Trump’s Presence Electrifies NCAA Wrestling Championships, Penn State Dominates
The NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Arena reached a fever pitch Saturday night, witnessing both athletic history and political fanfare. Penn State wrestler Carter Starocci etched his name into the record books, becoming the first-ever five-time national champion in NCAA history. His achievement was quickly followed by a highly visible and politically charged moment: Starocci shaking hands with former President Donald Trump at mat-side.
Starocci’s victory came after a hard-fought 4-3 decision against Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen in the 184-pound championship bout. The win not only secured his individual title but also marked an unprecedented milestone in collegiate wrestling. He took advantage of an extra year of eligibility granted to athletes who participated in the 2021 season, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption to collegiate sports. This allowed him to compete for and ultimately claim his fifth national championship, a feat many believe may never be replicated.
The excitement surrounding Starocci’s victory was quickly amplified by Trump’s presence. Immediately following the championship match, Starocci made his way to the former president, initiating a handshake that was captured by numerous cameras and quickly circulated across social media platforms. Penn State’s head coach, Cael Sanderson, a legend in the wrestling world himself, also exchanged greetings with Trump.
Trump’s attendance at the championships sparked a considerable buzz throughout the wrestling community, with several Penn State wrestlers weighing in on the significance of his presence. Josh Barr, another member of the Nittany Lions squad, acknowledged the potential for growth and increased attention that Trump could bring to the sport. "It’s a great honor for the sport of wrestling," Barr told reporters, emphasizing the need for "life and energy" to be injected into the sport, qualities he associates with Trump.
Mitchell Mesenbrink echoed these sentiments, arguing that Trump’s presence, regardless of political affiliation, would undoubtedly boost viewership. He highlighted the importance of attracting attention and investment to wrestling. "We want to get people to watch, right? We want people to watch wrestling," Mesenbrink stated, adding that "attention is money." He expressed his belief that whether the attending political figure was conservative or liberal, the sheer presence of a president would be beneficial for the sport’s visibility and appeal.
Mesenbrink further emphasized the significance of having the "leader of the free world" present at a wrestling event, framing it as a "really cool" moment when viewed through that lens.
Beyond the individual accomplishments and political intrigue, the NCAA wrestling championships reaffirmed Penn State’s dominance in the sport. The Nittany Lions clinched the team championship earlier on Saturday, adding to their already impressive legacy. This marks their 12th title in the last 14 years, a remarkable run that includes four consecutive team championships. The program’s consistent success and the individual achievements of wrestlers like Starocci have solidified Penn State’s position as a powerhouse in collegiate wrestling.
Trump’s involvement extended beyond a mere spectator role. He met with and congratulated several other wrestlers who secured championship victories, further solidifying his presence as a significant figure at the event. His appearance undeniably brought a national spotlight to college wrestling and generated an palpable energy within the Wells Fargo Center.
Upon entering the arena, Trump was met with a mix of reactions. While a significant portion of the crowd erupted in chants of "U-S-A!", a smaller contingent voiced their disapproval with boos. This division reflected the broader political climate and underscored the polarizing nature of Trump’s presence.
Accompanying Trump were several prominent figures, including Elon Musk; OutKick founder Clay Travis; White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt; Education Secretary and former WWE executive Linda McMahon; House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio; and Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., along with other allies. Their presence in the front row further highlighted the political dimension of the event.
Notably, Jim Jordan has deep roots in wrestling, having been a champion himself in high school and at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he won two NCAA Division I wrestling titles. He later served as an assistant coach for Ohio State University’s wrestling program, demonstrating his longstanding commitment to the sport.
This marks the second time in three years that Trump has attended the NCAA wrestling championships, having also been present in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2023. His repeated appearances underscore his apparent interest in the sport and his willingness to engage with its athletes and fans. The blending of high-stakes athletic competition and political theater at the championships made for a memorable and impactful event, leaving a lasting impression on both the wrestling community and the broader public consciousness. The Fox News article coverage can be followed via X.
