Penn State wrestling star Carter Starocci to compete at NCAA Championships

Penn State wrestling won its second consecutive Big Ten Championship over the weekend. The Nittany Lions dominated the field, with five individual champions and nine wrestlers finishing within the top three in their weight classes. The elephant in the room, however, was Carter Starocci, who injury defaulted out of the tournament on Saturday. There’s been much speculation in recent days about the 174-pounder’s future, including if he would even risk putting on the Blue and White singlet again. On Monday, the Nittany Lions star erased all doubt, announcing his plans to wrestle at the NCAA Championships next weekend.

Carter Starocci to compete in NCAA Championships

Uncertainty has swirled around Carter Starocci in recent weeks. The Penn State wrestling star injured his leg in the final regular season dual on February 25. Even with positive updates coming from Cael Sanderson and the Nittany Lions camp, Starocci took the expected route over the weekend to medically forfeit out of the Big Ten Championships to prepare for Nationals. 

However, a visibly upset Starocci didn’t seem to fully agree with the decision made by the Penn State coaching staff. “Looking forward to a new chapter. Thank you, Penn State, forever,” Starocci posted on social media after evidently leaving the conference tournament and returning to State College Saturday night.

“It is really tough for him. He’s having a hard time about this,” Cael Sanderson said of his star’s desire to compete in the Big Ten Championships. “He’d wrestle if both of his legs were hurt. He’s just so competitive. He’s pretty upset, but there’s just no reason, when he meets the criteria to get an at-large [bid at Nationals], to put himself in a position to set himself back. He’s not happy with me, but that’s why he’s Carter Starocci.”

But after some time to cool down from an emotional weekend, it appears that the senior has made a decision about his Penn State wrestling career. “Big Ten title is cool, but NCAA title is cooler. Next Chapter: Kansas City,” Carter Starocci wrote, solidifying his plans to wrestle at the NCAA Championships.

Big ten title is cool but NCAA title is cooler.

Next chapter: Kansas City

— Carter Starocci (@carterstarocci) March 11, 2024

Penn State wrestling star going for four NCAA titles

Alongside teammate Aaron Brooks, Carter Starocci will look to be the sixth wrestler in NCAA history to win four National Championships. This is a milestone that only the greatest in the sport have reached, including his head coach, Cael Sanderson.

Starocci’s road to a fourth NCAA title will look much different than we anticipated three weeks ago. Rather than earning the No. 1 seed at 174 pounders, the senior will get an at-large bid and will have to work his way through the bracket. But if there’s anyone who likes a good fight, it’s Carter Starocci.

The NCAA Championships will begin Thursday, March 21, and will be broadcast on ESPNU/ESPN+.

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