After clinching its third straight Big Ten team title and five individual titles, Penn State wrestling brought home two individual conference awards.

Four-time NCAA champion and three-time Big Ten champion Carter Starocci was named the Big Ten Wrestler of the Year and head coach Cael Sanderson was honored as the Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Starocci earned his third conference title beating Max McEnelly of Minnesota in sudden victory, taking the gopher down to win by an 8-5 decision. Starocci remains unbeaten on the season after having to medically forfeit all of his Big Ten Championship matches last year due to injury.

Sanderson, the Big Ten Coach of the Year, has led the Nittany Lion to nine conference championships since he took over the program in 2009. Penn State has won three straight Big Ten Championships scoring a program record of 181.5 points in this year’s tournament.

Penn State had a record-tying five conference champions with all but one wrestler placing in the top three. The program now has a total of 69 individual conference champions among 37 individual athletes.

All 10 Nittany Lion wrestlers will be back in action at the NCAA Championships in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first session of the tournament will begin at noon on Thursday, March 20.

About the Author

Cooper Cazares

Cooper was a member of Onward State from 2023 to 2026, serving on the Penn State wrestling and football beats. He can be found frowning on most Sunday afternoons, for he is a lifelong Washington Commanders fan. When he isn't watching sports, Cooper is usually tearing up at "Rudy" or taking a well-deserved nap. To reach him, follow him on Instagram (@cooper_cax) or Twitter (@CooperCazares).

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