Carter Starocci named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare

Carter Starocci (Erie, Pa./Penn State) has been named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week, presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare, on November 20, 2024.

Starocci, a four-time NCAA champion for Penn State, defeated returning NCAA champion Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa in sudden victory overtime in an electric finale at the 2024 NWCA All-Star Classic.

In their clash at 184 pounds, Starocci and Keckeisen battled to a 1-1 score at the end of regulation, each earning an escape point. The only slight difference was Starocci's seven-second escape compared to Keckeisen's 35-second escape.

In the two-minute sudden victory period, Starocci maintained control of the center of the mat, effectively using his underhook tie. He finished from an outside single leg attempt, ultimately winning the match 4-1 with 27 seconds remaining in overtime, securing another Nittany Lion win in front of a large crowd at Rec Hall.

Starocci bumped up from 174 pounds where he has won the last four NCAA tournaments and came into the season ranked No. 1 at 184 pounds. Keckeisen is the reigning 184-pound national champion and has finished in the top three of the weight class the past four years.

To nominate a wrestler for this honor please email the athlete's name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments, and career accolades to communications@usawrestling.org.