While most were tuned into March Madness, college wrestling fans had their eyes on the mat. There they watched Iowa State’s David Carr win his first NCAA wrestling championship and fulfill a childhood dream with deep roots.
The Cyclones’ sophomore star earned the 157-pound title with a 4-0 victory over Rider’s Jesse Dellavecchia on Saturday night. Winning his first championship was sweet, but doing it 40 years after his father, Nate, won his first title at Iowa State made it even sweeter.
“It’s been amazing,” he said. “I’m just happy to be father-son national champs. It sounds good.”
Nate Carr was a dominant force on the mat for the Cyclones, winning three NCAA championships between 1981 – 1983. He was also a bronze medalist at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, but the story doesn’t stop there. David’s uncle, Jimmy, made the U.S. Olympic team in 1972 at the age of just 17. And his older brother, Nate Carr Jr., is a former wrestler for the Cyclones and is now an assistant coach at Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania.
David continues the family’s wrestling success. He won four state high school titles in Ohio and was a gold medalist at the 2019 Junior World Championships.
Wrestling is in this family’s blood. And it’s as deep rooted as their faith.
“All glory to God,” said Carr. “With Him, I couldn’t do this. I walk by faith, not by sight. Jesus got me through this whole tournament.”
And he didn’t just get through the whole tournament. He swept through it.
The All-American has won 34 straight matches. He went 20-0 this season and 5-0 in this year’s tournament in St. Louis en route to his title.
Now that he’s accomplished his first goal, Carr is focused on his next challenge: besting his father’s record.
“I told my dad when I decided to come to Iowa State, I wanted to come here and bring back the program,” said Carr per the Des Moines Register after his match, adding: “And break all of his records while I’m at it.”
With bloodlines like theirs, father Nate better watch out.
