Penn State wrestling sensation Carter Starocci had just cemented his place in history, becoming the first-ever five-time NCAA champion.
But his night didn’t end with just a title—he also had a special encounter with former President Donald Trump, who was in attendance at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia on Saturday.
The moment Starocci secured his victory, he made his way straight to Trump.
Their brief but meaningful conversation left a lasting impression on the wrestling star, who later shared the details of their exchange on Monday.
A Gift and Words of Encouragement
Speaking with Fox News, Starocci revealed that Trump not only congratulated him but also gifted him a special keepsake.
“(He told me) ‘You’re one of my favorite wrestlers to watch in the world.
I love your tenacity. I love your interviews,’” Starocci recalled.
In return, Starocci expressed his own admiration, appreciating Trump’s confidence and public persona.
He even shared a behind-the-scenes story from the championship night.
“I told him the story, too… (I said): ‘When I was warming up, they made it a little hard for me because you’re the big dog,’” Starocci said, noting that Trump found it amusing before handing him a commemorative coin in recognition of his achievement.
A Familiar Face in the Crowd
This wasn’t the first time Starocci had met Trump. When he heard that the former president would be attending, he was eager to reconnect.
“I kind of figured I was going to go over there and say a few words to my man,” he said.
“Because I’ve met him before, so having him in the house is always special.”
A Night of Unforgettable Moments
Trump’s presence at the event was notable, but it wasn’t the only headline of the night.
In one of the most shocking upsets in NCAA Wrestling history, Oklahoma State heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson defeated reigning Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in dramatic fashion.
With just 20 seconds left in the match, Hendrickson pulled off a stunning three-point takedown, preventing Steveson from executing a reversal and clinching the NCAA title.
The moment the clock hit zero, Hendrickson’s coaches rushed to celebrate with him.
A Salute to the Commander-in-Chief
After basking in his victory, Hendrickson, who is also a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force, draped himself in an American flag.
He then turned to face Trump, standing at attention as a sign of respect.
Trump responded by clapping and waving, acknowledging the new NCAA champion’s tribute.
Between Starocci’s record-breaking triumph and Hendrickson’s underdog victory, the NCAA Wrestling Championships delivered a night filled with history, emotion, and moments that will be remembered for years to come.