Cael Sanderson on Carter Starocci injury default: 'He's not happy with me'

Carter Starocci wanted to wrestle in the 2024 Big Ten Wrestling Championships, but Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson put the kibosh on any plans.

The three-time national champion took the mat twice on Saturday for a combined two seconds. Since suffering an apparent knee injury against Edinboro in the dual finale, there were questions if Starocci would even be able to wrestle.

Well he tried, but Sanderson directed him to take a medical forfeit and wait for his at-large bid. 

“He wanted to wrestle the whole tournament and was planning on wrestling the tournament,” Sanderson said, via Nate Cobler. “It is really tough for him. He’s having a hard time about this. He’d wrestle if both of his legs were hurt,” Sanderson said. “He’s just so competitive. He’s pretty upset, but there’s just no reason, when he meets the criteria to get an at-large (bid), to put himself in a position to set himself back. 

“He’s not happy with me, but that’s why he’s Carter Starocci.”

After midnight, Starocci took to Twitter and posted another cryptic message.

“Looking forward to a new chapter,” Starocci wrote. “Thank you Penn State forever.”

Starocci has enough criteria for the 2024 NCAA Championships. He actually came into the season with two years of eligibility left due to the COVID year.

With that, he had the opportunity to be the first, and likely only, five-time NCAA champion. But, as rumors circulate, 2024 could be his last go ‘round.

Unfortunately for Penn State fans, he didn’t take the mat this weekend and now everyone will have to wait and see as far as his status is concerned moving forward.

How to watch 2024 Big Ten Wrestling Championships

Fans not in attendance for this year’s Big Ten Tournament have the option of streaming on Fubo TV.

Fubo’s spring offer just kicked off – For a limited time, new subscribers can save $20 on their first month of Fubo’s Pro, Elite, and Premier plans.

Date: Sunday, March 10th (3 and 4)
Session 3: 12 p.m. ET
Session 4: 4:30 p.m. ET

Location: College Park (M.D) – The University of Maryland
Channel: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: Fubo TV (Try for free)

Fans can click the link above for a free trial of Fubo TV to stream the 2024 Big Ten Wrestling Championships