Coach Speaks Out on Carter Starocci Argument for Hodge Trophy

It’s official: Carter Starocci has made history and won his 5th NCAA title, making him the first and possibly last wrestler in history to ever do so. Starocci has spoken on the incredible feat, saying, “Honestly, I know I’m a five-time champ, but it’s really just another match. … It’s always about the next one.” Which was also clear from his Instagram story the very next day, where he posted a picture of the Lions back at the gym. It’s true; it’s just another match, and he’s onto the next one.

But the truth is, it’s not just another match. It’s the first time in history where a wrestler has won five NCAA titles, and it is also the first time in history where anyone has had the chance. Because Starocci’s 2020 season was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, he got an extra opportunity to compete for the NCAA title. And now, that Starocci has bagged the fifth, he’s up for the Hodge Trophy along with fellow Lion Mitchell Mesenbrink, who won in the 165 lb category. The Hodge Trophy, often called the Heisman of wrestling, is awarded to the most dominant wrestler in the nation, factoring in pin rate, bonus-point victories, and overall impact on the sport.

However, not everyone is convinced that Carter Starocci’s fifth title should boost his Hodge Trophy case.

Leading the charge against Starocci’s Hodge Trophy case is wrestling coach Tyrel G, who has openly questioned the significance of his fifth title. Taking to Twitter (now X), he stated, “Every 4 timer would have been a 5 timer had they had 5 opportunities. It is no bigger of a deal and not a bigger accomplishment. Simply an eligibility quirk.” By this logic, Starocci’s achievement is more about circumstance than superiority, casting doubt on whether his dominance this season alone is enough to secure the award.

This perspective has fueled debate over whether Starocci’s dominance warrants the Hodge Trophy. Some argue his record speaks for itself, while others believe the award should favor those who reached similar success within a standard four-year window.

Impressive or inevitable? Carter Starocci’s fifth NCAA Title win

From his days at Cathedral Prep and Bad Karma Wrestling Club, it was clear Starocci wasn’t just another talented wrestler—he was a force of nature. His coaches saw it. His teammates saw it, and eventually Penn State’s Cael Sanderson saw it, then wasting no time recruiting the young wrestler.

Fast forward to this season, and Carter Starocci did exactly what everyone expected—he won! Starocci secured his fifth national title and cemented his status as one of the greatest to ever step on the mat. However, the question remains: Was his dominance this year alone enough to earn wrestling’s highest honor?

Yes, he talks a big game, and yes, people mistake that for arrogance. But he also trains like nobody’s business, changed his life and diet around at an early age to prepare him for a life devoted to wrestling and even faced the challenge this year of having to compete in a whole other weight class.

Of his son’s commitment to the sport, Chris Starocci said to the Daily American, “If his best friend is getting married and he’s the best man, but there’s something to do with wrestling, he’s not going to his best friend’s wedding,” Starocci Sr. said. “That’s just the way these guys are.” To Starocci, wrestling wasn’t just something he was good at; it was his way forward. And in the same interview, Chris makes note that though his son was talented at football, he knew wrestling was going to pay his way through college, so Carter Starocci, in a way, knew he had to be a champion.

And whether or not Tyrel G. is impressed by Starocci’s fifth title, his fourth is unarguably worth honoring, as he joins only five other four-title holders, including his coach, Cael Sanderson!