Penn State wrestling notes: Why was Carter Starocci out Friday? Lions depth shines and more
Penn State senior Terrell Barraclough and junior David Evans could likely start at many college wrestling programs across the country. Instead of hitting the transfer portal this offseason, though each stuck around knowing they might not have a first-team job in 2024. But, nights like Friday’s make the decision worth it. Both reserve Nittany Lions took the mat at Michigan. Barraclough, who weighed in at 165.8 pounds, bumped up to 174 to replace a sick Carter Starocci and lost just a decision to No. 4 Shane Griffith, 2-1. Evans, then, slotted in for a sick Tyler Kasak at 149 pounds and beat Wolverine Fidel Mayora by decision, 5-2.
All told, Penn State beat Michigan 27-9. It picked up wins in eight of 10 bouts. And, its deep bench shined on a night when two starters were not available.
“It’s good to get that experience,” Evans told the Penn State Sports Network. “And I’m just grateful for these matches and these opportunities to go out and compete for Penn State.
“Just working hard. Everybody’s tough in the room. But, just taking those opportunities to wrestle those better guys, and just learn from them and just get better day by day. Going into practice and just having that mindset of, what can I get better at today? And listening to the coaches, and doing what the coaches say, and just looking for improvement anywhere I can get.”
The latest on Penn State star Carter Starocci
Last Sunday against Indiana, Penn State 184-pounder Bernie Truax was out of the lineup due to illness. This past Friday, Carter Starocci (174 pounds) and Tyler Kasak (184) were both out because they were sick, according to the Penn State Sports Network. Starocci spoke with FLO Friday night and said he hopes to be back on the mat Sunday at Michigan State.
“Just some health complications. It tears me apart not to be out there, Starocci said. “It was a last-minute decision. I think the old me, I would have went out there and wrestled, but just being mature and leveling up in life, it was a mature decision not to go out there. I’m going to shoot for Sunday. It will be another game-time decison.”
The Lions and Spartans meet at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The match will stream on B1G+.
He said it
Davis, on Penn State freshman No. 14 Braeden Davis, who notched an upset win over No. 5 Michael DeAugstino on Friday:
“That kid works hard in the room. We know what he’s capable of. And like everybody jas been wondering if he’s that guy, and I mean I think he went out there and showed it tonight against DeAustino is no joke. But I mean, Braeden is just tough. Wrestles through every position. He shows when he’s got.”
