Carter Starocci, Aaron Brooks humble amid fourth NCAA wrestling titles for Penn State

Carter Starocci and Aaron Brooks each won their fourth NCAA titles at Penn State, but doing it together was unprecedented.

When you break it down, there were only five wrestlers in the history of NCAA Division 1 Wrestling that ever won four titles, including Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson. But he coached his two guys to history Saturday night as both finished with gold medals.

For Starocci, there was adversity due to an apparent knee injury suffered before the postseason. With a giant leg brace and the No. 9 seed having to go through fellow national champions, he still came out on top.

“The entire season was, it was up and down just with a lot of outside factors going into this year,” Starocci said. “And as the season went on, it rung a bell after my freshman year, after I won. I went in the office of Coach Cael and he said, this first one’s going to be your easiest one.

“I looked at him, like, I don’t know about that. I plan on getting better and making this thing easier. But sure enough, now looking back on it I would say each one has their own challenges. But he’s earned everything, so you’ve got to listen to everything he says.”

Carter Starocci makes history. He’s a 4x time NCAA champ for Penn State. Only the 6th wrestler in history to do so.

He also comments on his injury and future plans, including a potential 5th year. @On3sports x @PennStateOn3 pic.twitter.com/918H1CbFAM

— Nick Kosko (@nickkosko59) March 24, 2024

Brooks looked more dominant than Starocci at times. But if you had to pick which guy was better, that might be like picking your favorite child if you’re a Nittany Lion fan.

“I didn’t have a similar conversation with Coach Cael, but I think that’s kind of like it’s truth,” Brooks said. “But one thing I talked about with Coach Cael before this tournament, so different conversation, but, like, a target. God always molds you for those things.

“My whole life I’ve had a target, whether being in Maryland and got known a little bit on the national stage, it prepares you for that. I just look at it that way. I’ve always had a target, not just me going for a fourth title but I’ve always had a target on my back regardless. We kind of had that conversation. I think that’s the truth. It’s nothing different when you’ve had a target on your back your whole life.”

Starocci and Brooks were two of the last three matches of the finals Saturday night. When it was all over, it was just admiration from everyone in the building. A night that might never be replicated considering the circumstances.

“It’s pretty cool,” Brooks said. “Looking back, when we first came in, just seeing the growth in both of us, but having someone else to be part of that journey and doing it with is a lot of fun. We’re blessed.”

Starocci and Brooks considering themselves God-fearing individuals. Despite the accolades and their names going down in history, it’s onto the next thing for both and they always look at the bigger picture.

“I wouldn’t say I do this for any titles or anything like that,” Starocci said. “For me what gets me out of bed is to be able to take everybody on. That’s kind of what’s scratching my ego a little bit, is knowing that there’s no one that can beat me.

“Like the titles and the rings, I have my titles hanging up. But everything else I don’t really know where they’re at. Just me going out there and beating people, that’s what’s fun for me, because that kid was trying to get chippy at the end, things like that. I’m thinking in my head, this is not where you want to take it. But we can take it however he wants to.”

Following he and Starocci’s match, Brooks was his typical humble self in the moment.

“Praise the Lord. Being able to be present tonight is a gift,” Brooks said. “Our team, special night, family being here, family and friends. I’m just very blessed that tonight played out as it did. Regardless, I’m very blessed, but it was fun.”