WIAA ELECTION 

Primary ballots for the following will be emailed March 6 with a completion date of March 28:

Board of Control- District 4
Board of Control- District 3

Advisory Council- Large School (3 year term only)
Advisory Council- Medium Schools
Advisory Council- Small Schools

All general election ballots will be emailed March 31 with a completion date of April 18.  Results will be announced April 26 at the WIAA Annual Meeting.  Ballot notification will be emailed to the district administrator, principal, and athletic director. All school administrators will be able to view the submitted ballot, but only Athletic Directors will be able to submit the ballot of behlaf of their school.

For complete information regarding powers and duties of the Board of Control and Advisory Council, please refer to Pages 14-20 of the WIAA Senior High Handbook: https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Publications/2022-23handbook.pdf

All positions are for a 3-year term beginning with the 2023-24 school year, unless otherwise noted.  Positions open are as follows:

BOARD OF CONTROL
District 3 (west central) for position currently held by Mike Beighley of Whitehall (eligible for re-election).
District 4 (east central) for position currently held by Daniel Retzki of Green Bay Preble (eligible for re-election).
Ethnic Minority At-Large for position currently held by Karl Morrin of Florence (eligible for re-election).

ADVISORY COUNCIL
Large schools: positions currently held by Brian Schlei of Waukesha North (not eligible for re-election, and Chris VanderHeyden of Menasha who is retiring(2-year term).
Medium schools: position currently held by Craig Olson of Hayward (eligible for re-election), and Terrance Slack of Wisconsin Dells (not eligible for re-election).
Small schools: position currently held by Kyle Luedtke of Sevastopol (eligible for re-election).
Ethnic Minority At-Large: position currently held by Mark Holzman of Janesville (eligible for re-election).

Electronic voting will be used for this election. More information and instructions will be emailed by March 7th.

The time line of the special election process is as follows:

March 7, 2023    Primary election ballot emailed.
March 28, 2023    Deadline for returning primary election ballot.
March 31, 2023    General election ballots will be emailed.
April 18, 2023    Deadline for returning general election ballots.
April 26, 2023    Results will be announced at the Annual Meeting.

Candidate Career Summaries

Board of Control – District 3 (1,  3-year term position)- Primary Needed

Lance Bagstad, Superintendent – Arcadia 
I wish to serve on the WIAA Board of Control to share my knowledge of and background with Wisconsin athletics over the past 29 years and to help with the new challenges that continue to arise for the WIAA-sponsored sports and youth athletics in general.”

• Bachelor’s Degree – UW-La Crosse – Secondary Education – History, Political Science, Sociology
• Teacher – Bangor School District – 1994-2006
• Varsity Athletic Coach – Bangor School District – Girls Volleyball (10 years); Girls Basketball (5 years); Baseball (2 years)
• Master’s Degree – Viterbo University – Educational Leadership
• High School Associate Principal (3 years) & High School Principal (9 years) – 2006-2018 – Clintonville High School
•  Head Girls Volleyball Coach (6 years) – Clintonville High School
• Superintendent Certification – Viterbo University
• District Administrator – School District of Arcadia – 2018-Present; Co-Athletic Director – 2022-Present
• WIAA Conference Realignment Task Force Co-Chair – 2020-Present
• Volleyball Official – Master – 18 Years; Basketball Official – Level 4 – 19 Years; Softball Official – Level 2 – 18 Years (recently had four years of no certification which dropped level)
• Hosted Multiple WIAA Pre-State Tournament Events in Several Sports
• Regular attendance at WIAA Annual Meetings and Area Meetings

Greg Doverspike, Superintendent – Durand-Arkansaw
“I feel that my past experiences and work on various WIAA committees make me uniquely qualified to serve on the Board of Control.  I have been active with interscholastic sports during my career and will listen to the needs of the member schools.  We are in a position to build on the changes that have been made the past couple of years.  These changes will be done with students at the center of what we are looking at.”

• Graduate of Osseo-Fairchild High School where I lettered in three sports
• Attended UW-Eau Claire where I majored in Social Studies education and lettered three-years in football
• Taught in Augusta and Melrose-Mindoro where I was the head coach of three sports
• Dean of Students/Athletic Director at Durand Middle/High School for two years
• Middle/High School Principal/AD at Abbotsford Middle/High School for four years
• In 11th year as District Administrator in the Durand-Arkansaw School District
• Served as Co-Athletic Director for six years while District Administrator
• Serving second term on WIAA Advisory Council and am Past-President
• Charter member and still serve on WIAA Conference Realignment Taskforce

Michael Johnson, Superintendent – Eau Claire
“I hope to join the Board of Control to promote the membership’s vision and opportunities. I will serve effectively and uniquely due to my small/large school coaching and administrative experience in Wisconsin, past involvement with the MSHSL in Minnesota, and foundationally, my own rural Wisconsin background as a student-athlete.”

• Superintendent, Eau Claire Area School District, 2020 – present
• Member of WIAA Competitive Balance Committee, 2021 – present
• Assistant Superintendent, South Washington County School District (MN), 2014-2020
• Participant in Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) “Inside Out” Initiative, 2018
• HS AP, MS Principal, Director of Academics, School District of River Falls, 2003-2014
• Teacher/Coach 1993-2003 (Abbotsford, Fall Creek, Eau Claire, Rice Lake, Chippewa Falls)
• Varsity, JV, and MS Coach of various sports: Boys’ Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Track, Softball
• WIAA Sportsmanship Summit Participant (Fall 2000)
• Four-sport graduate of Phillips HS (1987) and WIAA State participant in Boys’ BB, Track, and Golf
• WIAA State participant (Varsity Coach) Boys’ Basketball, Rice Lake (2002)
• Hall of Fame Inductee – UW-Eau Claire (2008), Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (2023)
• B.A., M.A. – University of Wisconsin Eau Claire; Ed. S. – University of St. Thomas (MN)

Board of Control – District 4 (1 3-year term position)- Primary Needed

Bryan Davis, Superintendent – Oshkosh
“I desire to be a WIAA Board Member because of my commitment to serve and support the student-athletes and coaches of Wisconsin.  I would serve membership in this role by listening to feedback on members’ topics of interest and making decisions based on what is good for the student-athletes in my region and across the state.”

• 13 years as a Wisconsin superintendent (Columbus, Shorewood and Oshkosh)
• 26 years as a Wisconsin public school educator (New Lisbon, Oshkosh, Green Bay, Columbus, Shorewood)
• 5 years coaching high school boys basketball and football
• 3 sport athlete for 4 years at Monroe High School; Two time state champion (Football); State runner-up (Basketball)
• Ph.D. in Urban Education from UW-Milwaukee

Daniel Retzki, Athletic Director – Green Bay Preble
“I am excited at the opportunity to continue to serve the WIAA in the capacity of a WIAA Board of Control Member.  I have enjoyed the past seven years in my role on the WIAA Advisory Board/WIAA Board of Control and would like to continue to serve the student-athletes and schools of Wisconsin in the open Board of Control position.”

• Worked in various School Districts since 1994 (Mosinee, Wisconsin Dells, Kaukauna, West Bend)
• Hired by Preble High School in 2008 as the Activities Director Added Associate Principal title in 2010
• Currently serve on the WIAA Board of Control (2022-present)
• Have served on the WIAA Advisory Council since 2016 (2016-2022)
• Have coached various sports at the middle school, high school and college level
• Am a licensed WIAA basketball official
• Member of the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association
• Member of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators
• Holds a master’s degree in sports administration
• Graduated from Pacelli High School in Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Phillip Tubbs, Superintendent – Weyauwega-Fremont
“My core values are family/culture, self- improvement, and service. As a previous athlete, coach, and athletic director, I am aware of the commitment that is needed to develop successful programs and players. As a leader, my mission is to help individuals and groups be the best they can be.” 

• 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 May 2023 Edgewood College

Advisory Council- Large Schools (Primary only for open 3 year term position)

Matt Hendrickson, Principal – Madison Memorial
“I am a passionate advocate for education-based athletics and have a strong background in sports and education.  As a council member I will serve and represent fellow member schools in advisement to the Board of control with commitment to supporting a safe and inclusive environment for all student-athletes.” 

• Lifelong advocate of co-curricular activities, understanding their critical role in education 27 years in Wisconsin Public Education
• 5 years as Head Principal, Memorial High School
• 14 years as Assistant Principal
• 10 years Administrative oversight of athletics
• Advisory Committee member (2018-21)
• 17 High School Coaching at all levels Football, Boys and Girls Track (2003 State Championship)
• 10 years youth sports coaching
• Bachelor of Science-UW Madison
• Masters of Science, Educational Leadership-UW-Madison
• Doctorate-Educational Leadership-Edgewood College

Craig Olson, Superintendent – Hayward
“I would be honored to represent the Large Schools Members on the WIAA Advisory Council to advocate for student-athletes in education-based athletics.  I feel my four years of experience representing the Medium School Members on the WIAA Advisory Council will bring benefits to the Large School Members.  Being an active listener and clearly communicating with our member schools is an intricate role of an Advisory Council Member of the WIAA.”

• Hayward Superintendent of Schools                                                September 2011-present
• Hayward Assistant Superintendent of Schools                                 July 2011-September 2011
• Hayward Middle School Principal                                                     July 2006- July 2011
• Hayward Middle School Assistant Principal                                      July 2001- July 2006
• WIAA Medium School Advisory Council                                           July 2019-present
• WIAA Conference Realignment Task Force                                     July 2019-present
• WASDA Board of Directors                                                               July 2019-present
• WADA Wisconsin Athletic Service Award                                         July 2016
• Nominated Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year                            2016
• Hayward Rotary Member                                                                  2011- present

Wayne Sackett, Principal – Holmen 
Wayne Sackett has a long history of involvement in athletics and education. His experience as a WIAA athlete, parent, coach, and administrator has created a well-rounded perspective; combined with his ability to navigate complex issues make him an excellent candidate. Sackett would be an asset to the Advisory Council.

• La Crosse Central / UW-La Crosse / Viterbo Graduate
• WIAA athlete, coach, parent, administrator
• Father to four daughters / WIAA athletes: Tierra-24, Tianna-24, Taylor-20, Reece-17
• WFCA/Green Bay Packer Football Coach of the Year (2007 – WIAA State Champions)
• La Crosse Tribune Football Coach of the Year- 3x (2002 WIAA State Runner Up, 2005 WIAA State Runner Up, 2007 WIAA State Champions)
• Former District Representative for Wisconsin Football Coaches Association
• West Salem High School Science Teacher and Head Football / Assistant Girls Basketball / Powerlifting Coach
• Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship Award – 2014
• Holmen High School Associate Principal – 4 yrs / Principal – 5 Yrs (2014-Present)
• Lead a $23.5 million referendum in 2018 for the HHS building project that included new athletic facilities
• Spearheaded movement of 90% freshman participation & 75% of the entire student body
• Promotes the development of athletic programs – Girls Wrestling

Advisory Council- Medium Schools (2 3-year term positions)- Primary Needed

Mike Arendt, Principal – Racine St. Catherine’s 
“I am interested in this position because I believe that I can bring a practical, experienced and knowledge based approach to discussion and decision making within the organization. My experience as an athlete, official, coach and administrator at both public and private institutions gives me a unique perspective on the challenges that face the education based athletics landscape today.

• Principal, Racine St. Catherine’s High School 2019, 2021-Present
• Athletic Director, Racine St. Catherine’s High School, 2017-2021
• WIAA Licensed official Football, Wrestling, Baseball, Softball 2002-Present
• WIAA Wrestling Rules Interpreter and Clinic Organizer 2015-Present
• NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee Member 2021-Present
• Milwaukee Officials Association Board Member 2012-Present
• Social Studies Teacher, Union Grove and Port Washington High School 2007-2017
• Baseball and Football Coach, Reedsville and Union Grove High School 2004-2017
• Master’s Degree in Administrative Supervision and Leadership (Principal, Director of Instruction)-UWM
• Certified Athletic Administrator Certification (CAA)-2019
• Wisconsin Athletic Director Association Member-2017-Present

Nic Been, Director of Teaching and Learning – St. Croix Central
“I desire to contribute to this association with fellow educational leaders as a responsibility to support and positively impact.  I serve by listening to members and studying current realities while considering future ramifications of decisions, with the mission of upholding athletics that creates a fantastic experience for students and communities.”

• 23 years of various coaching levels/sports experience: youth (4-8), Freshmen, JV, Varsity, Collegiate.
• 21 years in education as a 6-12 Math and Health Educator, 9-12 Assistant Principal, 4K-12 Director
• 10 years of experience as a 6-12 Athletics & Activities Director, and as a Community Recreation Director
• 22 years as an active licensed WIAA varsity official for volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball
• WIAA Officials Advisory Committee: 2013-2015 & 2021-present
• WIAA Advisory Council: 2015-2018
• AWSA Assistant Principal Advisory Council: 2014-2018
• Holds a bachelor’s degree in Math and Health Education, with a Coaching minor
• Holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership; Licensed as a Principal, Director of Instruction, and Superintendent
• 4-year varsity basketball player at UW-River Falls, WI
• 3-sport 1996 graduate from Sauk Prairie High School, WI

Ty Breitlow, Superintendent – Lomira
“I previously served on the WIAA Advisory Council for two terms, I have the experience with the process and a deep understanding for how the changes made at the state impact us locally. I remain committed to talking with our medium size school administrators to gain perspective on each of the topics for consideration. I believe that as a membership driven regulatory body that the inclusion of local perspectives matters most. I invite anyone to reach out to me to discuss topics for consideration or my approach.” 

• Fourth year as District Administrator (Randolph and Lomira)
• Randolph won D5 Boys and Girls State Basketball in 2022
• Elected to three terms on WIAA Advisory Council
• 2019 WI State Principal of the Year
• Member of ACT State Council since 2014
• AWSA Board of Directors Member from 2017-2019
• Hired as Principal of Chilton High School in 2012
• Promoted in 2011 to Dean of Students/Lead Mentor at Arrowhead
• Arrowhead Teacher of the Year in 2011
• Won 2007 D1 State FB with Arrowhead HS as Assistant Coach
• Hired in 2006 as Social Studies Teacher at Arrowhead HS (Student Council, Football and Track & Field)
• Hired in 2005 as Social Studies Teacher at West Allis Central (Football, Basketball and Track & Field)

Mike Klieforth, Principal – Amherst
“My desire to be on the Advisory Council comes with my passion for continuous improvement.  As a result, helping the WIAA to continuously improve through policy and new ideas will help create better opportunities and overall experiences for our student-athletes and member schools.  This becomes a win for everyone.”

• Named 2021-22 Wisconsin Administrator of the Year by WASC
• Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration & Coaching from Concordia University – Irvine, CA
• Collegiate Football Player (4 Year Starter, Captain, 2X All-Conference) & Collegiate Track Athlete (3X All-Conference)
• Competed in Football, Basketball, Track, and Wrestling in High School at Abbotsford High School
• President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes – Minnesota State University, Mankato Chapter 2 Years
• Head Varsity Football Coach (Wautoma & Lake Holcombe 50-25 Record), Head Varsity Golf Coach (Wautoma), Assisted in Basketball, Wrestling, Track, & Baseball
• Coached in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-Star Game
• Safe Schools/Healthy Students Award Winner for Helping Less Fortunate Families in Waushara County
• Vice President of the Tomorrow River Business Association (2022 – Present)
• Firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder in Amherst
• School Bus Driver

Jeff Koenig, Superintendent – Stanley-Boyd    
“I would like to represent the best interests of Wisconsin schools in all sports.  My experience in coaching different sports at many different levels, as well as my ability to see the big picture while keeping school district finances in check would help me serve the membership in this capacity.”   

•  Hired at Stanley-Boyd Area School District (SBASD) in 2003 as Business Education Teacher
•  Served SBASD as Head Football Coach since 2004
• Served SBASD as Athletic Director from 2011-2016
• Served SBASD as High School Principal in 2016-2018
• Served SBASD as Superintendent since 2018
•  Hold an Education Specialists Degree in School Administration
• Served Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Area School District as Asst. Prin. /Athletic Director (1999-2003)
•  Served School District of Hillsboro as a Teacher, Head Track Coach, and Asst. Football Coach (1996-1998)
• Served Necedah Area School District as a Teacher, Asst. Volleyball, and Asst. Softball Coach (1995-1996)
• Served as a District Rep for the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (2010-2016)
• 3-sport graduate from Barron Area School District

Eric Young, Principal – Osseo-Fairchild
“My desire to become a WIAA Board/Advisory member stems from my goal of seeing all student-athletes succeed in life. In order to serve these Wisconsin student-athletes effectively, I will utilize my experiences in health care, coaching, refereeing, teaching, and administration to help to achieve that goal.”

• Multi-sport graduate of Bloomer High School
• Bachelor Degree in Science Education
• 7 years – Physics/Chemistry Teacher
• Turtle Lake, WI (2012-2016) and Elk Mound, WI (2016-2019)
• Masters Degree in Educational Administration/Leadership
• 4 years – Middle/High School Principal
• Whitehall, WI (2019-2022) and Osseo-Fairchild, WI (2022-current)
• Doctoral/Superintendent program beginning in Summer 2023
• 11 years – High School Football Coach (Bloomer, Turtle Lake, Elk Mound)
• 18 years – WIAA licensed basketball referee
• 15 years – Nationally Registered EMT
• 10 years – CDL Holder – School Bus Driver

Advisory Council- Small Schools (1 3-year term position)- Primary Needed

Dennis Kaczor, Superintendent – Rosholt
“WIAA sports have been an integral part of my 27 years in education. I’ve coached baseball and football, while also serving as a wrestling official for 23 years. I currently serve on the WIAA Sportsmanship Committee and hope, through advocacy, to increase student participation, sportsmanship, and coaching knowledge.”

• Six total years as a District Administrator
• Twelve years as school administrator at every school age level
• Twenty-seven years as public school employee
• Member of WIAA Sportsmanship Committee since 2021
• WIAA Licensed Official since 2000
• Coached football, baseball, and wrestling
• Played College Baseball in Tampa, Florida
• Army ROTC Scholarship recipient
• National Guard Officer for ten years
• Member of Portage County Business Council

Kyle Luedtke, Superintendent – Sevastopol
“As a current member of the Advisory Council, I have given valuable insight and direction to the Board of Control. Being able to contribute to the overall good of the WIAA through thoughtful dialogue with the current Advisory Council while listening to member schools with concerns, I believe are my strengths.” 

• Currently serving 6th year as superintendent at School District of Sevastopol
•  Passed $25.1 million building referendum in 2018
• Superintendent at Benton School District 2011-2017
• MS/HS Principal Royall School District 2006-2010
• Served two terms on the WIAA Advisory (2106 and 2020)
• Former WIAA official for basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball
• Graduate Degree UW-Madison 2003
• Undergraduate Degree UW-Whitewater 1993

Brian Nadeau, Superintendent/Principal – Plum City
“I want to be a steward of school-based athletics in the state of Wisconsin, particularly the small, rural schools that need advocacy and equity more than ever. I intend to collaborate with the members and the WIAA to ensure high-quality representation for all.”

• Served as Science Teacher and Athletic Coach for 16 years in Wisconsin
• Served as Dean of Students (Hudson) and PK-12 Principal (Clayton)
• Hired as Superintendent in Plum City in 2021
• Master’s Degree and beyond in Administration and Superintendent Licensure
• WIAA Basketball Official (Master)
• WIAA Football Official
• 3-sport student-athlete and Honor Student at Baldwin-Woodville HS
• WIAA State Champion in Football – 1992 Division 4
• WIAA State participant in Summer Baseball – 1991

William Taylor, Principal- Wabeno 
“I have coached for twenty years and have led with high character and integrity in doing so. I would honor the opportunity to represent the WIAA in the same manner and represent our region as an Advisory Council member as a small school representative.”

• Three Sport athlete at Goodman High School
• 1998-2002 Varsity Girls Basketball coach at Goodman High School
• 2005-2006 Varsity Boys Basketball coach at Goodman High School
• 2008 Achieved Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Superior. Began teaching career at The School District of Wabeno Area
• 2008-2013 Varsity Boys Basketball coach at Wabeno High School
• 2009-2010 Assistant Varsity Baseball coach
• 2009-2011 Junior Varsity Football coach
• 2014 Achieved Masters of Arts in Education, Educational Leadership from Marian University
• 2014 to Present Hired as Junior/Senior High School Principal
• 2019-2022 Head Boys Basketball coach
• 2023 Achieve Masters in Education Administration, Superintendent licensure. UW-Superior
• 2023 July 1st, will begin role of district administrator for The School District of Wabeno Area