The Lennox High School wrestling team held a Purple, Gold, and White practice on Wednesday, Dec. 23 in dedication to Austin Roberts, the Spencer, IA wrestler who suddenly passed away on Saturday, Dec. 19 during a championship match at his hometown tournament.
Roberts, a 6'4" senior, was wrestling in the final minute of the 220-pound title match when he asked for an injury time out. Roberts was struggling to catch his breath. He was tended to by an emergency repines team at the tournament and passed away later that night at the Spencer Hospital.
“Being part of the wrestling community you develop relationships unlike any other sport,” said LHS wrestling head coach Mike Smit. “When something happens inside this community if affects everyone. This practice was dedicated to the Austin Roberts Family to show the support we have for them and for the Spencer Community.”
Spencer’s wrestling coaches released a statement on Sunday “Our thoughts and prayers at this time are with his family—Travis, Lori, Melany, and Shae as they cope with this tragic loss. Thank you to everyone who has shown their support across the state and the nation,the wrestling family is one of a kind.”