# Carter Starocci

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American wrestler (born 2001)

Carter Starocci Personal information Born (2001-02-08) February 8, 2001 (age 25) Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S. Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) Sport Country United States Sport Wrestling Weight class 174 lb (79 kg) Events Freestyle and Folkstyle Club Nittany Lion Wrestling Club Coached by Cael Sanderson

**Carter Alphonse Starocci** (born February 8, 2001) is an American [freestyle](/source/Freestyle_wrestling) and former [folkstyle wrestler](/source/Collegiate_wrestling) who competes at [184 pounds](/source/Wrestling_weight_classes#Men's_freestyle_wrestling).[1] In freestyle, he was a [U23 World bronze medalist](/source/2022_U23_World_Wrestling_Championships_%E2%80%93_Men's_freestyle_79_kg) in 2022.[2]

In folkstyle, Starocci is the only [five-time NCAA Division I National champion](/source/NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships#Five-time_individual_champion) in history, and was a three-time [Big Ten Conference](/source/Big_Ten_Conference) champion out of the [Pennsylvania State University](/source/Pennsylvania_State_University).[3]

## Career

### High school

Starocci was born and raised in [Erie, Pennsylvania](/source/Erie%2C_Pennsylvania), where he started [wrestling](/source/Scholastic_wrestling) at the age of three. Raised [Catholic](/source/Catholic_Church), he attended [Cathedral Preparatory School](/source/Cathedral_Preparatory_School).[4][5] During his [high school](/source/High_school_wrestling) years, Starocci became a two-time [PIAA](/source/Pennsylvania_Interscholastic_Athletic_Association) Class AAA state champion and four-time state placer.[6][7] In [freestyle](/source/Freestyle_wrestling), he placed at multiple national tournaments and was a Fargo National champion as well as in [Greco-Roman](/source/Greco-Roman_wrestling).[8] One of the top-recruits in the country, Starocci committed to wrestle for the [Penn State Nittany Lions](/source/Penn_State_Nittany_Lions_wrestling), and closed out his high school career at 172–10.[9]

### Pennsylvania State University

#### 2019–2020

Starocci wore a [redshirt](/source/Redshirt_(college_sports)) during his first year in college, racking up an unbeaten 19–0 record and titles from the Southern Scuffle, the Edinboro Open, the Patriot Open and the Clarion Open while wrestling unattached.[10]

#### 2020–2021

Competing as a [freshman](/source/Freshman), Starocci recorded a 6–1 mark in dual meets during regular season, with a lone loss to DJ Washington though a notable victory over All-American Logan Massa.[11] At the [Big Ten Conference](/source/Big_Ten_Conference) Championships, Starocci placed second, falling to Michael Kemerer from [Iowa](/source/Iowa_Hawkeyes_wrestling) after defeating [Nebraska's](/source/Nebraska_Cornhuskers_wrestling) All-American Mikey Labriola to cruise to the finals.[12] Starocci, the third-seed, then became the [NCAA Division I National](/source/2021_NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships) champion with a series of back-to-back wins, and a rematch-victory over Kemerer in the finals to top it off.[13]

After the season, Starocci went up 13 pounds and competed at the [US Olympic Team Trials](/source/2020_US_Olympic_Team_Trials_(wrestling)) at 86 kilograms, having qualified by becoming an [NCAA champion](/source/2021_NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships) a month before.[14] He was eliminated after losing back-to-back matches to [U23 World champion](/source/2019_U23_World_Wrestling_Championships) [Bo Nickal](/source/Bo_Nickal) and [NCAA](/source/2016_NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships) champion [Myles Martin](/source/Myles_Martin).[15]

#### 2021–2022

In September 2021, Starocci competed at the [US World Team Trials](/source/2021_US_World_Team_Trials_(wrestling)) at 79 kilograms, where after falling in the first round to US National champion Taylor Lujan, he racked up wins over the likes of [teammate](/source/Nittany_Lion_Wrestling_Club) and [three-time NCAA champion](/source/NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships#1999–2024) [Jason Nolf](/source/Jason_Nolf) and All-Americans [Chance Marsteller](/source/Chance_Marsteller) and [Evan Wick](/source/Evan_Wick).[16]

Back to folkstyle, Starocci went 15–0 in dual meets as a [sophomore](/source/Sophomore), grabbed his first Big Ten Conference title and became a back-to-back [NCAA Division I National](/source/2022_NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships) champion with victories over fellow [NCAA champion](/source/2019_NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships) [Mekhi Lewis](/source/Mekhi_Lewis), three-time All-American Hayden Hidlay and two-time All-American Michael Kemerer, closing out the year at 25–0.[17]

He then competed at the US World Team Trials Challenge Tournament in May, where after falling to US National runner-up Chance Marsteller in a rematch, Starocci defeated three straight opponents, including [Dan Hodge Trophy](/source/Dan_Hodge_Trophy) winner [Alex Dieringer](/source/Alex_Dieringer) and three-time All-American David McFadden, to place third.[18] A true-third match against fellow two-time NCAA champion Vincenzo Joseph was set to take place in June at Final X NYC, however, Joseph forfeited the match and Starocci earned a US National Team spot, which qualified him for the [U23 World Championships](/source/2022_U23_World_Wrestling_Championships).[19]

In October, Starocci became a U23 World bronze medalist, with wins over [U20 World](/source/2019_World_Junior_Wrestling_Championships) medalist Abdulvasi Balta and [U23 European](/source/2021_European_U23_Wrestling_Championships) medalist Valentyn Babii though a close loss to Daulet Yergesh in the semi-finals.[2]

#### 2022–2023

Back to folkstyle, Starocci went 16–0 in dual meets during regular season, claimed the [Big Ten title](/source/2023_Big_Ten_Wrestling_Championships_%E2%80%93_174_lbs) and became a three-time [2023 NCAA Division I National](/source/2023_NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships) champion.[20] He closed up the year at 24–0, with five victories over All-Americans.[21]

In April, Starocci reached the semi-finals of the US Open National Championships with a dominant win over four-time All-American Michael Kemerer, though was defeated by [three-time NCAA champion](/source/NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships#1999–2024) [Alex Dieringer](/source/Alex_Dieringer) in a rematch, and subsequently dropped out of the tournament to place sixth.[22]

#### 2023–2024

A [senior](/source/Senior_(education)), Starocci came in the season looking to become the sixth [four-time NCAA champion](/source/NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships#Four-time_NCAA_champions) in history, and looked fit to do so after picking up nine dual meet victories and a Journeymen Classic title.[23] However, he suffered a knee injury right at the end of his last dual meet, and was forced to medical forfeit out of the Big Ten Championships, though earned an at-large bid to the [NCAA tournament](/source/2024_NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships) due to past accomplishments.[24] After two forfeits which counted as losses, Starocci, the ninth-seed, earned four straight victories, including two over past NCAA champions [Mekhi Lewis](/source/Mekhi_Lewis) and Shane Griffith, before cruising to the finals and defeating Rocco Welsh to become a four-time NCAA champion.[25]

Starocci then competed at the [US Olympic Team Trials](/source/2024_United_States_Olympic_trials_(wrestling)) in April, where he was expected to cut down to 74 kilograms, though ended up going up to 86 kilograms.[26] After a win over US National champion [Pat Downey](/source/Pat_Downey_(wrestler)), he was defeated by [U23 World](/source/2022_U23_World_Wrestling_Championships) finalist Trent Hidlay, and later forfeited out of the tournament to end his run.[27]

#### 2024–2025

Starocci was given an extra year of eligibility as an athlete who competed during the COVID-affected 2020-21 season. He won the Big Ten Tournament in March and was named the Big Ten Wrestler of the Year.[28] He would go onto win the [NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships](/source/NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships) later in March, becoming the first ever [five-time NCAA Division I National champion](/source/NCAA_Division_I_Wrestling_Championships#Five-time_individual_champion).[29]

## Freestyle record

Senior Freestyle Matches Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event Location Loss 17-9 Nate Jackson 2-7 October 25, 2025 RAF 02 State College, Pennsylvania 2025 US World Team Trials at 86 kg Win 17–8 Parker Keckeisen 4–3 June 14, 2025 2025 Final X Newark, New Jersey Loss 16–8 Kyle Dake 3–3 May 16–17, 2025 2025 US World Team Trials Challenge Louisville, Kentucky Win 16–7 Chance Marsteller 4–2 2024 US Olympic Team Trials DNP at 86 kg Loss Evan Wick FF April 19, 2024 2024 US Olympic Team Trials State College, Pennsylvania Loss 15–7 Trent Hidlay 4–6 Win 15–6 Pat Downey 12-4 2023 US Open 6th at 79 kg Loss Alex Marinelli FF April 27, 2023 2023 US Open National Championships Las Vegas, Nevada Loss 14–6 Alex Dieringer 1–7 Win 14–5 Michael Kemerer 9–0 Win 13–5 Jay Nivison TF 10–0 Win 12–5 Sean Houston TF 10–0 2022 U23 World Championships at 79 kg Win 11–5 Valentyn Babii TF 11–0 October 21–22, 2022 2022 U23 World Championships Pontevedra, Spain Loss 10–5 Daulet Yergesh 7–8 Win 10–4 Abdulvasi Balta TF 11–0 Win 9–4 Erik Reinbok TF 10–0 Win 8–4 Oktay Hasan TF 11–0 2022 US World Team Trials at 79 kg Win Vincenzo Joseph FF June 8, 2022 2022 Final X NYC New York City Win 7–4 David McFadden 10–2 May 21–22, 2022 2022 US World Team Trials Lincoln, Nebraska Win 6–4 Alex Dieringer 5–1 Win 5–4 Brayden Thompson 10–1 Loss 4–4 Chance Marsteller 4–5 2021 US World Team Trials at 79 kg Win 4–3 Jason Nolf 4–3 September 11–12, 2021 2021 US World Team Trials Lincoln, Nebraska Win Isaiah Martinez FF Win 3–3 Evan Wick 8–4 Win 2–3 Chance Marsteller 4–0 Win 1–3 Branson Ashworth 7–3 Loss 0–3 Taylor Lujan 4–6 2020 US Olympic Team Trials DNP at 86 kg Loss 0–2 Myles Martin 2–5 April 2, 2021 2020 US Olympic Team Trials Fort Worth, Texas Loss 0–1 Bo Nickal 1–6

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Carter Starocci – Wrestling"](https://gopsusports.com/sports/wrestling/roster/carter-starocci/15272). *Penn State Athletics*. Retrieved March 24, 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_2-1) ["Nittany Lion Wrestler Carter Starocci Wins Bronze at U23 Worlds"](https://gopsusports.com/news/2022/10/22/wrestling-nittany-lion-wrestler-carter-starocci-wins-bronze-at-u23-worlds.aspx). *Penn State Athletics*. October 22, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Starocci & Brooks become four-time NCAA DI champions, Carr wins his second, Penn State is team champ again"](https://www.themat.com/news/2024/march/23/starocci-brooks-become-four-time-ncaa-di-champions-carr-wins-his-second-penn-state-is-team-champ-again). *themat.com*. March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Pickel, Greg (March 10, 2019). ["Penn State commit Carter Starocci finishes prep career in style with second straight PIAA title"](https://www.pennlive.com/highschoolsports/wrestling/2019/03/carter-starocci.html). *pennlive*. Retrieved March 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Wrestler Carter Starocci"](https://franoi.com/athletic-achievers/wrestler-carter-starocci/). *Fra Noi*. Retrieved March 23, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [Erie Cathedral Prep Ramblers Wrestling : Carter Starocci](https://www.pa-wrestling.com/hs/teams/eriecathedralprep/athlete_stats.htm?id=112059). *PA-wrestling.com*. Retrieved August 4, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Allen, Zach (April 19, 2023). ["How a 2-month isolation transformed Carter Starocci's wrestling career"](https://www.psucollegian.com/sports/wrestling/how-a-2-month-isolation-transformed-carter-starocci-s-wrestling-career/article_05e130b6-de3c-11ed-93c5-a720bca75c06.html). *The Daily Collegian*. Retrieved March 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Dudley, John. ["Mental toughness drove Prep's Starocci to double win in Fargo"](https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2017/07/29/mental-toughness-drove-prep-s/18377454007/). *Erie Times-News*. Retrieved March 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Prep state champ Starocci commits to Penn State"](https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2018/11/10/prep-state-champ-starocci-commits/8291028007/). *Erie Times-News*. Retrieved March 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Carter Starocci Champ at 174 as Three True Freshmen Shine at Southern Scuffle"](https://gopsusports.com/news/2020/1/2/wrestling-carter-starocci-champ-at-174-as-three-true-freshmen-shine-at-southern-scuffle.aspx). *Penn State Athletics*. January 2, 2020. Retrieved March 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Tolson, Max (January 30, 2021). ["No. 3 Penn State Wrestling Wins Narrowly Over Indiana 24–15"](https://onwardstate.com/2021/01/30/no-3-penn-state-wrestling-wins-narrowly-over-indiana-24-15/). *Onward State*. Retrieved March 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Penn State's Carter Starocci advances to Big Ten title match Sunday"](https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/college/2021/03/06/penn-states-starocci-advances-big-ten-semifinals-saturday-night/4603682001/). *Erie Times-News*. Retrieved March 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Cathedral Prep graduate Carter Starocci of Penn State wins national title as freshman"](https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/college/2021/03/20/penn-state-wrestler-upsets-top-ranked-michael-kemerer-174-pounds/4786857001/). *Erie Times-News*. Retrieved March 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Cathedral Prep grad Starocci, David Carr, son of Nate Carr, to wrestle in Olympic Trials"](https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/college/2021/04/01/cathedral-prep-grad-starocci-psu-wrestle-u-s-olympic-trials/7052753002/). *Erie Times-News*. Retrieved March 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Carter Starocci, David Carr eliminated in U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials"](https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/2021/04/02/wrestling-united-state-olympic-trials-starocci-face-penn-state-3-time-ncaa-champ-nickal/4849698001/). *Erie Times-News*. Retrieved March 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Burroughs earns spot on U.S. world team for 8th time in freestyle"](https://ctwrestling.com/2021/09/burroughs-earns-spot-on-u-s-world-team-for-8th-time-in-freestyle/4329/). Connecticut Wrestling Online. September 13, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Penn State's Carter Starocci repeats as NCAA wrestling champion at 174 pounds"](https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/college/2022/03/20/penn-state-carter-starocci-repeats-as-ncaa-wrestling-champion-174-pounds-mekhi-lewis-nittany-lions/65345536007/). *Erie Times-News*. Retrieved March 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["2022 World Team Trials Challenge Tournament"](https://www.nittanylionwrestlingclub.com/news/2022-world-team-trials-challenge-tournament). *Nittany Lion Wrestling Club*. Retrieved March 26, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["On Campus: Erie's Carter Starocci to wrestle for US in U23 World Championships"](https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/college/2022/06/12/erie-area-on-campus-eries-carter-starocci-to-wrestle-for-us-in-u23-worlds-penn-state/65359814007/). *Erie Times-News*. Retrieved March 26, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Starocci and Brooks Win individual Titles for National Champion Wrestling Team"](https://gopsusports.com/news/2023/3/18/wrestling-starocci-and-brooks-win-individual-titles-for-national-champion-penn-state.aspx). *Penn State Athletics*. March 18, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Wogenrich, Mark (March 19, 2023). ["NCAA Wrestling: Penn State Crowns 2 Three-Time Champs"](https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/wrestling/penn-state-wrestling-ncaa-2023-wrestling-championships-finals). *Sports Illustrated*. Retrieved March 26, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Penn State Wrestling Shines at the 2023 U.S. Open"](https://gopsusports.com/news/2023/4/30/penn-state-wrestling-shines-at-the-2023-us-open.aspx). *Penn State Athletics*. April 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Wogenrich, Mark (March 18, 2024). ["For Penn State Wrestling, Destiny Awaits at NCAA Championships"](https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/wrestling/ncaa-wrestling-championships-penn-state-carter-starocci-aaron-brooks-cael-sanderson-four-time-ncaa-champs). *Sports Illustrated*. Retrieved March 26, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Carlson, Jim (March 12, 2024). ["Penn State wrestler Carter Starocci earns at-large bid to NCAAs; Nittany Lions to host Big Tens in 2026"](https://www.pennlive.com/penn-state-wrestling/2024/03/penn-state-wrestler-carter-starocci-earns-at-large-bid-to-ncaas-nittany-lions-to-host-big-tens-in-2026.html). *pennlive*. Retrieved March 26, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Penn State's Carter Starocci, Aaron Brooks join exclusive club of 4-time NCAA wrestling champs"](https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/penn-states-carter-starocci-aaron-brooks-join-exclusive-club-of-4-time-ncaa-wrestling-champs-3/). *CBS Pittsburgh*. March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["NCAA Session I Notes: 10 entries already qualified for Olympic Trials; can Fix win on fifth try?"](https://www.themat.com/news/2024/march/21/ncaa-session-i-notes-10-entries-already-qualified-for-olympic-trials-can-fix-win-on-fifth-try-). *themat.com*. March 21, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Sports, Shane Thomas CNHI Pennsylvania (April 23, 2024). ["Penn State's Starocci speaks on his future after Olympic Trials"](https://www.dailyitem.com/sports/penn-state-s-starocci-speaks-on-his-future-after-olympic-trials/article_f8b192cc-0104-11ef-a80f-8709dc9c0f5f.html). *The Daily Item*. Retrieved April 24, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["Penn State Wins 2025 Big Ten Wrestling Championships"](https://bigten.org/wrest/article/blt2a31b77d6cd669d3/). *Big Ten Conference*. March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 22, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Wogenrich, Mark (March 22, 2025). ["Penn State's Carter Starocci Wins Landmark 5th Title at NCAA Wrestling Championships"](https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/wrestling/penn-state-carter-starocci-wins-landmark-5th-title-ncaa-wrestling-championships). *[Sports Illustrated](/source/Sports_Illustrated)*. Retrieved March 22, 2025.

## External links

- [Carter Alphonse Starocci](https://uww.org/athletes/starocci-carter-alphonse) at [United World Wrestling](/source/United_World_Wrestling)

- [Carter Starocci](https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/526064-carter-starocci) at Tapology.com

- [Carter Starocci](https://whatsmat.uww.org/daten.php?spid=5202AB58EDF143D9B8589DBC5626334B) at the International Wrestling Database

- [Carter Starocci](https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/carter-starocci) at [Olympics.com](/source/International_Olympic_Committee)

v t e 2025 Big Ten Wrestling Championships medalists 125 lbs Luke Lilledahl Caleb Smith 133 lbs Lucas Byrd Drake Ayala 141 lbs Brock Hardy Vance Vombaur 149 lbs Ridge Lovett Kannon Webster 157 lbs Tyler Kasak Brandon Cannon 165 lbs Mitchell Mesenbrink Mike Caliendo 174 lbs Levi Haines Lenny Pinto 184 lbs Carter Starocci Max McEnelly 197 lbs Jacob Cardenas Stephen Buchanan 285 lbs (HWT) Gable Steveson Greg Kerkvliet

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Carter Starocci](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carter_Starocci) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carter_Starocci?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.