PENN STATE WRESTLING STAR CARTER STAROCCI TO TOM BRANDS: ‘START THE KID’
Penn Staty e wrestling star Carter Starocci has called on Iowa head coach Tom Brands to “start the kid,” referring to Iowa’s 184-pound wrestler, Gabe Arnold. This message was posted by Starocci on social media during Iowa’s dual meet against Oklahoma State on Sunday night. Wa
The call-out stems from a longstanding rivalry between Starocci and Arnold. In January 2023, while still in high school, Arnold labeled Starocci as “overrated” on social media, expressing his intent to challenge Starocci in the future.
However, when the two teams faced off on January 31, 2025, Arnold was notably absent from Iowa’s lineup. Instead, freshman Angelo Ferrari competed against Starocci, resulting in a 3-1 decision in favor of Starocci. Iowa head coach Tom Brands later explained that Arnold was being “load-managed” to ensure he remained fresh for the postseason.
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