If you want to become a new and improved wrestler, maybe what you need to do is take time off.

Just ask Reggie Lee.

Lee took a hiatus from Harvard last year, putting university life on hold. Now he has returned, at 197 lbs., with a more mature and disciplined attitude towards both wrestling and college.

Lee said his decision to leave was the right choice for him because he simply was not ready to grow up.

“I was able to get a lot out of my system,” Lee said of his time off. “I’d recommend it for anyone who feels confused or just needs a break.”

Lee said his departure was made easier with the support of coach Jay Weiss, who encouraged Lee to do what was best for him despite the fact the Crimson was hurting in the heavyweight class.

“I always do whatever is best for the individual,” Weiss said. “A year off gives [students] a chance to mature, respect academics more, and get a different perspective on things.”

Lee traded in his Harvard responsibilities for a whole different set of obligations. Instead of worrying about waking up for a nine o’ clock class for his history concentration, Lee had to make sure he arrived at work on time via his bicycle.

During his time away from school, Lee showed apartments with a real estate company based in Central Square. The experience opened Lee’s eyes to the world that awaits students after Harvard.

“It’s a lot different when you have to worry about paying bills,” Lee said.

The company employs several Harvard graduates who wrestled for the Crimson. Lee spent the year living with many of these former athletes in an Inman Square apartment.

Though Lee was not allowed to practice with the current team or at Harvard’s facilities, he worked out a great deal with his roommates and on his own. Their commitment to staying in shape helped him maintain his own level of fitness throughout the year.

“It was actually tougher being outside than being within the team atmosphere,” Lee said. “You’re not going to get any better [roommates] than I had.”

Lee’s transition back to Harvard was strange at first. The class with which he had entered had graduated, and he was now surrounded by many new faces. The change was made easier because his roommate Max Odom, who wrestles at 157 lbs., is also a fifth-year senior.

The squad welcomed Lee back by voting him to be their co-captain along with senior Jesse Jantzen.