Penn State wrestling got better yesterday with the addition of Rocco Welsh but not everybody seems to think Welsh has locked down a spot in the starting lineup.
Carter Starocci is done wrestling at Penn State. But he isn’t done posting on social media, and not long after Welsh’s commitment, Starocci sent a post that seems to reveal his feelings on Penn State’s 184-pound weight class.
“Zach Ryder all day baby 💪” the since-deleted post read.
It must be pointed out that Starocci didn’t say anything disrespectful toward Welsh but the post was interesting, especially considering it came in the immediate aftermath of Welsh’s announcement.
WHAT WELSH BRINGS
The impact of Welsh’s commitment to Penn State is obvious.
The guy was a national runner-up at 174 in 2024, falling to Starocci in the national final.
Although Welsh has had his most success in college wrestling at 174, he moved up a class between his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.This past season, Welsh wrestled unattached and went 15-0.
With Levi Haines, who took third for Penn State at 174, set to come back, and five-time champ Carter Starocci out of eligibility, 184 seems to be the most logical spot for Welsh.
Welsh was the victim in Starocci’s historic fourth national title win in March 2024.
Now, he could be winning titles for Penn State.
But don’t sell Ryder short, either.
WHAT RYDER BRINGS
Ryder can certainly hold his own. This guy was a four-time champ in high school, a U20 World Silver medalist and the No. 5 overall recruit in the Class of 2024. Yet, he might not have a starting spot next year.
One of the few downsides to having such a loaded wrestling room is that, sometimes, talented people are going to be left out. It looks like that will be the case for Penn State next season, whether it’s Ryder or Welsh.
