Penn State Wrestling HC Cael Sanderson: ‘Some of the energy went sucked out of the room’ following Carter Starocci’s injury.

For the most part, Penn State’s final wrestling dual meet of the season was similar to the previous 11.

Penn State defeated their team opponent, while Carter Starocci did the same for himself.

Starocci’s victory over Edinboro’s Joseph Arnold came at a cost for Penn State, as he sustained an injury at the end of the game.

It is too early to determine how serious the injury is, but it has come at a difficult time for Starocci. The Big Ten Championships are less than two weeks away, while the national championships are less than a month away. Starocci has a chance to become a four-time national champion, but his chances are jeopardized depending on the severity of the injury. When queried about the injury following the dual meet, Penn State coach Cael Sanderson said he had no further information about Starocci’s situation. “You want your kids to be happy and healthy,” Sanderson added. “That applies to all practices and competitions. It is not always feasible. That is just part of the sport. We’re clearly thinking about Carter right now, and figuring out what’s going on. We’re optimistic. Carter is a tough kid. He’s been through the national tournament with injuries before.” Sanderson said “some of the energy got sucked out of the room” when Starocci got hurt.

“That’s sports,” he said. “Sometimes adversity sharpens its senses and makes everyone a little stronger, including the person that’s injured.” Sanderson also broke down what led to Starocci’s injury. “He was trying to get the pin,” he said, “and he put his leg in a compromised position, and it just didn’t work out. Thankfully it was at the end of the match and he got the technical fall.” Sanderson said Starocci has “always been a quick healer” and pointed out that he won one of his three national titles with a broken hand. “Carter has always been a quick healer. He won a national title a couple years ago with a broken hand.” For Sanderson, it’s important for Penn State wrestling to keep spirits high. “We aren’t writing anything off yet,” he said. “We’re going to choose to be optimistic and positive. Things will work out.”