Trump shakes hands with NCAA wrestling champions after title bout
Some college wrestlers had their All-American moments Saturday night at the NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia. The highlight of the evening came when Penn State wrestler Carter Starocci made history by becoming the first five-time national champion in NCAA history. Starocci defeated Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen in a thrilling 4-3 match to claim the 184-pound championship and solidify his place in wrestling history.
After his monumental victory, Starocci had the honor of shaking hands with President Donald Trump, who was in attendance at the event. This marked the first and possibly last time a college wrestler achieves such a feat, as Starocci had a fifth year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starocci’s coach, Cael Sanderson, also had the opportunity to greet the president, adding to the historic moment for the Penn State wrestling program. Other Penn State wrestlers spoke about Trump’s attendance at the event, highlighting the positive impact it had on the sport of wrestling.
The wrestling championships returned to Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center for the first time since 2011, when Penn State began its dominant run of 12 championships in the last 14 years. Trump’s presence at the event brought a national spotlight to college wrestling and energized the crowd with his entrance, which was met with chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” and a few boos from some fans.
In addition to Starocci, Trump celebrated with other wrestlers who achieved championship victories throughout the evening. The president’s attendance at the NCAA wrestling championships was a testament to his support for the sport and brought an electric energy to the building.
This was the second time in three years that President Trump attended the NCAA wrestling championships, having also been present at the event in 2023. His involvement in the sport showcases his commitment to showcasing and supporting collegiate athletics.
Overall, the NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia were a memorable and historic event, with Carter Starocci’s five-time national championship victory and the presence of President Donald Trump adding to the excitement and significance of the evening.
