The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletic Communications.
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State wrestler David Carr recorded one of the greatest individual seasons in the history of Cyclone wrestling in 2020-21. The Iowa State Athletics Department acknowledged Carr, who was the 157-pound NCAA Champion, today as the recipient of the 2021 Gary Thompson Iowa State Male Athlete of the Year.
A native of Canton, Ohio, Carr was unbeatable in the 2020-21 season. He finished the year with an unblemished 20-0 mark, becoming Iowa State’s first undefeated champion since 2011.
His matches were wrestling clinics, securing bonus-point victories in 14 of his 20 bouts, winning five by major decisions, four by technical falls and four by pins. Carr had an incredible 60-1 takedown differential, going 12-0 in duals and racking up 171 total match points.
Carr, who finished third in the Dan Hodge Trophy balloting, was named the Big 12 Wrestler of the Year after winning his second straight Big 12 title. He kept his momentum going at the NCAA Championship, outscoring his opponents, 40-10, while never surrendering a takedown.
His 4-0 decision over Jesse Dellavecchia of Rider in the 157-pound national title bout gave Carr his first national championship and the school’s 70th overall.
Carr will receive his prestigious award at a home football game in the fall.
