Trump Witnesses NCAA History — Here’s What He Told the Champion [WATCH]

Carter Starocci just made college wrestling history — and the first person he wanted to speak to afterward? President Donald Trump.

As The Daily Mail reported, the Penn State phenom cemented his place in the record books Saturday night by becoming the first-ever five-time NCAA national wrestling champion.

But instead of basking in the spotlight alone, Starocci made a direct line for the man whose presence had fired up the crowd in Philadelphia: the 47th President of the United States.

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Yes, Trump was in the building — and not alone. A full roster of his inner circle showed up to cheer on the athletes and celebrate America’s grit on the mat.

When Starocci met Trump after his victory, he didn’t just shake hands. According to his own account on Fox News, the President offered him a memorable gift and some encouraging, uniquely Trump-style praise.

Carter Starocci wins his 5th NCAA D1 Wrestling Championship and shakes hands with the POTUS 47! 🤝🏆🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/wdD26wMmLr

— Karoline Leavitt (@karolineleavitt) March 23, 2025

“He told me, ‘You’re one of my favorite wrestlers to watch in the world. I love your tenacity. I love your interviews.”

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The two had met before, but this encounter clearly meant a lot. Starocci joked with the President about how the energy in the arena shifted because of his presence.

“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,’ and he laughed. Then he gave me a nice coin to recognize me.”

That’s right — Trump presented him with a personal challenge coin, something often reserved for military leaders and national heroes. It’s the kind of nod that says, You’re one of us — and it clearly resonated with Starocci.

Starocci was also named the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championship Outstanding Wrestler — a title well earned after making history on the mat. But in his mind, having Trump there made the night even more special.

“When I heard he was coming, I kind of figured I was going to go over there and say a few words to my man,” he added.

🚨NCAA Wrestling Champion Carter Starocci speaks on his moment with President Trump:

“I said, ‘Hey, when I was warming up, you kind of made it hard for me because you’re the big dog.’ And he laughed and then he gave me a nice coin to recognize me.”
pic.twitter.com/AmrWM2OcWg

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 24, 2025

And the action didn’t stop with Starocci.

Carter STARocci made history this past weekend becoming the ONLY wrestler to ever win 5 NCAA championships 🏆🤩 pic.twitter.com/Ch2V1WzYwL

— State Media (@StateMediaPSU) March 24, 2025

In one of the most shocking moments of the night, Oklahoma State heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson stunned the crowd — and his opponent — by taking down Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in the final 20 seconds of their match.

Hendrickson’s last-second 3-point takedown sealed the deal and ignited a celebration.

The Air Force second lieutenant didn’t miss a beat after the win. Draped in the American flag, Hendrickson stood at attention and saluted President Trump, who clapped and waved back.

Wyatt Hendrickson — a second lieutenant in the @usairforce — salutes President Donald J. Trump after winning an @NCAAWrestling national championship 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/KK4ngwH7mW

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 23, 2025

It was a scene that captured everything the left tries to ignore — patriotism, power, and real pride in American excellence.

While coastal elites mock everything from wrestling to the military, real champions like Starocci and Hendrickson are out there making history — with Trump standing right beside them.