Penn State wrestling star Carter Starocciย wanted to wrestle this weekend.
Coach Cael Sandersonย wanted something else.
After Penn State got done with an incredible nightโ placing seven in the Big Ten finalsโ Sanderson addressed a big topic, which was ย Starocci not competing due to injury.
Starocci took an injury default in both of his matches and thus didnโt get a chance to go for a third Big Ten title. His 64-match winning streak, which was the longest in the country, is also gone.
All of this happened due to Starocci suffering an injury in Penn Stateโs last dual meet of the season against Edinboro late last month. Sanderson explained why he held Starocci outย to Nate Cobler of the Centre Daily Times.
โThereโs just no reason, when he meets the criteria to get an at-large (bid), to put himself in a position to set himself back,โ Sanderson said.
That was predicable. But the rest of Sandersonโs answer, while not shocking, is more compelling.
โHe wanted to wrestle the whole tournament and was planning on wrestling the tournament,โ Sanderson said. โIt is really tough for him. Heโs having a hard time about this. Heโd wrestle if both of his legs were hurt. Heโs just so competitive. Heโs pretty upset…
Looking forward to a new chapter . Thank you Penn State forever .
— Carter Starocci (@carterstarocci) March 10, 2024
