The journey back from injury isn’t just about recovery—it’s about proving you still belong. Shayne Van Ness, sidelined last year after an unfortunate injury, marked his return to competition at the NWCA All-Star Classic. Rec Hall buzzed with anticipation as Van Ness stepped onto the mat, finally ready to show off months of hard work. His 16-4 major decision victory against Ty Watters was a solid statement that he’s got a lot in the tank. 

But as triumphant as his return was, it wasn’t the night’s headline. Carter Starocci, with his jump to 184 pounds, managed to command the spotlight, leaving Van Ness in his shadow.

Shayne Van Ness’s journey back to the mat

Shayne Van Ness didn’t just wrestle his opponent—he wrestled his frustrations. Post-match, he reflected on the grueling recovery. “I was just really frustrated going through the process,” Van Ness admitted. “In the beginning, things were slow, but I just focused on one day at a time. The mantra that carried him through? A piece of advice from his high school coach: “At midnight, the day is over, and you forget about whatever happened—win, lose, or draw—and then you move on to the next day.” For Van Ness, this wasn’t just about wrestling. It was about life.

That same mindset fueled his aggressive start. A quick 6-0 lead in the opening minutes set the tone, and his relentless pace earned him a well-deserved win. The crowd cheered his triumphant return, and Van Ness seemed genuinely grateful, saying, “I’ve been waiting a year for this moment. I just can’t express how grateful I am.” But even with his win, his moment was muted within the larger narrative of the night.

As his quickness and major decision win showed him to be made of gritty stuff, the buzz quickly shifted elsewhere. The much-anticipated matchup between Starocci and Keckeisen, reigning champions going head-to-head, had surpassed the momentum Van Ness could build in his comeback.

Starocci’s move to 184 pounds takes center stage

If Van Ness’s return was the appetizer, Starocci was the main course. Carter Starocci didn’t just adapt to his new weight class—he thrived. Facing reigning 184-pound champion Parker Keckeisen, Starocci turned the exhibition match into a spectacle. Tied at 1-1 in overtime, Starocci found his opening. His single-leg takedown at the edge of the mat brought the crowd to its feet as he got the win in his comeback bout.

Starocci’s performance wasn’t just a win; it was a preview of what was to come. “If that match happens again, just make sure I’m ready to go put some more points on the board,” he quipped post-match, exuding confidence. Keckeisen, for his part, embraced the challenge, saying, “You get the opportunity to wrestle with the best guys. I’m going to take that opportunity 100 times.”

For Penn State fans, the night was an emotional rollercoaster. Van Ness’s return was inspiring, a testament to resilience and hard work. But Starocci’s performance was electric, proving why there is only one. The contrast between their journeys—one just beginning to rise again, the other continuing to dominate—gave the night a story worth remembering. Which return was more memorable for you? Tell us in the comment section below!