THIS YEAR: One of 3 decathletes dotting the Cougars' 34-man roster, sophomore Matt Rau is a hard-working athlete who will be chasing the GSAC title in the decathlon ... Best individual event is the pole vault ... Is still relatively new to the sport, beginning just his third season.
2010 (freshman): Enjoyed a satisfying first season of college track & field by finishing as the GSAC runner-up in the decathlon in which he scored a career-best 5,745 points ... Posted a best of 4,170 points in the heptathlon in his first try ever in the event during a meet on Jan. 30 at Concordia ... Cleared a season-best of 12' 9�" in the pole vault during the GSAC decathlon.
HIGH SCHOOL: Competed just one year of track & field at Franklin High in El Grove, Calif., just outside of Sacramento ... Was a 4-year standout in wrestling, twice earning team MVP and lettered 2 years in football (running back, defensive back) ... Also lettered one year in baseball ... As a 2008 senior was named the school's male athlete of the year.
PERSONAL: Born Nov. 19, 1990, in Sacramento, Calif. ... Parents are Joe Rau (firefighter) and Marilyn Potter (teach) ... Has 3 brothers (Joey, a former Cougar pole vaulter, Kevin, Brian) and 3 sisters (Danielle, McKenna, Delaney) ... Step parents are Craig Potter and Cindy Rau ... Majoring in applied exercise ... Would like to go into physical therapy.
