Robbed? Carter Starocci Loses in Controversial Fashion

Penn State wrestling legend Carter Starocci rarely loses, so when he does, it’s big news.

It’s bigger news when he loses amid controversy, which is what happened Saturday afternoon.

Here’s what happened.

Starocci, facing another legend in Kyle Dake, was tied at three with Dake in the final seconds.

Because Dake led on criteria— which means he had the move that scored the highest amount of points— Starocci needed to score to win. He got what many felt was a takedown, but instead, the referee ruled that it wasn’t.

“What’s the call?” Christian Pyles, doing play-by-play- for FloWrestling, asked. “What’s the call? Time is up. They don’t do anything. They’re saying no takedown.

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As a result, Kyle Dake is doing to Final X next month, taking on Zahid Valencia at 86 KG with a spot on the World Team on the line.

The silver lining for Penn State wrestling fans is that Dake— a four-time national champ at Cornell and four-time world champ in freestyle— is one of their own. Although Dake didn’t wrestle at Penn State, he trains with Nittany Lion Wrestling Club.

Starocci, known for being outspoken, didn’t express any bitterness on social media after the bout.

“Man it’s super weird having your coaches coach against you 🤣 Dake deserved it, good job man and thanks for the help along the way,” Starocci posted to social media.