Official Peter G. Rao and his wife, Mary, reside in Pendleton, New York, where they have raised their four children, Nicole, Andrew, Matthew and Lauren. As a competitor, mentor and official, Rao has dedicated over 45 years to the sport of wrestling at nearly every level across the country, and devoted his time to developing the foundations, ethics and community of the sport for generations to come. Under the encouragement and guidance of his father, a physical education teacher and coach, Rao first laced up his wrestling shoes at the age of ten, and never looked back. Now an honored member of their athletic hall of fame, Rao attended Amherst, New York's Sweet Home High School, where he earned a starting varsity role in the eighth grade and for all four subsequent seasons, as well as the distinction of team captain for two years with both the men's gymnastics and wrestling squads. Following his high school campaign, Rao decided to follow in his father's footsteps by competing for the University at Buffalo's varsity wrestling program. At Buffalo, he earned and maintained a starting role throughout his entire four year career under Hall of Fame coach Ed Michael. In addition, Rao served as a multiple year team captain from 1983-1985, on his way to being named a three time NCAA National Qualifier and earning All-America honors at 158 pounds. Before graduating, Rao left his mark on the program, posting the school near fall record that held strong for over 27 years. Throughout his years as a competitor, Rao developed not only an outstanding knowledge, but upheld the tradition, integrity, and mutual respect that defines the sport of wrestling and has made those pillars the cornerstone of his tenure as an official for over 30 years from the youth and high school level to the NCAAs. Recognizing the sense of family and community in the sport from a very early age and fostering that in the young men and women he has officiated over the years, has become Rao's trademark and is evident his continued service to the wrestling community at large.