Our Team

Andrea Larson - Executive Director

Andrea Larson fully encompasses the IRONBULL spirit, constantly challenging her inner self mentally and physically.  Andrea started running in 6th grade and hasn’t stopped since! She was a three sport athlete in college where she set the school record in the 1500m. She has competed at the highest level nationally in several sports; skiing in the elite wave of the Birkebeiner, podiuming at the Leadville 100 ultramarathon, and teaming up on Rib Mountain Racing to finish nationally with a top three ranking in adventure racing. As a Central Wisconsin native, she has won several central Wisconsin events over the past decade including Wausau 24 mountain bike race (when she was only 13 weeks postpartum, while stopping mid race to breastfeed nonetheless!), Woodson YMCA Triathlon, WausaUltra, Badger State Games Nordic Ski race, and Badger State Games Quadrathlon.

Andrea stepped away from her career after a decade in research and development as a professionally licensed chemical engineer to become the Executive Director of IRONBULL.  "I am thrilled to join IRONBULL to share my passion for the outdoors and make a difference in my hometown which has so many great outdoor offerings minutes from downtown. IRONBULL will bring far more to Central Wisconsin than just the races, but fuel the economy, change the community, and promote healthy living.”

In her free time Andrea enjoys spending time with her family and three young children, often outside. She is also an avid gardener who canned nearly 200 quarts of beans from her garden. She would fit in training by running, biking, and rollerskiing to work year-round (totaling 191 days in 2017). As her kids are growing in their love for the outdoors, she’s often amazing at their abilities whether they are commuting, mountain biking, cross country skiing, hiking, orienteering, or adventure racing together. Andrea also serves the community through a Wausau Nordic Ski Club board member and youth ski coordinator, Sunday school teacher at Downtown Mission Church, and Parks Commision and Bike & Pedestrian Committee Chair for the Village of Rib Mountain.

Since joining IRONBULL, she’s started running competitively again, outright winning the Marji Gesick 100 run, setting the women’s course record, outright winning her first Backyard Ultra totaling 163 miles in 39 hours, winning the Barkley Fall Classic, and setting an Fastest Known Time on the 310 mile Superior Hiking Trail. Andrea is currently preparing to return to the Leadville 100 and for her first 200 mile race.

Zach ziesemer- Assistant Executive Director

Venturing outdoors began for Zach at a young age spending his youth as a Boy Scout, eventually going onto earn the rank of Eagle Scout. This is where he came to appreciate and respect the act of volunteering and supporting the local community.  It too introduced him to the activities of orienteering, kayaking, biking, camping, geocaching, shooting, rafting, and hiking to name a few.

As an overweight college freshman Zach found the sport of running where he went onto lose 80 pounds.  After completing his first half-marathon he was hooked with the healthier lifestyle and went onto race in over 30 half and full road marathons throughout the last decade, finishing in the top five for many.  This past year he came across trail and ultra-running and jumped right in.  The Underdown Trail Run was his debut trail race where he came in with a podium finish.  He then went onto win the Fall 50, a 50-mile race in Door County, two months later.  Most recently he challenged himself to competing in his first 100-miler and came in top ten at the Kettle Moraine 100.

In his free time Zach enjoys spending time with wife and son, their dog, Brooks (yes, named after the running shoe company), and their cat, Jaxi.  He also finds time to homebrew, participating in competitions around the state. 

“I am excited to be part of the IRONBULL organization as its events feed my passion of inspiring everyday persons to overcome their perceived limitations through endurance sports, while enjoying the many outdoor features that central Wisconsin has to offer,” said Zach.  Zach is motivated to continue growing the impact that IRONBULL brings to the community and knows that the future is bright!

Jessica schaefer - Director of Social Impact & Marketing

Born in the Garden State and having lived and traveled all over the world, Jessica moved her family to Wausau three years ago, driven by the promise of a growing outdoor-loving  community. 

As a seasoned adventurer, Jessica's past pursuits include rock climbing, adventure races, track cycling and mountain biking, stair climbs, and teaching youth adventure camps. With a background in IT and social media management, Jessica is passionate about promoting outdoor adventure and reaching a greater audience through the use of media and seeing Wausau grow as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Beyond her work at a keyboard, Jessica maintains a strong commitment to family, spending time with her three daughters and actively engaging in outdoor activities with them. Together they enjoy hiking, traveling, cross country skiing, and tapping backyard maple trees. They also share a love of aviation, and enjoy traveling to airshows, flying, and building homebuilt aircraft at Learn Build Fly at Wausau Downtown Airport.

Jessica also serves the community as a Wausau Nordic Ski Club board member, as Secretary at EAA Chapter 640, as a volunteer at Learn Build Fly, and with her oldest daughter at Civil Air Patrol where she is a member of the Stevens Point Composite Squadron and volunteers as Assistant Public Affairs Officer for Civil Air Patrol Wisconsin Wing.

Alex shinners - Director of operations

After 4 months spent living on the road with his wife, Nicole, and cat, Barley, Alex is back with a new perspective on life and with IRONBULL in a new role.

Based in Madison now, Alex will be focused on spreading the IRONBULL message of healthy living, competitive spirit, outdoor adventure, and improving our communities to anyone willing to listen. Beyond attracting new athletes to our events, he will also be working to expand our base of passionate volunteers and like minded business partners.

“As someone who spends as much time as possible camping, cycling, and skiing all across the great state of Wisconsin, I am excited to be working again with IRONBULL as we continue to expand access to all these wonderful activities we have available to us in the Midwest,” said Alex.

Tim Buchholz & Anna Nummelin - Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge Race Directors

Tim Buchholz and Anna Nummelin have been running the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge since its inception in 2015, growing it into United States Adventure Racing Association’s largest adventure race in the country. Each year, Tim and Anna design a completely new racecourse incorporating challenging terrain, beautiful views, and off-the-beaten path gems in Central Wisconsin.  In 2021, the team launched a new event, the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge - Winter Edition, attracting many first-time adventure racers. The tandem held the largest adventure race in the US in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Tim and Anna are two of the most experienced adventure racers in the nation, each racing over 100 adventure races throughout the US.  Their team, Rib Mountain Racing, topped the United States Adventure Racing Association ranking in 2016 and 2019. They also podiumed at nationals in both 2020 and 2021.

Tim started adventure racing in 2004. He first heard of the sport when he saw Eco-Challenge and did his first race a couple years later with his girlfriend (now wife) Anna. He has become one of the elite adventure racing and orienteering navigators in the country.

Outside of adventure racing, Tim is an Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Stevens Point at Wausau, where he is the director of choirs and vocal jazz ensembles.  Tim also serves as IRONBULL president.

Anna started adventure racing in 2004.  Her first race was a 12-hour AR that she did solo and she has since become one of the top female adventure racing athletes in the country.  Anna competed on the world stage at the 2017 Adventure Racing World Championships. Anna served as a founding board member of IRONBULL.

Outside of adventure racing, Anna is a Nurse Practitioner working in Urgent Care.  She also teaches belly dance at 5 Koshas Yoga and performs throughout the country.

SHANE HITZ - RED GRANITE GRINDER Race Director & Midwest bikepacking summit founder

Shane Hitz grew up in rural Eastern Marathon County right on the Mountain-Bay Trail before it was a bike trail. Growing up in the 80’s there weren't designated areas to ride other than the rural roads. Shane always had the urge to explore and used his bike as a means to do so whether winter or summer. The opening of the Mountain-Bay Trail was really exciting to Shane and he decided to buy his first real decent bike and set out a goal to ride the entire length. Doing that really fueled his true passion today, which is bikepacking. A self-proclaimed adventure cyclist, Shane loves the process of making a route with route planning tools and apps and then going out with only the things a person needs to survive for a few days and riding it. Most recently Shane has bikepacked a Shane-modified version Sky Island Odyssey loop in southern Arizona featuring close to 30 miles of added singletrack to the existing route. He plans on using his love of adventure riding and knowledge of the area to help promote the sport to the area through IRONBULL as both a race director and board member. Shane logged over 1600 miles planning the Red Granite Grinder routes in 2020 on top of biking to work year-round and in 2021 he rode the 144 route on single speed to create a single speed FKT on the route and set up a single speed category for 2022. Shane was featured on the cover of the 2021 Wisconsin Bike Fed Ride Guide for his work in designing the Tour de Nicolet. If you want to follow more of Shane’s adventures, check out his blog. Hear about the Tour de Nicolet, Red Granite, Grinder, and Essential Gravel from Shane’s month on the Bikes or Death Podcast Episode 125.

Shane has ridden in a few gravel races in the past with his favorite being the Bear 100. Shane’s appetite for adventure and love of route planning has helped him put together four challenging routes. “I am really excited to be a part of bringing the gravel scene to Central Wisconsin, an area that has so much to offer for gravel riders, through this race,” says Shane. His favorite section, the New Wood forest area on the private land sections and DNR lands, is exclusive to the longest route.

Shane’s advice to anyone doing this for the first time would be to make sure you have enough water and food with you to complete the route you choose because there is a lot miles between services and to be prepared for anything as you will find yourself on many different riding surfaces. Advice to top racers would be to ride at a steady pace, stay in the saddle as much as possible and make sure you leave enough gas in the tank to complete the end of the race including the infamous Billy Goat Hills and Brokaw Hills!

Chris Schotz - Underdown Trail Races, TTT, & SNowbound in the underdown race Director

Not only is Chris a competitive biker, but also a talented trail builder, and writer. Chris won his first mountain bike race in 1987 so his pa founded the Thunderdown in the Underdown in 1989 to bring racers to “our neck of the woods.” Chris hosts three gravel events and a fat bike race in addition to the Thunderdown and Underdown Trail Race.

Chris spearheads trail maintenance on 37 miles of Underdown Trails. Learn more about the Underdown Trails here. He’ll be on the trails and backroads with his wife, Candace, almost every weekend, and you can find his dirt moving handy work at Jack Lake in Langlade County, Standing Rocks in Portage County, and Valley Spur near Munising, MI, and now Heal Creek near Rhinelander, WI.

Chris isn't just generous with his time, but he also lent out his bike after finishing the Red Granite Grinder to another racer that was stranded without a bike.

Chris continues to want to see more people coming to the community of biking so he worked with fellow race directors to create the Ironbear 1000 series where riders can string together 1000 miles of riding of the course of nine Wisconsin gravel races.

When Chris isn't on the trails, he's writing about them in Silent Sports Magazine. He even authored Underground in the Underdown.

board of directors

William Bertram - vice president

When Bill retired from Marathon Electric, he had his sights on giving back to the community. Not only is Bill instrumental to IRONBULL, but serves as president of the Wausau and Marathon County Parks Foundation and on the Marathon County Historical Society. Recently, Bill spearheaded the designation of the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway as designated water trail by the state of Wisconsin.

"We have an opportunity to leverage the geographic features that Mother Nature has blessed Marathon County with.”

Bill leads guided outdoor recreation sessions for active seniors through the Woodson YMCA’s The Landing among many other tasks with IRONBULL.

Jason Myers - Math teacher, co-department leader, and cross country and track coach at Wausau West High School

Jason absolutely loves everything Central Wisconsin has to offer: running the trails on Rib Mountain, Nordic skiing at Nine Mile County Forest, or mountain biking at Ringle, Sylvan Hill, or Underdown. “Time spent actively exploring the outdoors with my family and friends is exactly what charges my batteries,” said Jason.

Coaching has taught Jason how important it is for young athletes to feel valued and have a strong sense of belonging regardless of where they fall on our race day results sheet. His experiences competing in several IRONBULL events indicate this organization shares a similar philosophy. He’s excited to continue supporting inclusive adventure-based events that challenge competitors of all abilities to step out of their comfort zones and have some “type 2” fun!

During the spring of 2020 pandemic lockdown, Jason had a blast repeatedly completing IRONBULL’s “Choose your own adventure 5K trail run” at Nine Mile County Forest. He was impressed by the creativity of the IRONBULL team and their experience which was revealed through the authenticity of the organization: challenging individuals to be their best selves, promoting silent sports, and providing encouragement for every participant.

When Jason and his wife moved to Wausau in 2003, they were excited about all of the opportunities for outdoor adventure that existed here at the time. Wausau also offers a diversity of cultures that they found extremely appealing. “We’ve found it incredible to experience the growth in silent sports opportunities in recent years and appreciate the opportunity to support and influence future growth.”

The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge is hands-down Jason’s favorite IRONBULL event. He and his whole family have competed in every RMAC race since 2016. “We find that the event is incredibly well organized and the format always results in a true adventure for the family. We have created countless memories competing together over the years.”

Jason’s family has had the privilege of backpacking in some incredible places. The Rim-to-Rim hike of the Grand Canyon ranks high on the list, but their absolute favorite trip to date was a trek to the Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park.

Sean Wright, Executive Director, The Grand Theater

Sean Wright certainly doesn’t jump into outdoor pursuits slowly—his first half marathon back in 2013 was an incredibly challenging trail marathon in Birmingham, Alabama, perfectly named the Ruffner Crusher.  A cool 2:53 and a couple of banged-up knees later, he was hooked on trail running!  A little over two years later, when he came to Central Wisconsin to run The Grand Theater, he spent his first time ever on snowshoes competing in a 5K (and falling 30 yards into the race!).   Again, he was hooked and has spent the last five winters competing in snowshoe races across the state!

When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, Sean turned his pursuits to virtual racing, competing in over 50 different virtual races by the end of the year, as well as another dozen long-distance challenges.  Next up on his running bucket list is to again tackle a 50K and perhaps a 50-miler as well!  Plus, he’d like to push to the half-marathon distance in snowshoe racing, now that the national championships recognize that distance and compete it each year.

When he’s not running (or snowshoeing) across Wisconsin, Sean directs The Grand Theater in Downtown Wausau, a historic theater yearly recognized as one of the top-ranked venues in the world by capacity and market size.  “One thing that is incredibly important to us as we program and market The Grand is economic impact,” explains Sean.  “We want nothing more than to bring people to our fantastic market and for them to come back time and again…and maybe even move here!  That is what makes what IRONBULL is doing so great and I’m happy to bring my expertise to the Board of Directors.”

In the rare times there aren’t shows or races, Sean loves to spend time with his wife Heather and their two dogs Lincoln and Kennedy, particularly if said time can be spent on the water! 

mary coates, Treasurer - senior tax manager at wipfli, llp.

“IRONBULL will make a great difference in the Wausau community and I’m looking forward to being a part of the start-up of this new organization,” says IRONBULL treasurer Mary Coates.  She has enjoyed working both professionally and personally with a number of charities and other non-profits, and she has previously served as a race director for other races. She plans to use that experience to help IRONBULL.  

Mary moved to Wausau  because her family thought it was big enough to offer them career opportunities and it would be a great place to raise a family.  She says there is always something to do and/or somewhere to go. She loves the many things that make Wausau unique; the people, the location, the natural beauty, the many community events and activities, and the vibrancy of the downtown.  Wausau has the best of both worlds – city and country. She enjoys hiking Rib Mountain and camping at Big Eau Pleine park.

Mary one time went on a combination kayak trip/hike through mud to a waterfall! You never know what you can accomplish until you try!

In her free time, Mary enjoys getting outside.  She is a hobby photographer and enjoy camping, planning travels and exploring.

Mary has been excited to volunteer for IRONBULL, since its first event in 2019. Usually her face is hidden behind a camera lens (along with her husband), capturing epic photos of racers.

 JOSEPH MELLA - ATTORNEY WITH RUDER WARE

“I have been involved with economic development, particularly in the central business district of Wausau for many years, and I am an avid outdoor sports enthusiast,” explains Joe Mella, “The combination of these two things make me very excited to see an organization that is working to promote many of the outstanding opportunities for recreation available in our area, and to develop new opportunities. I look forward to assisting IRONBULL™ with the legal necessities as they get started.”

Joe enjoys many types of outdoor activities, from completing marathons to kayak camping in the Apostle Islands. Around Wausau he enjoys his outdoor time at Granite Peak Ski Area and Nine Mile County Forest. 

Work opportunities brought Joe to Wausau where he was introduced to all Wausau has to offer by co-workers. He enjoys how Wausau offers a work-life balance. “The opportunities for traditional, silent, and 21st century outdoor activities that abound here have been an added bonus.” explains Joe. Joe is very involved in the Wausau community through various volunteer roles and committees. Many of these involve revitalizing the Wausau community, which aligns nicely with the IRONBULL mission of bringing new, exciting races and events to the area.

Joe admires how Wausau, the surrounding communities, and Marathon County have supported development and mixed use of many outdoor activities with the resources they have available, including Rib Mountain, Sylvan Hill, and various county forest areas. He thinks it’s great how many groups of private individuals have worked tirelessly to support a broad and diverse offering of organized activities and is looking forward to watching IRONBULL, and it’s events grow and flourish.

Megan Wrysinski - Senior Partner, People Development at Incredible Bank

Megan contributes in so many ways to our community - serving as a CWOCC board member, race director for the Bull Falls Brewery Never Forgotten Honor Flight 5K, and now an IRONBULL board member. Having raced and volunteered at several IRONBULL events, Megan can use her experience in so many ways with IRONBULL! 

Megan was born and raised in Rib Mountain, but then spent 10 years in the Los Angeles area before returning to Central Wisconsin. When she first returned to the area, Megan wasn’t sure she’d stay, but after experiencing Wausau as an adult, she can’t imagine being any place else.

Megan’s favorite place for outdoor recreation changes with the activity and season. Currently she has been loving the CWOCC trails in Ringle. According to Megan, “Each new season brings us new experiences in our favorite places!'“

Even though winter is Megan’s fourth favorite season (ha!) she is most excited for the new Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge - Winter Edition race. Trying new winter experiences helps her to get through the winters.

Even though she’s run a few marathons now, her first marathon is still her biggest outdoor accomplishment. Having never run a race before she signed up for the LA Marathon 6 weeks before the race, she trained and completed her first marathon in 6 hours. She said finishing that race made her feel like she could accomplish anything!

In her free time Megan loves cooking, until it’s time to clean up! We’re excited to have Megan joining her expertise to the IRONBULL board.

Corey Huck, PhD, Professor, Administrator at UW-Stevens Point - IRONBULL Advisor

Corey Huck, Ph.D. is a professor in the School of Health Sciences and Wellness at the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point (UWSP).  He has diverse experience in education, leadership, management, entrepreneurship, consulting, fund-raising, research, and professional development spanning across many sectors of health and wellness. Corey loves to share his passion, enthusiasm, and experience for EVERYTHING wellness and is compelled to make a major contribution to IRONBULL by integrating wellness with outdoor adventure.

Corey acquired his doctoral degree at Arizona State University where he enjoyed hiking and biking every mountain he could find!  He is proud to share that he has hiked from Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in the Grand Canyon in under 20 hours; that is roughly 48 miles and total elevation change of nearly 30,000 ft. 

Corey returned to Central Wisconsin to work at UWSP and play in the Northwoods, where he enjoys running and biking on the Green Circle Trail around Stevens Point and hiking with his family (wife-Brieana, son-Laken, daughter- Jolie) on Rib Mountain. 

Amanda Sahr - Board Liason for the Davis Foundation

Amanda, a Wausau area native, didn’t realize how much Wausau had to offer until she moved back in 2010.  Since returning, Amanda has enjoyed volunteering with United Way Emerging Leaders and Women United, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for United Way of Marathon County. She also spent a few years as the assistant coach for the Wausau West Cross Country team. Amanda currently works for the Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation and enjoys getting to be a part of an organization that supports improving quality of life and economic development in our community. "Not only does Wausau offer so many great outdoor activities, in both summer and winter, but it’s a community with many generous, philanthropic people who help make our community the great place it is to live and work," said Amanda. 

Amanda's experience as both the Turkey Trot race director and Eastbay Employment Brand Strategist will be useful serving on the IRONBULL sponsorship committee. "Central Wisconsin has so much to offer and IRONBULL’s events allow participants to enjoy so much of it," said Amanda.  "I am passionate about attracting and retaining talent to the Wausau area and believe IRONBULL is doing a great job helping attract new people to our region."

Amanda is an 11 time marathon finisher and was the first woman ever to cross the finish line at the Wausau Marathon.  "I love that I can easily run anywhere in our community." said Amanda.  "There are many great trails and pedestrian bridges that allow me to run through Rib Mountain, Wausau, Schofield, Rothschild, Weston, Kronenwetter when I train for a marathon."  Amanda competed at the IRONBULL Ultra Trail 15k, as her first-ever trail race, which gave her a completely new experience.  She is excited to improve in 2022.  In addition to running, Amanda enjoys hiking & camping on the Ice Age Trail with her husband as well as visiting the area’s great parks and playgrounds with her children.

Non-discrimination policy

IRONBULL is an equal opportunity, nonprofit organization committed to serving a diverse population. IRONBULL does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status, marital status, lawful sources of income, age, disability, or any other discriminatory practice prohibited by state or federal law in the administration of its policies, admissions, employment, programs, services, activities and events.