Olympic gold medallist and former Penn State NCAA champion David Taylor recently took the wrestling world to storm with his shift to the Oklahoma State University’s head coach position. Before getting over the shock, the wrestling world is engulfed in turmoil once more as Carter Starocci, a 4x NCAA champion, ignited a fierce discussion concerning allegiance with his latest remarks. As Starocci tacitly targeted David, the online community reminded him that his present coach Cael Sanderson, a former Iowa State, has also walked on the same path.

Starocci, who will return to Penn State for a fifth season next year, appeared to offer his views on Taylor’s choice to join a different enduring great institution on X. Starocci declared emphatically in a tweet stating, “I was offered a big payday too. I said go wipe your a** with that money. When it comes to money, people switch like the weather. Not me”.

Starocci seems to take a subtle dig at David Taylor and Oklahoma State University (OSU) in a tweet, highlighting the value of loyalty above benefits. About reports that OSU made a major offer in an attempt to recruit him, Starocci reaffirmed his loyalty to Penn State University (PSU) and the principles he believes in.

On his X-handle “@carterstarocci“ Starocci stated, “Loyalty is everything. Nothing is built without trust. PSU vs OK State in the football stadium. The national champs 10 matches to 0.” Furthermore, Carter Starocci called for OSU and PSU wrestlers to square off in Beaver Stadium to see who is the best. However, Starocci’s comments came back to him as fans wasted no time responding to his views on “Loyalty.”

Fans’ responses to Carter Starocci’s position on loyalty

David Taylor has been vocal about Penn State’s wrestling legacy throughout. He had once said, “If We Can Put Our (NLWC) Best Six-Man Team in the Olympics We I Think We Right There Winning Olympics.” But when it comes to financial reality, things play out differently. Referring to that, one fan noted:

Notably, Penn State’s coach Cael Sanderson has been a coach to Iowa State Hawkeyes since 2004 in various capacities. Reminding that, a fan stated that going by Carter’s arguments, Cael Sanderson should be sent back to Iowa State! Meanwhile, one user pointed out Carter’s change of stance on the matter.

Carter Starocci is usually scathing in his comments. He does not mince words. That was quite evident during his feud with Jordan Burroughs. Despite having miles to go before he can touch Burroughs in wrestling legacy, he vowed to end his career at the Olympic qualifiers. However, in this matter, he appeared relatively indirect and toned down. Noting that, one user stated:

An additional supporter brought up the historical background of coaching transitions in college athletics. Cael Sanderson has been a dazzling product of the Hawkeyes. He has even been inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame. But, that did not affect his decision to make the transition to Penn State. Understandably, the pay package has a role to play in that. According to reports, Between 2012 and 2017, Cael received an annual base salary of $175,000. That must have increased significantly, given the number of years he has spent with the university and the accolades he has brought to it. Referring to this money matter, one user noted:

The wrestler was made fun of by a fan who made lighter comments about how much he knew about their head coach and the history of wrestling.

Thus, as the wrestling season progresses, the discussion prompted by Starocci’s remarks carries on, reminding the dynamic interplay between financial points, ambition, and loyalty in college athletics.