By Eric Schneider, Fundraising Chair, Friends of Minnesota Men’s Crew

Reunion Rundown

The 2025 University of Minnesota Men’s Crew Club Annual Reunion was held on Saturday, October 4th and brought together more than 150 current and former rowers, friends, and family members for a spirited day of celebration and connection. Although high winds forced the cancellation of the Head of the Mississippi Regatta, enthusiasm remained high as attendees gathered for the dedication of two Varsity 8 boats and the induction of former rower and coach Tom “Tucker” Altenhofen into the Hall of Fame.

Assistant coaches Ed Podnieks and Mike Nichols welcomed alumni on this breezy October evening, while former team president Akansha Kamineni served as Master of Ceremonies. Head Coach Scott Armstrong provided a comprehensive update on the team, sharing that the roster now exceeds 50 athletes. The third varsity eight won the bronze medal at the 2025 ACRA National Championships and the team is gaining strength and momentum heading into the upcoming racing season. The event provided a perfect fall backdrop for alumni to reconnect, share stories, and reflect on the enduring tradition of Gopher rowing.

The evening’s live auction featured a mix of competition and camaraderie, including spirited bidding wars for the chance to row alongside the current team and a one-of-a-kind painting of last year’s Third Varsity 8 (bronze medalists)—artfully rendered on an oar blade by the team’s coxswain (see photo). Fundraising chair Eric Schneider addressed the group with exciting news about the organization’s expanded financial goals: $100,000 for operational support and an additional $100,000 toward a new endowment campaign—both representing a significant leap forward in sustaining and growing the program.

Friends of UMN Crew President Sawyer Olson followed with an inspiring message about the club’s long-term vision and the vital role alumni play in helping the team achieve its full potential. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to everyone who attended and supported this memorable day. Those unable to join are encouraged to honor Coach Armstrong’s ambitious vision by making or increasing their annual commitment to ensure that Minnesota Crew continues to thrive for generations to come.

Alumni Michael wherley speaks of his former coach, tucker

Hall of Fame Inductee Tom “Tucker” Altenhofen ‘87

Tucker inducted into the hall of fame on October 4th, 2025

In an emotional tribute, Tom “Tucker” Altenhofen was formally inducted into the University of Minnesota Men’s Crew Club Hall of Fame during the 2025 Reunion, a fitting recognition for a man whose legacy spans nearly four decades of dedication to the program. Tucker rowed for the Gophers from 1986 to 1989 before immediately joining the coaching staff, where he led the team for more than two decades During his humorous and heartfelt acceptance speech, Tucker reflected on the defining moments that shaped both his own rowing journey and the trajectory of the Minnesota Crew. He recalled the thrill of winning the 1987 Varsity Four race at the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia and took a moment to thank the boatmates who shared that victory and were present to celebrate with him. He also recounted the 1987 IRA National Championship, when the team damaged its boat during practice and had to race in borrowed equipment—finishing a disappointing third behind Wisconsin and Princeton. That setback, Tucker shared, became the turning point that inspired his lifelong commitment to coaching, fueling his belief that Minnesota could compete among the nation’s best with the right leadership and support.

Several former athletes paid tribute to Tucker’s enduring influence, noting his unwavering commitment, humor, and generosity—both on and off the water. Many shared stories of how Tucker created opportunities for his rowers, even hiring team members to work for his tech consulting company when other paths were limited. The evening’s tributes underscored how deeply Tucker’s leadership shaped the program’s culture of perseverance, accountability, and camaraderie. His encouraging words to today’s athletes, coupled with his endorsement of Head Coach Scott Armstrong’s vision for the team’s future, served as a reminder that Minnesota Crew’s strength lies in the foundation Tucker helped build. On behalf of generations of rowers, the University of Minnesota Men’s Crew Club extends a heartfelt thank-you to Tom “Tucker” Altenhofen for his remarkable service, mentorship, and enduring contributions to the success and spirit of Gopher rowing.

Alumni Spotlight: Brad Melby ‘90

Perseverance Pays

When you ask former Gopher rower Brad Melby what he remembers most about rowing for the University of Minnesota Men’s Crew, he doesn’t hesitate. “At that time, we definitely liked winning medals and trophies,” he says with a laugh. “But as I look back, it wasn’t really about the medals—it was about the spirit of competition, the togetherness, and pushing each other toward a shared purpose. We didn’t want to let each other down.”

Rowing, for Melby, was a rare and almost sacred experience. “It’s such a unique sport—very few people ever get the chance to do it, let alone master it,” he says. “You’re pulling this huge lever with a bunch of other guys in a boat shaped like a sword, balancing on what feels like a skate on an ice rink, all while gliding down one of the most magnificent rivers—the mighty Mississippi.” That beauty and challenge, he recalls, made every practice feel special. “Every time you went out rowing, people would stop to watch. It was that unique.”

Moments That Last a Lifetime

Among countless memories, one stands out from his freshman year. “We were riding back from a regatta, and I had three gold medals around my neck,” he recalls. “I’d never won anything before—that was pretty amazing.” Another unforgettable moment came later, when Melby and his mates were one of the few rowers trusted to take out the legendary Filippi—“the Stradivarius of rowing shells.” Freshmen weren’t even allowed to look at it, he jokes. “If you did, your varsity rowers would come over and pound heads.”

That season, the crew won the Dad Vail Regatta against a field of 90 other teams. “It was incredible,” Melby says. “And get this—back home in Bismarck, my dad was watching golf on TV when the broadcast suddenly cut away to a ‘new’ sport—rowing. They zoomed in on our final race, and my parents watched me win the gold medal live. You couldn’t have scripted it better.” Their success earned the team a bid to the IRA National Championships, though the story didn’t end without drama. “We wrecked the Filippi the night before the final race,” Melby laughs. “But we still borrowed another boat and managed to bring home third place. Pretty memorable.”

Remembering a Crew Brother: Former Coach Tom Altenhofen

At the recent alumni reunion, held to induct Tom Altenhofen into the Hall of Fame, Melby reflected on their time rowing together. “When Tucker and I rowed, we only had a total of four heavyweight rowers,” he explains. “That forced us together, and we were all so different—backgrounds, personalities, even what we studied. Normally, in a bigger crew, we might not have crossed paths. But that’s the beauty of rowing—it forges lifelong friendships.” One moment still brings a smile. “Our coxswain, Jessica Van Der Skoff, asked us to count down from bow to stroke to confirm we were ready. Tom—being Tom—shouted ‘Huge!’ instead of ‘Bow.’ I followed with ‘Huger,’ Kevin said ‘Hugest,’ and Pete Hernke said ‘Humongous.’ We laughed so hard—and from then on, that became our ritual. Even now, when we text each other, we still sign off that way.”

A Career Built on Perseverance

After graduating, Melby began his career with IDS Financial Services, the predecessor to what is now Ameriprise Financial. Thirty-five years later, he’s still with the firm—and now serves as CEO of TruCourse Advisors, leading a team of 44 professionals. “We’re an ensemble wealth advisory practice,” he says. “We manage assets for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families, but we also have younger advisors helping people who are just getting started. Our focus is comprehensive planning—investments, estate planning, and tax strategy.” Melby has also lent his expertise to the alumni association’s new endowment initiative. “It’s exciting to see the program think long-term,” he says. “An endowment shows alumni and donors that this team is serious about its future. You’re building a fund whose income helps sustain the program for decades to come. It’s a signal of wisdom, professionalism, and fiscal soundness.” He applauds the thoughtful approach. “They’re doing it the right way—seeking professional counsel and managing it well. It’s a sign that the U of M Men’s Crew is setting itself up for lasting success.”

A Message to Today’s Rowers

Brad melby and michael nicholls at the crew reunion 2024 (lake monster brewing)

Asked what he’d tell today’s rowers, Melby pauses—and then smiles. “Perseverance pays,” he says simply.

He elaborates: “The accountability, the camaraderie, the shared purpose—whether you bring home hardware or not, you’ll be a better person. You’ll build character through discipline and perseverance. Rowing teaches you to push past your mental and physical limits. It gives you a structure—and the people around you—who hold you accountable. That combination changes you.”

Melby believes that growth carries over to life beyond the boathouse. “Most people rationalize why they can’t or shouldn’t do something. But you can retrain your brain. Rowing forced me to realize that I could overcome much more than I thought I could. That spark—learning to persist through pressure—lit something in me that I still rely on today.”

Finding Himself on the Water

As he reflects, Melby’s tone softens. “Life moves fast,” he says. “I’ve had other amazing experiences, but rowing was the start of a new path. It helped me find myself. I don’t know where my destiny would have ended up without it.”

For a man who has built a successful career, led hundreds, and inspired many, that lesson remains at the core: perseverance pays.

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Editor’s Note: Brad Melby (’90) was part of the 1987 Dad Vail champion heavyweight 4+ and continues to embody the discipline, teamwork, and determination that define Gopher Crew.

Boat Dedication - Thank You to the McGowan Family!

At the 2025 University of Minnesota Men’s Crew Reunion, Head Coach Scott Armstrong announced a generous $7,500 donation made by the parents of current rower Dylan McGowan—a gift that will have a lasting impact on the program.

head coach scott armstrong addresses the crowd with the christening of hudson shells *hall of Famers* and *Our conditions ‘25*

In sharing the story behind the naming of the newly christened Varsity 8 boat, Our Conditions ‘25, Coach Armstrong recounted how the phrase originated with Dylan during a tough stretch of racing at the 2025 championships. Battling harsh weather and rough water, Dylan rallied his teammates with the words, “Guys, these are our conditions!”—a nod to Minnesota rowing’s long tradition of training and competing through rain, snow, wind, and waves.

The phrase perfectly captured the grit and resilience that define the Gopher rowing spirit, and Coach Armstrong knew it was the ideal name for the shell funded by the McGowan family’s generosity. After the ceremonial champagne christening, the crowd celebrated both the symbolic naming and the family’s meaningful contribution, expressing deep gratitude for their commitment to supporting the current and next generation of Minnesota rowers.

Coach’s Corner - Scott Armstrong

Minnesota has a long tradition of champions at the Dad Vail, IRA and ACRA. These teams rowed on an icy river in freezing temperature, trained in a tiny erg room through long winters and drove endless hours traveling to races. They took on bigger programs from warmer climates with better funding and beat them anyway. They did the impossible though hard work and determination, and never settled for mediocrity despite the disadvantages of rowing in Minnesota. This is the spirit that Minnesota Men’s Crew strives to continue into the 21st century.

Rowing at Minnesota is about achieving excellence in the face of adversities. The student-athletes will take on the expectation to win medals at the ACRA National Championships, and put in the work to do it. As coach, my goal is to regularly place crews in the grand finals (top 6) of ACRA. I want the athletes to look around before the start and say to themselves, “We can win this.” In good years, they will win a medal. In great years, they can win it all. It is my firm belief that these students will push themselves and learn more about themselves when they strive for this high level of excellence, instead of simply trying hard. This spirit is what I want them to carry with them when they graduate and go on with their lives – you can achieve greatness when you expect the most out of yourself and don’t back down from challenging circumstances.

Rowing at the University of Minnesota has changed over the decades. The team is much bigger, with 50+ athletes racing in the spring. Club rowing is very strong across the United States, and the ACRA National Championships is now the largest collegiate race in the country, with 2000+ athletes from 70+ schools. Club programs around the country have evolved into much more professional operations, with full-time staffs and multi-million dollar endowments. There is a much greater emphasis on safety and accountability in higher education. All this means we need more support and funding to keep up with our competition and put our athletes in place at the start of those grand finals. This team does not expect to have the newest boats and the fanciest trips. They just want a chance to put all those winter workouts on the line against the best teams in the country and come out on top.

Crew President Caden Miller: Winter Training Update

With the weather getting colder and winter approaching, the crew has started to shift toward the winter training season. The morning rows that go out on Tuesday and Thursday have been traded for a morning session in the gym as of Tuesday November 3rd. Though we will stay on the water for the afternoon training sessions for as long as safely possible, those will be transitioned into the boatbay for erg and cross training sessions sometime in the coming weeks. We still hope for a snow row before the transition inside as it is one of the special things about rowing in Minnesota. There are few things in rowing more magical than going out and rowing as snow is falling around you.

But it will get too cold at some point and we will be stuck inside for a few months.

During this time, the crew focuses on building the strength and endurance needed to win spring races. This is done by erg and tank sessions in the afternoons and gym sessions in the mornings on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. To start with, our morning weight sessions are enjoyable as it is a time when the novice crew and varsity crew get to work out together and build camaraderie. The pinnacle of the morning lifts are the Saturday circuits, where you only spend a minute or so at each workout and rotate through a variety of different lifts in a big circuit as a team. It's a great way to start off the weekend with a tough workout that makes you feel sore in a good way.

Next is the tank sessions, using the indoor tank, we get the opportunity to work on a lot of technical rowing that is hard to work on while on the water. The tank provides a stable way to work on every part of the rowing stroke as well as use the built in mirrors to see things that you would otherwise not be able to see. It also gives the coaches the ability to get closer with the athletes and give more one on one coaching about body position, the catch and so much more.

Finally, the erg section. The largest section of winter training is the time spent on the erg. While most of the time, it's pretty typical workouts to build up to spring races, there is also the highlight of winter training: Friday night fights. Every Friday, the team holds a partner based erg competition where the athletes are paired up randomly and compete in a chosen erg piece to be the fastest group on the team that night. They get pretty intense and the winners are tracked throughout winter with the people with the most wins getting some sort of small prize in the spring. Everyone on the team looks forward to Friday night fights, so much so that we even have a boat named FNF after it. Winter training as a whole can be tough not being on the water but that is also one of the things that make rowing at Minnesota special.

USA Club Rowing Spotlight - University of Virginia

The University of Virginia established itself as the top club crew in the country with a commanding victory in both the First Varsity 8+ and the Second Varsity 8+ at the 2025 ACRA National Championships in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in May 2025. In case you missed it, here’s the podium from the 2025 ACRA men’s eights:
In preparation for the 2025 Head of the Charles event, the website Junior Rowing News made the following update on what lies ahead for the University of Virginia in the 2025-26 season:

UVA 8+ first team trains for the henley royal regatta in england over the fist week of july. the appearance follows their first place nationals win in may at the american collegiate rowing association championships held on melton lake in oak ridge, tennessee.

“The best of the club rowing scene last year, the University of Virginia, had an incredible summer. Starting by winning the ACRA National Championship Regatta in both the first and second varsity eights, they would embark on a European tour, winning at the Zurich International Regatta and making it to Friday in The Temple Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. This performance, the best an ACRA program has achieved in some time, was remarkable; however, the challenge now is to sustain that success. This weekend, they travel to Boston with only two rowers from their Temple Challenge Cup crew, compared to the more significant contingents from other club programs in this event.”

The University of Virginia website provides a glimpse of what is possible in club rowing, and the powerful role that alumni can play in supporting a competitive club rowing program. Please take a moment to visit their website and see what an impact their alumni are having on the success of the program.

Fundraising News: Endowment, Reunion, and GTTM

The Friends of the University of Minnesota Men’s Crew Club has set ambitious yet achievable goals for the upcoming year: raising $100,000 for operational expenses and another $100,000 to establish a new endowment fund that will secure the team’s long-term financial future. Both funds are essential—one sustains the current athletes with equipment, travel, and coaching resources, while the other ensures that future generations of rowers can continue to experience the program’s excellence. The leadership team is confident that with over 600 alumni and a strong base of current supporters, these targets are within reach. Alumni and friends are encouraged to consider contributing to both efforts. For those interested in reading more about the new endowment fund, here is a link to the campaign overview.

At the 2025 Annual Reunion and Hall of Fame Induction, the crew community demonstrated its generosity and enthusiasm by raising over $20,000 toward the combined goal of $200,000. This was a tremendous start to the 2026 fundraising year and a clear sign that momentum is building. The reunion highlighted not just the legacy of the program but also the enduring bonds between teammates and supporters who continue to give back. The board and coaching staff extend their sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed and helped organize the event—and they emphasize that there is still a long way to go. Every donation, large or small, brings the team closer to reaching its financial goals and sustaining the excellence of Gopher rowing.

Looking ahead, alumni and friends are reminded that Give to the Max Day is fast approaching on Thursday, November 20th—a perfect opportunity to show support for the program and rally others to do the same. Minnesotans have built a proud tradition of extraordinary generosity during this annual statewide day of giving, and the UM Men’s Crew is eager to channel that spirit to power its next phase of growth. Whether you rowed on the team decades ago or are cheering from the boathouse today, your contribution on Give to the Max Day helps ensure that the oars keep moving forward, season after season. According to the team’s head of fundraising, Vinnie Votruba, the team will be hosting a livestream from 10:00am to 7:00pm where we’ll be participating in various activities from a senior read aloud, to painting “googly eyes and teeth” on banners, to a milk 2k, to a livestream of the day’s practice “to really show what it’s like being on the team, how hard we work, and what we’re trying to accomplish with the season ahead of us. We’ll offer lots of viewer engagement through donations and text, and it’s just a really good way to interact with the guys.”

Alumni, We Need Your Input!

Friends President Sawyer Olson has a special request for alumni rowers: Help us design the team blazer! Sawyer is gathering input on the design and method for securing the coveted blazer in time for the team’s 70th anniversary in 2027. You’ll hear more about this effort throughout the year, but for those of you with a passion for rowing and an understanding of the history that the blazer plays in the legacy of the sport, please reach out to Sawyer as soon as possible to share your thoughts. Sawyer’s email is sawyer.olson@friendsofumncrew.org.

Spotlight on Varsity Rower: Vinnie Votruba

Raised in Fridley, Minnesota, Vincent Votruba brings both grit and humility to the University of Minnesota Men’s Crew. The son of Dave Votruba and Wendy Loughry, and the older brother of Bronko, Violet, and Scarlet, Vinnie graduated from Irondale Senior High before joining the Gophers in February of 2024. He was introduced to the sport by teammate Alex Matuska, who invited him to his first practice. What hooked him wasn’t just the rowing—it was the intensity. “I saw how serious everyone was about competing to win,” Vinnie recalls. “That’s what got me.” Now majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering with plans for a math minor, he expects to graduate in about two years. His long-term goal: to find work that makes “a positive impact on the world, at any scale.”

When asked what he values most about rowing at the U, Vinnie says it’s the people. “The community is the most important part to me,” he says. “My teammates have made me a better competitor and a better man than I ever thought I’d be before joining the team.” For someone who was quiet early in his college years, those friendships have been transformative. His proudest moments so far include earning bronze medals at ACRA’s in both the Lightweight Novice 4+ and the 3V 8+, as well as receiving the team’s coveted “Seat” Award, presented each week to the rower who gives the most effort. “Getting that from Zion Desulme last year meant the world to me,” he says.

Beyond the water, Vinnie is already stepping up as a leader, serving as the team’s Director of Fundraising. He took on the role with a clear understanding of its importance: “We’re not a big-budget D1 program with boundless resources. Every trip and every training session has to be treated with value and care. That takes funding.” His current focus is helping the team meet its ambitious 2026 goals while continuing to build a culture of commitment and accountability. Personally, he’s training to add 15 pounds of strength before spring racing and looks forward to winter “Friday Night Fights” to drive team fitness.

For Vinnie, rowing isn’t just a sport—it’s a mindset he plans to carry far beyond graduation. “Rowing has given me the guts to attack any problem relentlessly,” he says. “That’s something I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.”

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