SUPPORT COUGAR CREW

Donations to Cougar Crew are critical to the team's success. We have three key funds where you can help.

  1. Cristy Cook Memorial Fund: The team’s main fund to help cover expenses - operations, travel, coaching salaries, equipment, etc.

  2. Power 10 Fund: Donate recurring amount each month (or annually) to help offset the teams' operating expenses in the Cristy Cook Memorial account. Recurring donations go a long way to providing a reliable income stream for the team! 

  3. Endowment Funds: All endowed funds are for the general use of the University Recreation club rowing team. Currently 6 endowment funds exist. More information on these funds can be found below.


Endowment Funds

All endowed funds are for the general use of the University Recreation club rowing team. Currently 5 endowment funds exist. While these funds are all directed toward the same purpose, the titles and genesis of each fund describe the rich history of Cougar Crew and forever link people to the team. These funds are managed by the WSU Foundation. Each year, 4% of the balance of each fund is distributed the University Recreation club rowing program for general use purposes, 1% per quarter.

WSU Crew Endowment

This fund was started in 1976 by Jean & Bob Austin, the parents of founding club member Jim Austin. Jean and Bob recognized the need for solid financial support for the team and established this tradition for Cougar Crew. This fund has received support to the endowment effort ever since. The establishment of the WSU Crew Endowment signaled the ongoing commitment of parents and alumni of the program to assure its continued survival. This fund has provided the backbone of support for basic club needs for many decades.

Meinhart Endowment

Annett & Clark Meinhart were two early supporters of the team and friends of team administrator Ken Abbey. They lived on the way to the boathouse when it was at Boyer Park. Ken would periodically check in with Annett and Clark about how the cars going to practice, then personal cars driven by students, were obeying speed and safety rules. Ken called them “his spies” and would get the message out to particular drivers about their driving habits. As part of the Meinhart’s retirement plan they donated the proceeds from the sale of their house to WSU which provided annuity income. After their passing the beneficiary become Cougar Crew.

Struckmeyer-Burkhart Endowment

Three years after the club formed in 1970 Ken Struckmeyer became the head coach of the program. He held this position for 21 years. During this time Ken was the primary benefactor of the program by providing his time free to the team and contributing very significant financial support. Often this would come in the form of critically needed items that literally kept the team going like repair items for shells and gas for his truck to haul the shells to races. His example of never giving up in the face of adversity inspired generations of Cougar rowers to succeed in similar situations in their own lives. Marj (Burkhart) Struckmeyer has been a stalwart supporter as well; as partner to Ken and befriending many scores of rowers. She became affectionately known as “Crew Mom”. In 2017 Marj and Ken established this endowment to honor their parents who tirelessly supported their efforts.

Tim Richards ’80 Cougar Crew Endowment

Tim “Haole” Richards participated as a lightweight rower and served as men’s team commodore. He has not stopped leading the team 40+ years later. As long-time chair of the Cougar Crew Alumni Association he guided this alumni and student athlete support effort to many milestones of fundraising and organizational goals. In 2018 the Tim Richards ’80 Cougar Crew Endowment was established to honor Tim’s lifetime of contributions to Cougar Crew. Contributions from teammates and proceeds from the 2018 Cougar Crew Days paddle auction helped start the fund and has accumulated donations ever since.

Paul Hensel Memorial Endowment

Paul Hensel ’86 was an avid alum of Cougar Crew. He was a stalwart member of the varsity heavyweight crews from 1983 to 1986. He was an integral part of the “engine room” rowing six seat. His teammates could always count on Paul for his power and grace with an oar. The comradery and teamwork amongst his fellow rowers left an indelible mark on Paul’s life. Paul also led in his support of Cougar Crew post-graduation. This fund will support the team that made a difference in his life to the lives of future members. This fund was established by Angelina Neo and is intended to honor and celebrate the memory of her longtime partner, Paul Hensel. Funds from this endowment will be used to support the operations of the University Recreation Rowing Club at WSU Pullman and including, but not limited to, any needs of the team, equipment, travel, student support and coach compensation.

Huhta Family Cougar Crew Endowment

Steve Huhta, a proud WSU alumn (73’) in Computer Science had the privilege of witnessing the benefits of Cougar Crew through his son, Karl Huhta.  Karl attended WSU and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management in 2009.  Karl was a four-year member of Cougar Crew and was elected team Commodore his senior year. Karl was named to the 2008 All-Pacific 10 Conference Team, and rowed with the varsity four crew that won the 2008 Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association Conference Championship, took silver at the 2008 Pacific Coast Rowing Championship and competed in the 2008 Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championship. 

Karl’s time with the team was fundamental to his success at WSU and launched him into his professional career as an NCAA rowing coach.  It is Steve’s hopes that this endowment will allow similar opportunities to future Cougar Crew athletes like Karl.  Funds from this endowment will be used to support Cougar Crew operations, including, but not limited to any needs of the team, equipment, travel, student support and coach compensation. 

Iseminger Family Cougar Crew Club Endowment

Ernie Iseminger competed for the Men’s Cougar Crew Club team during his time at Washington State University, starting in 1984.  He had never seen a rowing shell and had very little knowledge about crew.  Little did he know the positive impact the sport would have on him and the oversized influence it would have on his life instilling transferable skills of strong work ethic, perseverance, confidence, and grit.  Ernie rowed for the Men’s Cougar Crew Club team for 4 years, served as the team commodore, and esteemed role only carried by the leader of the team.

He started his career as a coach for the Men’s Cougar Crew, both in the novice and varsity role, for a combined 8 years.  Ernie eventually shifted into a career in philanthropy raising over $2 billion in support for higher education.  He attributes much of his collegiate, personal and professional successes to the skills developed and relationships made through Cougar Crew.  Ernie and his wife, Alice, continue to remain committed to Ernie’s alma mater – determined to create a sustainable and fully funded Cougar Crew Club program and ultimately allowing similar opportunities to future Cougar Crew athletes.

Anderson Legacy Cougar Crew Endowment

Tom Anderson (’80) is a proud Cougar Crew Lightweight rower graduating in Mechanical Engineering.  After graduation Tom became a stalwart supporter of the team as one of its earliest alums and started the process of gathering alumni support in funding the team. 

Tom’s daughter Julia Collins (Anderson) (06’,12) undergraduate degree in Agricultural Education and Master of Science in Agriculture, also competed with Cougar Crew as a coxswain.  They became the first legacy family of Cougar Crew.  This strong bond from the past to present rowers was a catalyst to the development of phenomenal growth in alumni engagement that continues to this day.

The comradery, competition and experience Cougar Crew provided Tom and Julia resulted in tangible transferrable skills, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable experiences and memories - an incredible impact that will be passed along to future members of Cougar Crew through this fund.

  • RENT-A-ROWER

    Rent-A-Rower is a chance for our club team to raise crucial funds to help us represent Washington State University as a competitive rowing team. Our goal is to work hard for you to help you get important jobs done well.

    For $20/hour per rower we can perform most common labor jobs. All kinds of yardwork, loading, cleaning, hauling, moving, etc. The minimum is 2 rowers for 2 hours. Jobs that are two hours or more will be prioritized. We ask that those hiring provide the necessary tools.

  • ROW-A-THON

    The Row-A-Thon event is one of our coaching staff's favorite, because it does not take us away from our training! We solicit the help of our friends, family, and alumni and ask them to generously support our rowers as they pull 90 minute shifts on the rowing machines out on Glenn Terrell Mall. We keep up to five ergs going for two, twelve hour shifts.

    We appreciate the very generous support of everyone that makes this fundraiser such a success. In the past we have contributed 50% of our on Campus donations to the Grand Avenue Green Fund, and have most recently contributed to the Jaimeson Jones memorial fund.

  • CORPORATE MATCHING

    Many employers will match their employees’ donations to Washington State University. Some employers will even match the gifts of retired employees, spouses, parents, and even contributions from their board of directors. All matched funds will be designated to the area to which you originally contributed your gift. Please consider Cougar Crew as you plan our your corporate matching gift.