Joe Rau joined Northwestern Athletics as assistant wrestling coach in October 2022. He most recently served as a volunteer assistant during the 2021-22 season.

As a specialist in Greco-Roman wrestling, Rau joins the 'Cats with an impressive resumé that includes two US Open championships (2016, 2019). After winning gold at the 2020 Pan Am Olympic qualifier and 2020 Pan Am Olympic championships, the Chicago native earned a spot on the 2020 US Olympic team. 

At the collegiate level, Rau wrestled at Elmhurst College where he finished his career as a two time CCIW champion with a career record of 51-16. Before college, Rau wrestled at St. Patrick high school where he was an Illinois state qualifier, two time conference champion, and freestyle state champion.