PHILADELPHIA — On March 22, 2025, Carter Starocci, a graduate student wrestler at Penn State, achieved an unprecedented milestone in NCAA history by becoming the first five-time national champion in college wrestling. In a thrilling match at the Wells Fargo Center, Starocci defeated Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa with a narrow score of 4-3, cementing his legacy as one of the foremost athletes in the sport.
This historic victory not only marked a personal achievement for Starocci but also significantly impacted the Penn State wrestling program, which secured its 12th national title in 14 years. The Nittany Lions also set a new NCAA team points record, scoring 173 points — surpassing the previous record of 172.5 points, also held by Penn State. In a remarkable feat, all ten members of the Penn State wrestling team earned All-American status for the first time in the program's history.
Starocci’s journey to this monumental win has been marked by both dominance and adversity. His wrestling career began in earnest in 2021 when he first took the mat against DJ Washington of Indiana, where he faced one of only two full-length match losses in his collegiate career. However, he quickly rebounded, securing his first national title that same year, avenging a loss to Iowa's Michael Kemerer in the Big Ten finals.
He followed up with undefeated seasons in 2022 and 2023, capturing titles against formidable opponents such as Virginia Tech's Mekhi Lewis and Nebraska's Mikey Labriola. In 2024, Starocci encountered challenges due to a knee injury sustained during a match against Joey Arnold of Edinboro, which forced him to take medical forfeits at the Big Ten tournament. Despite this setback, he triumphed at the NCAA Championships, winning a fourth title against both Lewis and Shane Griffith of Michigan.
As Starocci entered the tournament for 2025, the goal was clear — no Division I wrestler had ever claimed five national titles, and this opportunity arose partly because of a COVID-19 eligibility waiver that allowed him to compete for an additional year. His determination and competitive spirit shone through during his final title match against Keckeisen, the reigning champion at 184 pounds.
The match was intense, with both wrestlers registering minimal points early on. The opening period ended scoreless, and by the second period, the only score came from a Starocci escape. It was in the third period that Starocci seized the moment, executing a decisive takedown following a scramble initiated by Keckeisen. Although Keckeisen managed an escape, he couldn't reclaim the lead, and Starocci's victory was sealed.
“It’s just something that comes along,” Starocci reflected on his historic achievement. “I’m not going to downplay the opportunity. Obviously, I’m here doing it, so it obviously means a lot to me.” In moments of reflection, Starocci displayed humility, deferring the credit for his success to his coach, Cael Sanderson, who himself is regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. “We have the greatest wrestler to ever walk the earth as our head coach,” Starocci said. “That will always humble you up real quick.”
After the championship match, Starocci finished his NCAA career with a remarkable 104-4 record, boasting an impeccable 25-0 record at NCAA tournaments over the years.
His coach, Cael Sanderson, who holds a perfect collegiate record of 159-0, has instilled in Starocci the understanding that while records are significant, the true essence of wrestling lies in its enduring nature. “It’s here tomorrow, then it’s gone the next day,” Starocci emphasized. “What are you doing now, today?”
The 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships has brought to light not only Starocci's extreme dedication to the sport but also the future of the Penn State wrestling program, which continues to thrive under Sanderson’s mentorship. As Starocci moves on from collegiate wrestling, his legacy will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of wrestlers looking to make their mark in the sport.
