20 QUESTIONS WITH... Joe Rau
Joe Rau is one of the best Greco-Roman wrestlers in the United States.
The Chicago native enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2014 where he made U.S. World Teams at the University and Senior levels.
Rau, 23, won a NCAA Division III title for Elmhurst in 2013 and is now training with the Minnesota Storm in Minneapolis. Rau took time out of his busy schedule to answer 20 Questions for USA Wrestler: 1. Favorite movie?
I have hundreds of movies that I love, and my favorite is always changing. But Gangs of New York, Taxi Driver, and Stepbrothers are some of my favorites. 2. Favorite TV show? Same thing for TV shows. I'm a very active Netflixer once win- ter rolls around. One of my favorite TV shows is a British show called, The Mighty Boosh.
3. What do you listen to before you compete? I have a very random, and what my brother would consider
"bad" taste in music. I will listen to anything from Disney songs to Biggie Smalls to George Strait. Whatever I'm feeling. 4. Favorite food when not watching your weight? Italian. I love eating deep dish pizza, Italian beefs, and Chicago hot dogs whenever I am home. 5. Favorite sport other than wrestling?
Football. I used to play and I used to be a fanatic. I am not as avid as I once was, but I still love cheering on da Bears! 6. Favorite athlete to watch in another sport? Michael Jordan and Barry Sanders. I watch old Michael Jordan highlight videos to get myself pumped up! 7. Favorite wrestler and why? Wade Schalles. I love pinners and he is arguably the most prolific pinner in history.
8. Best piece of advice you've received? Coach Momir Petkovic told me: "Life is hard, wrestling is fun. Love the fight. Love wrestling." At this point in my career, it’s important that you work hard, but remember to have fun. 9. What kind of advice would you give a young wrestler? Love the sport, have fun with it always, and do everything in your power to accomplish your goals. No excuses! 10. Best moment as a wrestler so far?
Winning Fargo my senior year of high school. It kind of came out of nowhere. Up to that point, I never did anything that big. I never even placed at state. So it was a huge breakthrough for me and it skyrocketed my wrestling career. 11. Name three people you would love to invite to dinner? Chris Farley, John Candy, and John Belushi. Not only would there be lots of laughs, but there would be lots of food! 12. What is one thing you are afraid of? Heights, and sometimes public speaking, but I don't let that stop me from climbing high or speaking publicly. 13. How did you become involved in wrestling? Through my long-time friend and neighbor, Paul, and his dad. He was a wrestler and his dad was a coach. After seeing me get in a few neighborhood brawls, they talked me into trying wrestling by telling me it was going to be like pro wrestling. Once they got me to practice I fell in love with real wrestling.
Joe Rau competed in his first Senior World Championships in September in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Larry Slater photo.
14. How were you able to adjust to the Senior level? It hasn't been easy. I've adjusted by staying positive through the beatings and working hard. My coaches and teammates are awesome. In order to make the next jump, I am going to have to put extra effort into technique. 15. Any idea what you will do when you stop competing? I am a big risk taker and dream chaser, so I may pursue my hobby of comedy. Or maybe I will focus on coaching. Or both. 16. What is the best part about training in Minnesota? Our great history and how many great people there are in the Minnesota wrestling family. The wrestling community is so awe- some and supportive. Not to mention my awesome coaches and teammates. Everyone loves wrestling, has fun and works hard. 17. What are your goals for international wrestling? My main goal in wrestling and life is to become an Olympian and then win a gold medal.
18. Coolest place you've traveled to and why? Budapest, Hungary. Not only was it my first trip overseas, but it was a beautiful city with tons to do and lots of nice people. 19. What do you like about the Greco-Roman style? I love the big throws - it is exciting to watch. 20. Funniest guy on the team and why? Harry Lester. He's got a funny, high-pitched voice he makes sometimes for fun. And he is usually good for a joke or two. They're usually always funny to me as long as he's not making fun of me, which he does.
21 USA Wrestler
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44