University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
NWCA All-Star Classic
UNI wrestling: Keckeisen outdueled in top-ranked matchup at NWCA All-Star Classic
11/16/2024 9:47:00 PM | Wrestling
Keckeisen falls to four-time national champion Carter Starocci in sudden victory to open 2024-25 season.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. --- Reigning 184-pound national champion Parker Keckeisen opened his 2024-25 season on Saturday night with a marquee showdown at the National Wrestling Coaches Association's (NWCA) All-Star Classic, falling to Penn State's Carter Starocci in sudden victory by a 4-1 decision in an exhibition bout.
Keckeisen, a four-time All-American who posted bonus point victories through his run to his fourth straight Big 12 Conference and first NCAA championships last March, battled through a scoreless first period with Starocci, who made his 184-pound debut this season after previously winning four national titles at 174 pounds. Starting on bottom to begin the second period, Starocci scored an early escape to take a 1-0 lead while both wrestlers made their moves for a crucial takedown.
In the third period, Keckeisen evened the match at 1-1 on an escape, holding off Starocci to force overtime in the highly anticipated bout between the nation's top-two ranked wrestlers at 184 pounds. Starocci would get the best of Keckeisen in sudden victory however, scoring in the final minute of action on a single leg takedown on the edge of the mat for the 4-1 win. While the result does not affect Keckeisen's official record, it is the first time the Glendale, Wisconsin native has lost a match since falling to Penn State's Aaron Brooks in the finals of the 2023 NCAA Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
UP NEXT
Keckeisen and the Panthers return to action on Sunday, Nov. 24 when No. 14 UNI hosts No. 13 South Dakota State in its first dual of the season inside the UNI-Dome. Competition is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. CT with live coverage available on FloWrestling and CFU Channel 15.
Tickets for the Panthers' opening dual can be purchased through the UNI Ticket Office, or by calling 319-273-4849 or by email at tickets@uni.edu.
UNI wrestling action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (University of Northern Iowa Wrestling), X (@UNI_wrestling) and on Instagram (@uni_panther_wrestling). Check out the latest Panther news and information online at UNIpanthers.com.
Players Mentioned
