rough and I’ve taken my bumps and bruises so it would definitely be sweet.”
Lee will wrestle in the 174-weight class at next weekend’s tournament.
TATE CASTLETON
Sports Writer
