Now we FUND our coaches!
Since the first Wisconsin crew set out on Lake Mendota in 1874, this program has been built by people who deeply believe in it.
This is true NOW more than ever!
Over the past year, you’ve met Coach Lowell McNicholas – Wisconsin High Performance Director of Operations/Recruiting Coordinator. He’s just back from cheering on one of his recruits, Vrishank Nalla, at the U19 World Rowing Championships. Vrishank and his Team USA crews finished 6th in the Men’s 4- and earned a bronze in the Mixed 8+. This is the first U19 medal a Badger has captured since the 1980s.
Coach McNicholas is funded entirely by your support of the Stewards of 1874.
Last week, you met our new Varsity Assistant Coach Greg Myhr. Coach Hoopman put it this way, “As a former Wisconsin oarsman, Captain and Coach, Coach Myhr understands the traditions, expectations, and values that have defined Wisconsin Rowing for generations. He returns home with a wealth of experience that will immediately strengthen our staff and make a lasting impact on our student-athletes. It’s truly an exciting time.”
To be clear, the UW Athletic Department provides JUST A PORTION of the funding for Coach Myhr’s position and NONE of the funding for Coach McNicholas.
Year over year, the Stewards of 1874 must provide the additional funding needed to make these HIGH LEVEL COACHING positions possible!
This means that your support NOW is key.
Your investment into the Stewards of 1874 Excellence Fund – Coaching Support is needed NOW! Our immediate goal is to secure $200,000 annually to support Coach Myhr, Coach McNicholas and other coaching support.
**The Stewards’ support for Coach McNicholas is ALREADY making a huge impact – he’s recruiting the tough, gritty, and smart student-athletes to Wisconsin.
**Coach Myhr chose to return to Wisconsin because of what he believes is possible for our rowers.
To compete at the level Wisconsin Rowing expects, high-level coaching staff to recruit, develop and support our student-athletes is a must!
We’re off to a great start!
Coach Chris Clark stepped up with $5000/year for 3 years ON TOP of the gifts he is already making to the Stewards. Steward’s President, Brian Frohna, joined Coach Clark with his own $5000 gift and 5-year pledge… and they say, “We believe so strongly in supporting these coaches and we are inviting you to join us!”
Several rowing alumni have already made gifts of $5000 and $10,000 this year designated for Coaching Support and pledged this amount for 2 years more. In total, over $35,000 has been committed for the next 3 years to the Stewards for Coaching Support.
You have experienced Wisco rowing. You understand better than anyone else how the right coaching staff is key to our return to the podium. Will you consider a gift now of $5000 or more for 3 years to meet this coaching challenge?
Ready to put your oar in the water?
Here’s how you can help.
- Give online – be sure to designate Coaching Support and select the number of years you wish to pledge your gift. Simply click the button!
- Send a check payable to The Wisconsin Rowing Stewards of 1874 (EIN 20-2068534) and mail to Stewards of 1874, 25 Breeze Terrace, Madison, WI 53711
Your gift will help provide the coaching strength Wisconsin needs now — to recruit outstanding student-athletes, develop them once they arrive, and put competitive Wisconsin boats on the water.
You Can Help Keep Wisconsin Rowing Strong!
Contact the Stewards of 1874 to design a gift that is most meaningful for you! Marcy Heim – Stewards of 1874 marcy@marcyheim.com | 608-772-6777
Questions about Coaching Support?
Coach Hoopman BH1@athletics.wisc.edu | 608-265-6165.
Brian Frohna, MD, Stewards President
bfrohna@gmail.com | 480-226-3097
Gifts to the Stewards of 1874 are tax-deductible as allowed by law and count toward your Red Blazer Society membership.
“I’m incredibly thankful to the Stewards of 1874. Your belief in our vision. Your investment in our program — specifically the commitment to support our coaches — demonstrates what’s possible when alumni and supporters rally behind Wisconsin Rowing.” Coach Hoopman
P.S. Boats matter. Student support matters.
Training matters.
BUT, great coaches make all of it work.
On, Wisconsin!
SUPPORT WISO ROWING
Wisconsin Rowing’s strength has always come from its people—oars in the water, pulling as one. As we look to the future, your involvement is more important than ever. Whether through financial support or lending your time and talent, there are meaningful ways for every alum to contribute to the continued success of the program.
