David Carr’s father, Nate, is a former American collegiate and international senior-level freestyle wrestler.
Carr recently defeated Mitchell Mesenbrink 4-3 and 4-4 on criteria in their two matches, sweeping the series at Final X on June 14, 2025.
The two-time NCAA champion from Iowa State lost to Mesenbrink 16-6 at the US Open Finals earlier this year.
But with a World Team sport on the line in 2025, the former Cyclone didn’t disappoint.
He beat the 2025 NCAA champion from Penn State in what was described as a heavyweight fight.
Following the match, Carr talked about clinching the 74 KG spot. He said,
“A lot of credit to my coaches and my family, all glory to God,”
David Carr
Carr added that it wasn’t always about results but rather how he grew from his experiences.
He also spoke about training with Jordan Burroughs, the 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, six-time World Champion, and two-time NCAA champion from Nebraska.
American Freestyle Wrestler David Carr’s Parents Met At Iowa State University
Born on March 28, 1999, in Georgia, United States, David Carr, 26, was raised by his father, Nate Carr, and his mother, Linda Carr.
According to the reports, his parents’ love story began after they met for the first time at Iowa State University.
David’s father, Nate Carr, 65, born on June 24, 1960, is a former freestyle wrestler. After graduating from Erie Tech, Carr received a wrestling scholarship to Iowa State University.
He earned three NCAA wrestling championships and two Big Eight Conference titles.
After graduating from Iowa State, he continued his freestyle wrestling career at the international level. In 1983, he earned a spot on the US World Team.
He trained for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul while working as an assistant coach at West Virginia University.
David followed in his father’s footsteps and is pursuing his career in American freestyle wrestling.
During the interview with CBN, David praised his father and thanked him for his support. He said,
My dad is so humble, I didn’t even know how good he was really,” “He didn’t really talk about winning that much. And, he was a pastor for a really long time, after coaching. And so, like, most of our conversations were more about faith, character, integrity. And then as he started to get back into wrestling and coaching wrestling, that’s when I kind of was like, ‘Oh, now I’m trying this wrestling thing.’ “I wasn’t very good at first. And, I knew that he could help me, though as I started to grow and I found that he was very knowledgeable with the wrestling, the faith, the lifestyle it took to be a champion.”
David Carr
On the other hand, David’s mother, Linda, also supported him in achieving his wrestling dreams. During one of the interviews, Linda talked about David’s all-around abilities.
She said,
“We were big on that,” “What was the point in doing all these skills and being a great athlete if you can’t compete in school?”
Linda Carr
David Carr’s Brother, Nate Carr Jr, Is A Wrestling Coach And Former Wrestler
David Carr’s elder brother, Nate Carr Jr, 37, was born on November 1, 1987.
Recently, Nate took to his official Instagram handle and congratulated David for the win. He wrote,
Congratulations!, David, on making your first World Team! Beyond proud of you!
Nate Carr Jr
Nate Carr Jr has entered his third season as the head wrestling coach at Davidson College for the 2024-25 season.
Since taking over the program, he has led Davidson to notable improvements, including back-to-back SoCon finals appearances by standout wrestler Tanner Peake.
He has developed young talents, such as Tyler Xavier McKnight and Wyatt Ferguson, both of whom earned spots on the SoCon All-Freshman Team.
His first season saw Peake set a school record for the highest freshman winning percentage and represent Puerto Rico at the U20 World Championships.
Before joining Davidson, he coached at Lock Haven University and helped them capture their first MAC title.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- David Carr was a five-time state champion, once in Kentucky as an eighth grader and four times in Ohio. While wrestling in high school in Ohio, he won once at Dayton Christian High School and three times at Perry High School.
- Carr arrived at ISU to wrestle as a Cyclone at 157 pounds after committing in October 2017.
- While redshirting, Carr compiled a 23-1 record wrestling unattached at open tournaments.
- Carr is in a relationship with fitness trainer Danae Nelson.