Student-Athlete Check In: Carter Starocci – Penn State Wrestling
As the events of early March unfolded and changed all over the country, Penn State student-athletes found themselves facing uncertainty and transition in their academic and athletic realities.
The Penn State wrestling team, winners of eight of the last NCAA National Championships, were just days away from heading to Minnesota for the 2020 NCAA Championship when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted. As the entire Penn State family works for ways to stay connected, we can check in with some of head coach Cael Sanderson's wrestling team to get some insight into how typical student-athletes reacted, adjusted and began the process of forging ahead in our current circumstance.
Today we check in with true freshman Carter Starocci. Starocci redshirted this last season, dominating the open tournament circuit. Starocci, an Erie native, went 18-0 at 174, winning four different open tournament titles, including the 174-pound title at the Southern Scuffle. While the 18-0 mark will not count towards his career record since he wrestled unattached in all events, Starocci had three pins, two technical falls and six majors.
Starocci took the time to answer some questions from GoPSUsports and offers some good insight into the daily life of a Nittany Lion during this time:
GoPSU: What was your first reaction when you heard that spring break had turned in to online learning?
Carter: "My initial reaction was focused on the wrestling aspect. We take care of business every day at Penn State and I want to make sure I get better wrestling each time I have the chance to step on the mat in the room. Academically, it hasn't been that much different. All the information is there, you just have to take advantage of it and you will be fine."
GoPSU: How have you been adapting to online learning?
Carter: "It's not that much different but I do miss being there in person. But in terms of learning it online, it doesn't matter to me too much. I just have to be focused."
GoPSU: What has your family been doing together during this extended period of social distancing? Any family activities, etc.?
Carter: "My family has been chilling! Having more time to spend together is obviously one nice part about this so we are taking advantage of it. We are watching a lot of movies and working out."
GoPSU: What is the one thing you miss most right now about not being back at Penn State?
Carter: "I miss wrestling. I miss the grind every day. Even though I'm working out, I want to be at Penn State, learning the sport, training with the best and getting better."
GoPSU: How have you been keeping in contact with your teammates?
Carter: "I have been keeping in touch through FaceTime, texting and social media. It's always good to hear from the guys."
GoPSU: What other things have you done during this time away from Happy Valley?
Carter: "I really have been focused on my training but I've also been working on important areas like keeping my mind clear and sharp and, physically, working on my flexibility."
