Stewards of the Legacy.
Leaders of the Future.
The WISCO Board is made up of former Wisconsin rowers who understand firsthand what this program gives — and what it demands. Each member once sat in the boat, shared the grind, and carried the Wisconsin standard on the water.
Today, they give back not out of obligation, but out of brotherhood.
Bringing together diverse professional expertise, leadership experience, and deep personal passion, these alumni volunteer their time and talents to propel Wisconsin Men’s Rowing forward. Their work ensures the next generation of Badger oarsmen has the resources, opportunities, and support needed to compete at the highest level.
Legacy is not something we inherit alone — it is something we protect and pass on.
The WISCO Board exists to honor the past
by actively investing in the future.
Board Members
Brian Frohna ’83
Stewards President
UW Men’s Crew: 1979- 1983
US Olympic Festival: 1981, 1983
UW Alumni Association Advisory Council: 2017-2023; Chairman, 2021-2022
UW Student Affairs Board of Visitors: 2024- present
UW Men’s Rowing Stewards of 1874: 2024- present; President, 2025-present
Married to Leslie Welk, M.D.; we have 4 daughters- Madison, Maya, Amalia, and Kaila, and split our time between Paradise Valley, AZ and Park City, UT. I work as an independent contractor practicing neuroradiology, and have my own medicolegal consulting practice.
Email: bfrohna@gmail.com
Jason Rezell ’97
Vice President
UW Men’s Rowing: 1993–1997
Ten Eyck Squad: 1997
Assistant Freshman Coach (“Crack Staff”): 1997–1998
UW Men’s Rowing Stewards of 1874: 2024–present; Vice President
Most of my time was spent in the small boats, with a single race in the JV 8 — a reminder that great teams are built by many people whose names don’t always show up in the results. What lasted were the friendships and lifelong lessons that still shape how I show up today.
Reconnecting with teammates during the 150th anniversary and my surprise 50th birthday celebration pulled me back in. The goal now is to help today’s athletes have the same opportunity we had and to be a voice for the many alumni whose lives were changed by the experience.
Jenn and I are raising two daughters, Jacqui and Kaitlyn, in Southern California, where I own and operate Linwood Engineering, an MEP consulting firm.
Michael Ou ’12
Secretary, UW Men’s Rowing Stewards of 1874
Michael graduated in 2012 after four years with UW Men’s Rowing, finishing his career as Team Manager—proudly serving on the Crack Staff. He would describe himself as a “Glue Guy” — someone who may not always be in the spotlight, but who helps hold the standard, the culture, and the team together. His experience reinforced the belief that the strength of a program lies not only in speed, but in service, accountability, and shared commitment.
After graduation, Michael stayed close to the sport through coaching, working with athletes at Community Rowing Inc in Massachusetts and later at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois. Coaching allowed him to give back to the sport that shaped him and to help young athletes develop both on and off the water.
Michael is also a co-organizer of the Mikey Patinkin Memorial Golf Outing, honoring his friend and teammate, Michael Patinkin. The annual event celebrates camaraderie, remembrance, and the enduring bonds formed through rowing.
He is married to Mary Kate Ou, a former diver at Northwestern University. Together, they remain strong supporters of collegiate athletics and the lifelong friendships it creates.
Email: mouoh8@gmail.com
Thom Godfrey, Captain ’95
Communications
Rowed 4 years at Wisconsin, made the greatest friends a guy could have. Trained for 3 years in Seattle and Georgia trying to make the lightweight National Team (unsuccessful, but good clean fun). Married to Meg. We have three boys, Wilson, Walker and Beckett and live in Lake Oswego, OR.
Email: tioligroup@gmail.com
Pete Dietrich ’99
Treasurer
Rowed at Wisconsin for 4 years under both Jabo and Coach Clark. Honored to serve as co-chair of the 150th Anniversary Celebration with Bob Hougard. Married to Lisa. We have 2 boys and reside in Middleton, WI.
Email: pmdietrich1887@gmail.com
Matt Tucker ’98 (Bryn Mawr, PA)
Development
Matt Tucker ’98 (Bryn Mawr, PA) was introduced to rowing at the Salisbury School in Salisbury, CT, and was recruited to row at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He was honored to be a part of the freshman eight and on the varsity squad from sophomore through senior year. Matt graduated from Wisconsin with a degree in Journalism and has built a career in commercial and residential real estate brokerage and multifamily development. During a market downturn, he joined the University of Pennsylvania as a Senior Major Gift Officer for Penn Engineering and Athletics, where he gained valuable insight into donor engagement, giving strategy, and stewardship. He is proud to support Wisconsin Men’s Rowing and brings his fundraising and relationship-building experience to the Board.
Was introduced to rowing at the Salisbury School in Salisbury, CT, and was recruited to row at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He was honored to be a part of the freshman eight and on the varsity squad from sophomore through senior year. Matt graduated from Wisconsin with a degree in Journalism and has built a career in commercial and residential real estate brokerage and multifamily development.
During a market downturn, he joined the University of Pennsylvania as a Senior Major Gift Officer for Penn Engineering and Athletics, where he gained valuable insight into donor engagement, giving strategy, and stewardship. He is proud to support Wisconsin Men’s Rowing and brings his fundraising and relationship-building experience to the Board.
Chip Kakas, 1998
Events and Parent Relations
Executive Client Partner and Principal, Financial Services @ Apex Systems –a prominent global IT services and consulting firm, part of ASGN Incorporated, that delivers strategy, transformation, and managed services to public and commercial clients.
Rowed at Tabor Academy (’94) and University of Wisconsin (’98). Coach Clark’s first team and Jabo’s last team. Was the benefeciary of being part of two deeply impactful Wisconsin coaches. Also worked for Greg Mhyr, another amazing Wisconsin rowing coach. Deeply motivated to ensure that the Wisconsin rowing culture we are familiar with, receive the support needed to thrive into the future. Won 6 medals at Easterns and IRA’s and the Ten Eyck Trophy (’97). Competed for US National Pre-Elite team in Milan Italy (’97). Rowed for various clubs and assocations post college, including the MKE Rowing.
Live in Carlisle, MA. Married to Andrea (All- American UW Swimmer ’98) for 26 years – we are both very involved with helping to support our former teams. Have close family that live in Madison and MIlwaukee. Kids are Gabriella (Freshman CU Boulder), Adler (11th grade) and Dane (8th grade). I am an avid outdoorsman, nordic skier (love the Birke but enjoy the Noque even more), downhill skier, mtn biker, trail runner, etc.
Nelson Williams, Captain 1998
At large
Rowed from 1994 to 1998. Walked on to Chris Clark’s first Freshman class CEO. We climbed the podium a bunch at Sprints and IRAs, won theTen Eyck in 1997. Rowed for the MKE Rowing Club for 10 years post-graduation hauling plenty of ivy leaguers up and down the Milwaukee river. Live in Elm Grove, WI. Married to Katy for 25 years – we are both Badgers and met at the KK when a group of my rowing friends decided to crash the DG date party. Kids are Stella (9th grade) and Brian (7th grade). Have skied 20 Birkies with my rowing buddies. I’m co-chair of Audaxity.org – a large cycling fundraiser benefitting cancer research at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center
Email: nwilliams@briohn.com
