The 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships capped off a historic five year run for Black wrestlers, and it was only fitting that it took place in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love.
Last year’s tournament saw four Black champions take home titles- Penn State’s Greg Kerkvliet (285lb), Minnesota’s David Carr (165lb), Penn State’s Carter Starocci (174lb) and Penn State’s Aaron Brooks (197lb).
In Philadelphia this year, four Black champions were crowned once again, and each one either made history or a had special story to complement their feat.
It started with Starocci, who returned for his fifth title appearance and fourth title defense, this time at 184lb and the result was the same. Starocci, a 5x All-American, beat the University of Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen, 4-3, making him the first wrestler in NCAA history to win five NCAA titles. He finished his collegiate career with a record of 107-4 and his name forever cemented in college sports history.
Congrats to Penn State's 5x All-American Carter Starocci, who made history tonight by becoming the first wrestler in history to win 5 NCAA wrestling championships (4x 174lbs, 1x 184lbs).
— First and Pen (@firstandpen) March 22, 2025
He finishes his college career with an amazing 107-4 record. ????????♂️ ✊???? #NCAAWrestling pic.twitter.com/9WlPzIsqvu
Next up was North Carolina State’s Vincent Robinson at 125lb. The Wolfpack freshman impressed everyone with a surprise run to the title match, where he beat Troy Spratley of Oklahoma St in OT to win his first NCAA championship. He also made history as the first NC State wrestler to win a title at 125lb.
Congrats to NC State All-American freshman Vincent Robinson, who won the 125 lb NCAA wrestling title tonight in OT. He's the first NC State wrestler to an NCAA title at 125 lb. ????????♂️✊???? #NCAAWrestling pic.twitter.com/XfCrhllSrB
— First and Pen (@firstandpen) March 23, 2025
They were followed by Antrell Taylor, a redshirt sophomore whose rise in the sport and life has been rife with heartbreak. At the age of 7, his father was killed. Less than two years ago, his brother was killed. Those tragedies almost led him quit, but he persevered to make it to two NCAA Championships.
“I just know a lot of people haven’t been through that and can’t really go through that,” said Taylor. “People quit when they go through a death in the family. So for me to be here and be doing what I’m doing is crazy, surreal, man, I honestly still can’t believe it.”
Last year he placed 8th, but this year he battled his way through to the title match, where he won the 157lb title, the first championship for the now 2x All-American from the University of Nebraska.
