The Penn State Wrestling program is on another thunderous roll! Boasting a tremendous 12-0 record, the NLWC are looking to make it four in a row at the NCAAs. Defeating Maryland by an impressive 35-10 tonight, they once again exhibited their determination to win the national trophy in a stellar style. However, sophomore Tyler Kasak‘s injury made many eyebrows furrow, but teammate Carter Starocci isn’t one to pay heed to the concerns too much.

Kasak, the 2023 All-American, has had his fair share of injuries in the 2024/25 season. But he didn’t let any of them stand in his way to victory. Until today, at least. At Penn State’s Rec Hall, Tyler had to concede the match to the visitor’s Ethen Miller in the 157lb bracket after a head injury. While fans seem to be distressed over how this could affect his future duals, Starocci believes the concerns don’t hold much merit. And seeing how his alma mater is also among the worried bunch, Carter is all the more annoyed.

Carter Starocci backs up his teammate without batting an eye

In his X post from February 9, the individual 4x NCAA champ shared his frustration over how Penn State’s social media account portrayed Tyler Kasak’s defeat at the hands of the Terrapins. Thanks to Kasak’s injury woes, Miller won the dual in the 157lb weight class in 4:21, and the official X handle of NLWC shared the update with the caption, “Tyler Kasak unable to continue, loses by injury default.” Carter Starocci wasn’t pleased. He slammed Penn State’s undermining of Kasak’s ability due to the injury, “The wording is horrendous.”

“Not a loss,” Carter reminded the Nittany Lions, that Tyler only succumbed to his own physical condition rather than being subdued by his opponent. Taking advantage of Kasak’s setback, Maryland trailed 14-10 at the break, until Penn State won all of the next five matches to emerge victorious. However, while Starocci vehemently opposes any statement that his colleague fumbled at the Rec Hall as nothing serious, there’s a reason why the wrestling fans are seeing red flags.

At last month’s match against Iowa, Kasak dominated Jacori Teemer emphatically. Lifting the Iowa athlete off the ground and throwing his fist into the air, Tyler proved he deserves to be the No. 1 ranked wrestler in the country in his weight class. But even then, the gash wound that bloodied his face wasn’t entirely reassuring. On February 7, when the NLWC again took on Michigan, Tyler suffered another injury but that didn’t stop him from winning against Zack Mattin.

Naturally with injuries becoming a regular affair for the 157-pounder, fans feel Tyler is at the top of his game regardless. But Starocci isn’t sold on the idea that Kasak isn’t doing just fine. But his reluctance to lend an ear to the criticism coming Tyler’s way might not stem from an entirely individual stance.

Penn State never fails to rally behind its stars

The camaraderie that reigns in the Penn State locker room is enough to make their opponents envious. Looking at the brotherhood, it’s no wonder that Carter Starocci deems it necessary to stand beside Tyler in his rough time. But it could also be Starocci’s way of giving back to the program that has never failed to support him. The strong bond between the athletes was highlighted last year when a Nittany Lion’s new recruit made up for Carter’s missed opportunity at the U20 World Championships Team Trials.

Zack Ryder, who had committed to Cael Sanderson’s team just days ago, defeated Iowa’s Gabe Arnold twice at the trials in June last year. With that, Ryder also, in a way, avenged Starocci’s missed opportunity to wrestle the Hawkeye’s star after he called the Penn State sensation “overrated” on social media. The fans were ecstatic to see the soon-to-be NLWC athlete take matters into his own hands to give Carter a reason to smile.

This year, Starocci, riding high on a 14-0 record, is looking determined to show that he’s capable, by backing up his NCAA claims by himself. And he has high hopes for his teammates’ prowess as well. With Starocci’s backing, do you think Tyler can bounce back and find his mojo before the 2025 NCAA D1 Championships? Tell us below!