Voting for the 2024 WIAA General Election for the Board of Control and Advisory Council positions begins today, Tuesday, April 2 and will close on Tuesday, April 16.  

The pool of candidates includes District Administrators, Principals and Athletic Directors from throughout the state. Candidates needed to have (1) Department of Public Instruction licensure allowing placement in the eligible set (Administrator License - A001), (2) must be employed full-time or part-time in a qualifying position and (3) cannot be members of the teachers' bargaining unit.
 
In an effort to engage voter participation and based on recent feedback gathered from schools, each candidate was asked to provide a written response to the following question:  “Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?” Below are each of the candidate’s responses along with a short career summary. 

 

BOARD OF CONTROL 

BOARD OF CONTROL- DISTRICT 2 (1 OPEN POSITION) :

Ryan Christianson - District Administrator of Marshfield (BOC District 2)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“During my 28 years as a teacher, coach, referee, and administrator, I have developed strong values for competitive sports. As District 2 representative on the WIAA Board of Control, I will serve as a champion for the critical role co-curricular athletics play in the growth and development of our students.”

• Superintendent, School District of Marshfield, 2018-present
• Director of Human Resources, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools, 2012-2018
• Principal, Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School, 2008-2012
• Associate Principal, Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School, 2003-2008
• Teacher, School District of Marshfield, 1996-2003
• Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship, 2003
• Board of Directors, Marshfield Area YMCA, 2019-present
• Board of Directors, Marshfield Area Community Foundation, 2019-present
• President, Marshfield Area Community Foundation, 2024
• Board of Directors, Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth, 2019-present
• WIAA Advisory Council, 2021-present
   

Nathan Lehman - District Administrator of Stratford School District (BOC District 2)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“My motivation stems from a strong belief in the importance of giving back to organizations that have positively impacted the communities I’ve lived in, as well as my friends and family. If chosen for the board, you can count on my full commitment to actively participate in meetings and other events, collaborating with fellow members to create positive experiences for student-athletes.”

• Superintendent of Schools for the School District of Stratford 2022-present 
• Vice President of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce 2022-present 
• Received Doctorate of Education (EdD) 2021 
• Principal for Mosinee High School 2013-2022 
• Head football coach at Fond du Lac 2008-20011 
• Head football coach at North Fond du Lac 2004-2005 
• Coached as an assistant in football and basketball throughout my 22 years as an educator Technology Education teacher from 2002-2013 
• 3 sport athlete at Edgar High School winning state in basketball, setting a state record in track, and participating in football and basketball senior all-star games 

 

BOARD OF CONTROL - DISTRICT 5 (1 OPEN POSITION):

 

Kurt Cohen - District Administrator of Potosi (BOC District 5)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“I’ve been deeply involved in school athletics as a coach, athletic administrator, and superintendent (working with the WIAA Classification Committee). Joining the Board is a natural step forward to continue my active role in school-based athletics. Throughout, I’ve excelled as a listener and problem solver, dedicated to serving all stakeholders effectively. “

• 32 years in public education in positions including:  teacher, athletic administrator, superintendent
• Coach at all levels from middle school to varsity in the sports of track, baseball, softball, and basketball
• Masters degree in Athletic Management/Athletic Administration
• 6 years in athletic director role
• District 5 AD of the Year in 2018
• Superintendent for the last 5 years
• Member of the WIAA Competitive Equity AdHoc Committee
• Member of the WIAA Classification Committee

 

BOARD OF CONTROL - GENDER MINORITY AT-LARGE (1 OPEN POSITION) :

Jill Stobber - Athletic & Activities Director of Waterford Union High School (BOC Gender Minority At-Large)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“Serving the WIAA Board of Control has allowed me to grow as an Athletic Administrator. I consider it an opportunity to give back to the state association and share the experience with other athletic directors and colleagues, so that we can enhance the interscholastic athletic experience for ALL students.”

• Masters degree in Educational Leadership
• Undergraduate degree in Athletic Training and Health/Physical Education
• 9 years as an Administrator at Waterford overseeing Athletics and Activities (15 years overall)
• 27 years in Education (Physical Education and Health Instructor, Coach, Assistant Principal, and Athletic Administration)
• NATA Certified Athletic Trainer since 1994 (retired in 2017)
• WIAA Sports Advisory Committee 2012-2018
• District 6 WADA Gender Representative 2012-2014, District 6 WADA Representative 2014-2018
• NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee 2016-2020
• Current Instructor for the NIAAA Leadership Training Courses at both the State and National levels
• Waterford Fitness Center and Athletic Offices Facility Project-Design, Planning, and Construction
• Previous District Projects: Whitnall Outdoor Athletic Facility Project-Design and Planning and Hartford Locker Room Facility Project-Design, Planning, and Partial Construction
• 3 sport high school athlete (volleyball, basketball, softball), 2 sport college athlete (basketball and softball), and 2 sport high school coach (basketball and softball)
   

 

ADVISORY COUNCIL

ADVISORY COUNCIL - LARGE SCHOOLS (2 OPEN POSITIONS) :

James Darin - High School Principal of Mukwonago (Large School Representative) 

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“As a representative, I have always felt my first allegiance is to the student-athletes who participate in the sports we govern, and I have tried to make decisions based on their best interests.  Unfortunately, the landscape of high school sports will continue to change, and change rapidly, and I believe I have the leadership skills necessary to navigate these changes for the betterment of all student-athletes in the state.”

• Current Member of WIAA Advisory Council
• 11th year as Principal at Mukwonago High School
• Former Social Studies Teacher, Department Chair, Basketball and boys/girls golf coach
• at Brookfield Central High School
• Passionate about students having a deeper connecting to school and community
• through participation in athletics and activities
• Created systems at MHS that saw extracurricular participation rise to 80% of student
• body
• Led the school through a massive renovation project that included a new PAC, 3-station
• gym, cafeteria, classrooms, and technical education areas
• Increased number of students taking AP courses by 20%
• Increased number of students earning Industry Recognized Credentials by 200%
• Undergraduate Degree from UWM; Masters Degree from Cardinal Stritch University

 

Jon Vollendorf - High School Principal at Stevens Point Area Senior High (Large School Representative)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“My desire to serve on the Advisory Council is driven by my passion for high school athletics and their importance as a part of a comprehensive high school experience.” 

• SPASH Principal since 2015
• 31 years of successful experience as a Wisconsin large school educator that includes teacher, assistant principal, interim elementary principal, junior high principal, director of secondary education, and high school principal
• Loyal advocate of large school athletics and leadership experience in navigating some of our current issues (i.e conference realignment, funding, eligibility and enrollment)
• Extensive coaching experience with multiple sports (football, basketball, tennis, softball) at multiple high school levels
• Youth coaching coordinator for Stevens Point Area Senior High Boys basketball program for 8 years
• B.A. Luther College 1993 (English, Education)
• M.S. Silver Lake College 2004 (Administrative Leadership)
• Ed.D. Edgewood College 2012 (K-12 Educational Leadership)
• Wisconsin DPI Licensure: 5051 Principal, 5010 Director of Instruction, 5003 Superintendent, 5008 School Business Administrator, 5080 Director of Special Education and Pupil Services, 1300 English Teacher

 

Michael Vuolo - High School Principal at Franklin (Large School Representative)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“As a member of the Advisory Council, I would strive to ensure that our members are transparently represented and our organization continues to explore, create, and support opportunities and access for student athletes to thrive, belong, and grow through participation in or support of athletics and activities.”

• Teacher, Seymour Community High School (Social Studies, Special Education 2002-2004), Kettle Moraine High School (Social Studies 2004-2013)
• Associate Principal & Director of Learning (K-12 Social Studies), Kettle Moraine High School (2013-2017)
• Principal, Franklin High School (2017-Present)
• Holds a master’s degree in educational leadership
• 1-Sport, mediocre athlete, academically and co-curricularly involved student at Port Washington High School

 

ADVISORY COUNCIL - MEDIUM SCHOOLS (1 OPEN POSITION) :

Michael Foley - Athletic/Activities Director/ Assistant Principal of Platteville High School (Medium School Representative)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“I am passionate about sports and possess a deep understanding of their social and cultural impact. With my diverse background and a commitment to promoting inclusivity and student participation, I'm eager to contribute to the WIAA Sports Advisory Council, offering valuable insights to enhance the overall sporting experience for student-athletes.”

• Currently I am the Assistant Principal/Activities Director at Platteville High School and Activity Director at the Platteville Middle School
• 23 years experience as an Athletic Director
• Worked collaboratively with Center 4All to effectively plan for equity and inclusion within our learning community
• Increased cultural competence with our staff at Platteville School District
• I have been a basketball coach for 25 plus years, a softball coach for 10 years, and a football coach for 4 years
• Tournament Manager to numerous WIAA Events and WIAA Sectional Final Events
• Increased participation in all sports/activities at Platteville High School during my tenure at Platteville High School
• I have been a WIAA registered official over my career
• Instrumental in collaborating and planning a 9.4 million dollar Outdoor Activity Facility
• Mentor to new and other Athletic Directors
• I am present at 100% of Platteville High School Activities (Athletic and Fine Arts)
   

Phillip Tubbs - District Administrator of Weyauwega-Fremont (Medium School Representative)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“My fundamental principles revolve around family/culture, self-improvement, and service. Drawing from my experience as an athlete, coach, and athletic director, I understand the dedication required to cultivate thriving programs and athletes. As a leader, my objective is to empower individuals and teams to reach their full potential.”

• District Administrator 2019 - present
• Middle School Principal, Tomorrow River SD 2011 - 2019
• Assistant Principal, Tomorrow River SD 2009 - 2011
• Athletic Director, Tomorrow River SD 2010 - 2012
• Assistant Principal, South Royalton Schools, VT 2007 - 2009
• Physical Ed./Health Teacher, Windsor MS/HS, VT 2004 - 2007
• Aquatics Director, Phillips SD 1999 - 2002
• Coaching: Varsity Football, HS Track and Field, HS Softball, HS/MS Basketball. 
• Doctorate Completion December 2023 Edgewood College

 

ADVISORY COUNCIL - SMALL SCHOOLS (2 OPEN POSITIONS) :

Mark Gruen - District Administrator of Johnson Creek (Small School Representative)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“I am passionate about high school sports. I believe my years of experience on the council along with the many relationships I have built up over my 28 years of public-school leadership, will help me to represent all schools on the WIAA Advisory Council. I have also been a licensed official for over 30 years in multiple sports. 

• 15 years (5 terms) on the WIAA Advisory Council
• 16 years as a District Administrator - Currently Johnson Creek District Administrator
• 5 years full time Athletic Director – Logan HS – La Crosse
• 30+ years licensed official
• 28 years combined administrative experience
• Various awards and recognitions over the years
• 1987 Pickleball Partner Champion – Royall High School PE – 8 th hour
   

Kent Kindschy - District Administrator of Turtle Creek (Small School Representative)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“I have been in small schools and athletics for my entire life.  Sports are what took me to college and I understand how high school athletics can change you forever.  As a teacher/coach, AD, and administrator, I have dealt with small school issues and will vote for what is right for small school student-athletes.”

• 2 years as WIAA Advisory Council 
• 12 years in Administration at Turtle Lake School (Principal, Superintendent, Curriculum Director)
• 17 years as a Teacher at Lake Holcombe School
• 5 years Activities Director at Lake Holcombe School
• 20 years as Basketball Coach - 14 years as Head Coach
• 14 years MS Football Coach
• 3 years HS Track Coach 
• Certified Athletic Administrator
• WBCA All-Star Coach 2008, 2015
• Lakeland Conference Secretary and President
• Blair WI Graduate and two-sport athlete
   

Rob Stewart - District Administrator of Alma (Small School Representative)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“I desire to serve the membership through a position on the small schools’ advisory council. I believe that I bring a wealth of past extracurricular and cocurricular experiences as a player, coach, athletic director, teacher, and principal, as well as current experiences as a district administrator.”

•  2018 – Present: District Administrator & 7-12 Principal; Alma School District
• 2012 – 2018: Principal; Wabasha-Kellogg School District
• 2012 – 2018: 7-12 Activities Director; Wabasha-Kellogg School District
• 2001 – 2012: Elementary Teacher; Wabasha-Kellogg School District
• 2020 – Present: Volunteer Varsity Baseball Coach; Alma-Pepin School Districts
•  2015 – 2023: Elementary & Junior High Boys and Girls Basketball Coach & Football Coach; Alma-Pepin School Districts
• 2013 – Present: Volunteer Trap Team Coach; Wabasha-Kellogg School District & Alma-Pepin School Districts
• 2009 – 2012: Volunteer Varsity Football Coach; Pepin-Alma School District
• 2001 – 2013: Assistant Golf Coach; Wabasha-Kellogg School District
•  2001 – 2008: Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach; Wabasha-Kellogg School District
• 2000 – 2001: Varsity Baseball Coach; Alma School District
• 3-sport graduate from Pepin High School
   

Brian Zacho - District Administrator of Randolph (Small School Representative)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“I aspire to contribute my expertise in athletics, fostering fairness, and prioritizing athlete welfare. Through collaborative decision-making and transparent communication. I aim to serve the membership by promoting integrity, inclusivity, and sustainable growth within the WIAA.” 

• Husband of Kristy Zacho and Father to Brayden, Kerick, and Asher Zacho
• 21 years in public educator (Teacher, Coach, AD, Transportation Dir, Principal, & DA)
• Holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership
• Licensed as a Principal, Superintendent, and in a year School Business Manager.
• Head Coach of Football (9 years) & Track and Field (13 years)
• Athletic Director, Transportation Director, and Bus Driver
• 2012 All Star Football Coach 
• Coached Football, Basketball, Track and Field all three at all levels
• Former member of WFCA, WBCA, and WISCTA
• Former WFCA District 18 representative 
• Rotary President & Chamber of Commerce Vice President
• WIAA former referee for football and basketball

 

ADVISORY COUNCIL - GENDER MINORITY AT-LARGE (1 OPEN POSITION) :

Peggy Larson - District Administrator of Winneconne (Gender Minority At-Large)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“I would like to continue to serve on the WIAA Advisory Council (Gender at Large Rep). Being able to learn more about potential rules and regulations and how each could impact all aspects of the sport - especially the student athlete - has been rewarding and challenging.  I do my homework when it comes to learning more about the proposed changes.  I speak with our athletic director and impacted coaches to ensure I understand what is being proposed.  I have the entire membership and our student athletes’ best interests.  Thank you for your consideration.”

• Working with the most amazing athletic director who is retiring this year (big shoes to fill)!
• Promoter of Extra Curricular Activities for Students
• Supporter of All Coaches and Advisors in the District
• Involved in securing funding for not only new buildings and the operations thereof, but also athletic fields and buildings
• WIAA Involvement:
  • Member of the Advisory Council (2 year term)
  • Member of the  Competitive Balance Committee 
  • Member of of the Classification Committee
• 30 years in education: physical education teacher 2 years (Shawano-Gresham School District) and 2 years Winneconne Community School District (WCSD), coached volleyball and basketball (WCSD), Dean of Students 1 year (WCSD), 13 years middle school principal (WCSD), and 13 years and District Administrator (WCSD)
• Doctoral Degree in Education - University of Wisconsin Oshkosh 2018
   

ADVISORY COUNCIL - NONPUBLIC SCHOOL AT-LARGE (1 OPEN POSITION) :

 

Michael Lambrecht - Principal at Columbus Catholic High School (Private School Representative)

“Why do you desire to be a WIAA Board/Advisory Member and how will you serve the membership in this role?”
“I desire to be an Advisory Member to share my love for education-based athletics, contribute my expertise in sports administration, ensuring fair competition and promoting student-athlete welfare. I aim to advocate for inclusive policies, foster community engagement, and prioritize equity across all sports, serving the membership with dedication, integrity, and innovation.”

• Hired at Columbus Catholic in 2019
• Master’s in Educational Leadership UW-Superior 2019
• Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) NIAAA 2018
• Member of the WIAA Competitive Balance Committee (2021-Present)
• Athletic Director at Loyal (2011-2019) and Granton (2007-2011)
• High School Science Teacher at Loyal (2011-2019) and Granton (2002-2011)
• Cloverbelt Conference Governance Council  (2013-2019, 2021-Present)
• Varsity Baseball Coach (2003-2011)
• Assistant Varsity Football Coach (2007-2008, 2011-2018)
• WIAA official for Baseball and Softball (2011- Present), Volleyball (2012-2018) Basketball (2011-2018), and Wrestling (1999-2002)
• Coached basketball, softball, and baseball at middle school and youth level