Starocci Wins Historic 5th NCAA Wrestling Title

Carter Starocci of Penn State made history by becoming the first wrestler to win five NCAA Division I national championships, defeating Northern Iowa's Parker Keckeisen 4-3 in a closely contested match held in Philadelphia. His victory contributed to Penn State setting a new team scoring record at the NCAA Championships with 173 points, surpassing their previous record of 172.5. Starocci, who finished his career with a 104-4 record, took advantage of an additional year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic to achieve this unprecedented feat. Despite achieving this milestone, Starocci downplayed the significance of being a five-time champion, focusing instead on his love for competition. His victory was part of Penn State's fourth consecutive team championship, with all ten of their wrestlers earning All-American status. The match offered a symbolic end to Starocci's collegiate career in his home state of Pennsylvania.