Carter Starocci bringing killer’s mindset into historic NCAA Championships

It’s shaping up to be another historic week for Penn State wrestling, with the program vying for its 13th national championship and the completion of its third four-peat in the last 14 seasons. But as the Nittany Lions hope to continue their reign of supremacy, four-time NCAA Champion Carter Starocci is looking to close out one of the most dominant college careers in the sport’s history.

When NCAA Championships kick off in Philadelphia this weekend, the superstar 184-pounder has the chance to take his place at the top of college wrestling lore. After becoming the sixth wrestler ever to win four individual titles last March, Starocci can become the first – and likely only – competitor to claim five NCAA Division I crowns.

But despite the stakes, Starocci plans to take the mat for the final time in his college career just as he has throughout his Penn State career: with a killer’s mindset.

“I was talking with Coach Cael about it last week. And for me, it’s never about winning like a national title or anything like that,” Starocci told reporters on Monday. “For me, I just really enjoy competition, and I’m very competitive. And so, for me, just one thing I want to make sure is that before I go, that I kill all these guys.”

Pandemic paves path for more Penn State wrestling history

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The opportunity, made possible by a global pandemic, is the result of Starocci’s sheer dominance since arriving in Happy Valley. The sixth-year senior is 117-4 in his Penn State wrestling career, with his two most recent losses coming via injury default at last year’s Big Ten Championships.

“We’re excited for Carter. I think Carter’s one of those guys that he’s given a great effort every single day – every day he trains, every competition,” Cael Sanderson said. “So, naturally, he’s going to be at his best in the biggest moments. He always has been.

“Yeah, it’s an unusual situation, right? I mean, he’s a four-time national champion. Four out of four. That’s kind of the ultimate goal for kids when they’re looking at NCAA wrestling. He’s just blessed to have another opportunity to do something that we hope never is again available. It’s just seizing the moment.

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“He has a pretty good mindset about it. I remember him last year saying, ‘You know, the other four-time guys probably could have won a fifth if they had a chance.’ Just a healthy perspective. And you say, ‘Well, maybe, but maybe not.’ It’s a different challenge. Nobody’s ever been in this position like he is. But I think he’s solid. And you just try to keep things simple, and you just kind of focus on what you can do with your hands, and your feet, and your brain, and just kind of let everything else work out. Carter’s a supreme competitor. He loves to compete.”

Starocci also has a chance to rewrite the Penn State wrestling record book early in this week’s tournament. Currently 20-0 in his career, Starocci is just two wins away from passing Ed Ruth for the most NCAA Championships wins in program history.

Starocci and the rest of the Nittany Lions will begin their quest for a national title this Thursday when the opening round of the NCAA Championships begins at noon on ESPNU.

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