The ultimate dual of the season was less about an aggressive but outmatched opponent (that would struggle to avoid bonus points in every match), and more about honoring the senior class and providing a confidence-boosting tune-up before what truly must be a legendary few weeks in the life of a Nittany Lion Wrestler: the lead up to the postseason. It would also prove to add some unwelcomed uncertainty to the potentially final coda of what has already been a legendary career of Carter Starocci.
The following “designated” seniors were honored with their families center-mat by Cael before the dual (in order of appearance in the video below): Aaron Brooks, Greg Kerkvliet, Carter Starocci, Donovan Ball, Terrell Barraclough, Bernie Truax, Imran Heard, Baylor Shunk, Matt Lee, and Marco Vespa.