Joe began his tenure at Cuesta without much time to recruit, but still pieced together a squad that finished third in the Western State Conference and 17th at the State Championships in his first year. Within two years Joe had led the Cougars to second place at the 2003 State Championships. The wrestling program boasts of 7 State Champions, 45 All Americans, ten conference titles and, one State Small Schools State Title (1980).

Joe is one of the most accomplished members of the Cuesta staff. He was a two-time NCAA Qualifier on his way to receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Cal Poly SLO. While at Cal Poly he was named the 1994 Physical Education Major of the Year. He continued his wrestling career as a three-time Olympic Trial Qualifier and a member of the US National Team. In 1997, he earned his Master’s Degree from Cal Poly SLO in Kinesiology.

Joe coached at Cal Poly SLO as an assistant from 1994 to 1997, when he moved to Palma High. He joined the Cuesta Coaching Staff in 2001 and has continued teaching fulltime at nearby Mesa Middle School. Joe has also served as the National Freestyle and Greco–Roman California National Team Coach in 2000.

Joe lives in San Luis Obispo.