He’s made his decision, Penn State wrestling fans.
In an announcement that seemed unlikely at best last month, Carter Starocci made it official that he’ll be returning to Penn State for his final season of eligibility.
Starocci’s already a Penn State wrestling legend.
In late March, on a historic night in Kansas City, Starocci became the first wrestler in Penn State history and just the seventh overall to win four national championships. Within the hour, Starocci’s teammate, future Olympian Aaron Brooks, matched that feat. Brooks is out of eligibility, but Starocci announced via X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday night that he’s going to strive for something no man has ever accomplished: five national championships.
“My journey here at Penn State has meant the world to me,” Starocci’s post read. “When I stepped foot in the PSU wrestling room, I see a goal to dominate, and that’s what I’ve done for the past four years. Since being in Happy Valley, I have racked up 7 NCAA Championships— 3 team and four individual titles. Even though this is an individual sport, none of this would’ve been possible without the support of my teammates, coaches, staff and family. Each and every one of you has had a significant impact on me, and I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. God continues to bless me every day and I will continue to follow the plan guided through the Holy Spirit.”
Carter Starocci, Penn State 4x National Champion is Coming Back@pennstateWREST @NittanyLionWC @carterstarocci pic.twitter.com/VRAX3eVhhr
— Penn State/NLWC Fan (@NlwcFan) May 2, 2024
Starocci told reporters at last month’s Olympic Trials, held in Happy Valley, that he was “60-40” against coming back at the time he won his fourth national title but in the time since ha; become 60-40 toward coming back.
He said he’d make his decision within “a few weeks.”
He kept true to his word
Starocci, who won his fourth national title within a month of suffering a serious knee injury, wrote that he wanted to “end my collegiate career on my terms. Healthy, in style, and in a dominant fashion.”
