Carter Starocci Clears the Air Around His NCAA Return Situation After Claiming His 4th Title in a Row

The NLWC is one of the most prestigious and coveted wrestling programs in the country for a reason. With some national sensations calling Penn State their alma mater, the Nittany Lions enjoy a high status among its peers. And no one has been basking more in the spotlight in recent weeks than senior Carter Starocci. A historic 4th straight NCAA title, Starocci couldn’t have been in a better form.

After a spectacular display of skills on the mat that earned him a jaw-dropping 64-match winning streak in the regular season, Starocci was justifiably projected as a force to watch out for in the postseason. Now, with Carter facing the decision to ponder his options ahead, especially with the Olympic team trials arriving tomorrow, he will have to make the call about his chances of returning to the NCAA scene for one more year.

In a recent post on X by FloWrestling Starocci talked about the possibility of the NLWC benefitting from his expertise for another year. Upon being asked about his thoughts on returning to college next season, Starocci said, “I thought about it a little bit“. He mentioned that head coach Cael Sanderson is already thinking about what’s next after Penn State’s triumph at the 2024 NCAA Championship.

“I kind of laid out some of my thoughts….and he let some of his ideas out“, elaborated Starocci. He went on to reveal that a more articulate conversation will happen after the Team Trials, but he mentioned that this year’s incredible performance has him excited to see if he can push the boundaries further next year. “It’s up in the air,” grinned the national champ.

“I’ll make that decision, ” said the Penn State senior, without giving out too much about his plans and what fans can expect. As the Olympics beckons the nation’s elite wrestlers, that wasn’t all that Starocci had to talk about either.

Big plans ahead keeping Starocci busy

Only days ago, Starocci sent shock waves across the country’s wrestling fraternity after revealing his intentions to compete in the Olympic Team Trials in the 86kg weight class. While many fans were saddened at the thought of missing out on seeing him locking horns with Olympic gold medalist and six-time World Championships gold medalist Jordan Burroughs, Starocci’s latest move would also see him take on some true heavyweights. In the latest interview, he also mentioned that going forward 86kg might just become his regular category and he will also try to assert his dominance in his new pasture as well.

In the Team Trials, Starocci will face off against Pat Downey in his first bout with the likes of fellow Penn State wrestler Aaron Brooks waiting for him down the line. Interestingly, a verbal war between Starocci and Downey has already started raising the heat ahead of the match. To make matters even more exciting, Downey has vowed to teach Starocci a lesson on behalf of Burroughs! While the injury that forced Carter out of the 2024 Big Ten Championship looks to be losing its initial intensity, it waits to be seen if the star can punch the ticket to his maiden Olympics over the weekend.