Rex began his career at Urbana High School, where he won his first state championship as a sophomore, placed second as a junior and hon is second state title as a senior. His collegiate career was at the University of Illinois, under the direction of IWCOA Hall of Fame coach Pat Patterson. During his collegiate career, Rex placed in the Big Ten Conference, was captain of his team and was named most valuable wrestler as a senior. Rex was a wrestling official at various levels including officiating at the prestigious Midlands Championships. For his contributions to wrestling, Urbana high School and the IWCOA have inducted him into their halls of fame. Rex began a long career in coaching wrestling, starting as an assistant at Niles Township for four years. He then headed to Hinsdale Central High School, where he served as head coach for the Red Devils for 28 of his 32 years in the Hinsdale system. He also developed the notable Hinsdale Central Invitation Tournament, now named after him.