Carter Starocci Returns to Penn State For 5th Year After Disappointing US Olympic Trials Setback

For anyone who follows the collegiate wrestling scene with a passion, the name of Carter Starocci is bound to evoke a sense of reverence that few others can match. Winning his fourth straight NCAA title, Starocci has flourished like no other under the tutelage of the veteran head coach Cael Sanderson. However, his time at the US Wrestling Trials went awry after his exit from the tournament in the quarterfinal round. But the NLWC wrestler might have something to offer his fans to compensate.

In his latest post on X, Starocci dropped a massive announcement, stating that his return to the Penn State campus for another year is confirmed. “Build a legacy that won’t be touched EVER. Penn State, Stand Up. Onward and Upward“: Starocci’s post aims to put the world on notice.

“I set a goal to dominate, and that’s what I have done for the past four years,” Starocci wrote in his post. The two-time Big Ten gold medalist said his reign at the top wasn’t easy this season, possibly hinting at his injury earlier this year. “I want to end my collegiate career on my terms.” Sanderson’s prized student didn’t beat around the bush about his intentions and seemed to be waiting to vent his frustrations from the US Olympic Trials on his opponents as the new season kicks off.

A stellar run came to an abrupt end on home soil but set to resume

Only days before his brief stint at the national wrestling trial, Starocci discussed about the possibilities of returning to Penn State for another year. However, at that time, understandably, the 23-year-old was more fixated on making ripples at the Bryce Jordan Center and itching to lock horns with the nation’s best figures in the 86kg category. His journey in the tournament wasn’t all too shabby either, with Carter picking up a 4-0 win over Pat Downey in the first round.

However, his hopes of making it to Paris in July were derailed after the 2023 Bill Farrell Memorial winner from NC State Trent Hidlay put a stop to his run. Justifiably, that was a hard pill to swallow for the reigning national champ, Starocci. However, fans might argue that Carter’s regular season was more than enough to establish him firmly as one of the best wrestlers ever to come out of Penn State with a stellar 64-match winning streak, the longest in the program’s history.

To make matters worse, Starocci suffered a crucial injury during the last match of the regular season, which many believe could have considerably affected his Olympic dreams. However, it looks like Starocci is finally ready to hit the mat once again, as he bellowed, “I will be returning to Penn State to bring another national title to State College, Pennsylvania.”