Donald Drake

Donald Clyde Drake is an American addictions counselor, retired professional wrestler and former promoter. He is best known for his appearances on the northeastern independent circuit under the ring name DC Drake.

The eldest of four children, Drake was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. He attended Phillipsburg High School. While growing up, he competed in amateur wrestling and American Legion Baseball. After his father suffered a severe back injury, Drake began working in a filling station to supplement his family's income.

After graduating from Phillipsburg High School in 1974, Drake attended college. He initially majored in criminal justice before moving to psychology and mental health.

In 1977, Drake began working for the New Jersey Department of Corrections as a corrections officer at the Mountainview Correctional Facility in Annandale, New Jersey. He left the Department of Corrections in 1987 to focus on his wrestling career.

Drake was a fan of professional wrestling while growing up, running a backyard wrestling promotion during his teenage years. While working as a corrections officer, he trained as a professional wrestler under Tito Torres. He made his debut in 1980, facing The Hangman in Jersey City, New Jersey. He went on to wrestle on the independent circuit in New Jersey and New York.