The NCAA wrestling season is intensifying as the championship match approaches in just a few weeks. Prominent figures such as Carter Starocci are set to depart from their respective teams after the season, concluding a notable five-year tenure. He dedicated those years to Penn State, where he consistently showcased his dominance on the mat. What did he say upon entering the current season?

“You can’t let winning affect who you are, you just remain driven to perfection. Most people when they get there, they lose some of that drive, they get satisfied. Success is not continuum, it’s momentary and unless you keep doing all of the things you have done but even more so, to continue to improve, and get better!” stated the four-time NCAA wrestling champion, who is now pursuing his fifth title. With Starocci set to transition out of the 184-pound weight class next year, it seems a particular wrestler from the Iowa Hawkeyes could be positioning himself for the championship, according to widespread speculations.

Indeed, I’m referring to Angelo Ferrari, who recently played a crucial role in helping the Hawkeyes clinch a hard-fought 21-16 victory against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. On X during the match, Justin Basch provided an update regarding Ferrari, saying, “What a W for Angelo Ferrari! Upsets #3 Dustin Plott 6-3 in OT. The Hawkeyes go up 17-11 over Oklahoma State.”

When the Hawkeyes wrestler triumphed over the Cowboys wrestler, his team was already in the lead. Did the wrestler share any reflections after his victory? Indeed, he did. “Going against my brother’s old team and the biggest rivalry in college wrestling, it was the best moment of my wrestling career so far, probably,” Ferrari remarked.

For Angelo, facing his brother’s old team was an intriguing matchup since his brother, AJ Ferrari, won the NCAA title with the Cowboys in 2021. In addition to this, he recognized the enduring rivalry between the Hawkeyes and the Cowboys within the NCAA wrestling arena. His participation in one of the season’s most significant matches marked a noteworthy milestone in his career. What was the crowd’s response to this victory?

Might sit on Carter Starocci’s throne

As the 184-pound weight class’ throne remains vacant following Carter Starocci’s absence next season, speculation is rife among fans regarding Angelo Ferrari’s potential as a championship contender. Statements such as, “Angelo wins a title next year!” highlight the passion of wrestling fans eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Hawkeyes star next year. Observing the Hawkeyes’ talent in his matchup against the Cowboys wrestler was truly enjoyable, and this fan remarked, “Angelo is the real deal. Freshmen of the week for sure.” In a similar vein, another supporter expressed their opinion, saying, “Dude deserved that win.” 

The 6-3 overtime victory of Angelo Ferrari against Dustin Plott was truly remarkable. What was Coach Tom Brands’ response? “He got ready to wrestle, a tribute to him. And then he got ridden and then he went to overtime, and then he was in some scrambles. He probably didn’t feel really good out there, but he had a lot of guts. He made it go his way … that’s a good example for a wrestling room,” remarked the coach regarding Ferrari’s latest performance.

With Ferrari now on the team, it’s clear he’s making a significant impact! This enthusiast expressed, “Pushing forward the entire time. That was impressive.” A fan highlighted an interesting observation, remarking, “One thing I learned tonight… is that this match shows how dominant Penn State is cause Oklahoma State is a great team and Iowa is putting it on them.”

The Iowa Hawkeyes concluded the season with an impressive record of 14 wins and just 1 loss. As the championship match approaches, supporters of the college program are poised to anticipate a comparable display of dominance from their wrestlers.