It’s not easy being in a club that only has you as a member. But Carter Starocci is the man, the myth, the legend. Back in March, the Penn State alum became the first-ever D1 wrestler in history to win five consecutive NCAA titles. With the incredible end to his thrilling collegiate career, fans were sure that the 24-year-old would go on to sit himself among wrestling greats. He definitely would, we agree. Maybe just not right now.

The 86kg weight bracket for the US Worlds Team Trials was justifiably hailed as “epic“.  But it was the match-up between Carter Starocci and multiple World Championships winner Kyle Dake that had fans divided. However, as Starocci looked to put forth his bid to represent the nation in Croatia later this year, experience emerged triumphant on the mat at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center in Louisville, Kentucky. In a post on X from May 17, Starocci accepted defeat lucidly.

“Man it’s super weird having your coaches coach against you,” Carter joked in his social media post, acknowledging that Kyle Dake was the deserving winner. Dake joined the NLWC in 2022, becoming the NCAA history-maker’s sparring partner. Starocci and Dake trained under the same coach at the Nittany Lions Wrestling Club, the one and only Cael Sanderson. The iconic Penn State mentor was also a volunteer coach for the US Team Trials, and it’s understandable that having him stand behind Dake at the tournament was a strange feeling for Carter.

But more than Sanderson, it was probably bad luck that ended Carter Starocci’s dream of representing the Stars and Stripes at the 2025 World Championships. The young Turk led his more experienced teammate 3-1 through most of the second period. Carter forced a step-out, which resulted in Dake receiving a caution from the ref. Moments later, Starocci appeared to have pulled off a takedown, but the Olympian challenged the call, which was ultimately overturned. Thanks to the clock, Dake was awarded a criteria victory.

Starocci knew he had to pull off a special rabbit out of the hat trick if he wanted to win. But as usual, every loss comes with some lessons learned, and Starocci went on to say, “good job man and thanks for the help along the way!” Having the two-time Olympic bronze medalist in the same room for three years definitely helped, we’d bet, and the 4x NCAA team title winner wasn’t one to shy away from raising his hat at Dake for all the tips during this time.

In 2024, Starocci tried his hand at making it to the US team roster for the Paris Games. However, his defeat to Trent Hidlay at the team trials snapped that dream. But with Carter, he is relentless in his pursuit of greatness. “Build a legacy that won’t be touched EVER,” he roared on social media. And his fifth NCAA title proved that Cael Sanderson’s poster boy wasn’t kidding around. And yet, success on the international stage continues to elude the 189-pounder.

However, while Carter Starocci failed to subdue Dake, the NLWC fared rather well.

Carter Starocci could find consolation in NLWC’s triumphs

Ahead of his bout against Dake, the NCAA phenom noted that it would be a special fight. Not because of the experience or resume the four-time NCAA champ boasted, but because Starocci himself likes to face every challenge with firmness. “Just another match, honestly. Like I said, every match is a big match, especially when you get to this kind of stage,” Carter told USA Wrestling before locking horns with his high-profile adversary. As fate would have it, the best man did win. But while the loss would definitely make the Pennsylvania native sad, he will also have many familiar names to rally behind at the upcoming Final X.

The Final X is where national champs are made. After the US World Team Trials, Kyle Dake will be joined by Levi Haines and Josh Barr. Both of these stars have flourished as Penn State wrestlers and proved their worth in Kentucky for the entire country to witness. Haines defeated Dean Hamiti, the U.S Open runner-up, in the 79kg weight class. Thanks to four takedowns in the second period, Haines secured his emphatic 10-2 victory.

Barr, on the other hand, a four-point move brought him his win in the 92kg bracket against Aeoden Sinclair. A good day at the office for the Penn State flag bearers, indeed! So, who do you think will have Carter Starocci’s most vivacious cheers on their back as these NLWC athletes return to the mat for the 2025 Final X next month? Tell us below!