COUGAR COLLECTIVE
MEET THE TEAM
ROBBIE TOBECK (Co-Chairman),
Robbie Tobeck is a founding member of the Cougar Collective. After a successful career at WSU, Robbie signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons. Robbie went on to have a very successful NFL career that spanned 14 years with both the Seattle Seahawks and the Falcons. Robbie served as an anchor for two Super Bowl teams and was a Pro Bowl selection in 2005. After retiring, Robbie began a successful career in the insurance industry. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for CC, Robbie is a member of the Pac-12 Alumni Council, and was a founding member of CougsFirst!
Jedidiah collins (Co-Chairman),
Affectionately known by Coug fans as Jedzilla, Jed Collins a founding member of the Cougar Collective. After four years at WSU and a degree in Accounting from the Carson College of Business, Jed spent seven years in the NFL as a fullback for ten different NFL teams, most notably the New Orleans Saints. Upon hanging up his cleats, Jed became a certified financial planner and published his first book, Your Money Vehicle, to help people of all ages learn about financial literacy. Shortly after publishing his book, Jed began teaching courses and soon launched Your Money Vehicle as an on-demand virtual certification course. Jed’s course is taught across the country from high schools to NFL rookie camps. Jed’s passion for helping others is a driving force behind founding the Cougar Collective.
JACK THOMPSON
Jack “Throwin’ Samoan” Thompson is considered the Godfather of Quarterbacks at WSU. After a record-setting career at WSU, Jack went on to play six seasons in the NFL. After retiring from the NFL, Thompson began a successful career in business. Jack is an active community leader, with volunteer experience across numerous charitable and professional boards. Jack is the current Chairman of the Selection Committee for the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, serves on the Pac-12 Alumni Council, and is a founding member of CougsFirst! We are grateful to have Jack’s leadership and expertise on the Board of Directors for the Cougar Collective!
PAUL SORENSEN (VICE President), \
Paul Sorensen - Development Director for the Believe in Me Foundation here in Spokane, I oversee all of the organization's fundraising and help manage relationships with our company's financial partners. I am on the Board of Directors for the Cougar Collective Board, and I am the Board's acting Vice President, along with being a long time Board member with CougsFirst. Sorensen’s time in a Cougar uniform may have been brief; He arrived in Pullman following two seasons at Diablo Valley College. Paul Sorensen was an All-American defensive back for the Cougars from 1980-81, amassing 149 tackles and six interceptions. He graduated from WSU in 1983 with a Marketing & Economics Degree and remained active in college athletics following his professional career, serving as the marketing and promotions director for the Spokane Cougar Club Foundation, as well as being a color analyst for Cougar football and Eastern Washington University Football.
Kelsey Marie Knutson
Kelsey Knutson is a business coach with a story as diverse as her skill set. A do-it-all Swiss Army knife, Kelsey's journey began by pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurship at Washington State University, graduating in 2012. Kelsey has consulted for large organizations such as CougsFirst, where she developed invaluable insights into the intricate workings of large enterprises. Whether it's social media, podcasting, data analysis, or nurturing the growth of others through mentorship, Kelsey is a firm believer in pursuing avenues that ignite one's passion. As a Board Member, Kelsey uses her skills to assist the Cougar Collective through marketing, public relations, events, and content creation. https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/
greg beckel
Greg Beckel professionally has been in multi-family real estate investment management for the past 40 years. Initially, with Pinnacle Realty Management, based in Seattle, for 17.5 years. He ran many facets of this company over the years and rose to Executive Vice President in charge of all Western US operations. Beginning in February, 2000, he started Horizon Realty Advisors (HRA) with Mike Strand and Tim Smith. HRA currently owns and manages in excess of 10,000 apartment units across the US, valued at $2.5B. He currently serves in the management of operations for HRA.
Greg has 2 wonderful daughters, both living in Gig Harbor, WA, where he and his wife, Jayne, currently reside. They are both married and have made Gig Harbor their permanent homes. In addition, Greg and Jayne have one granddaughter, Isabelle Blue Wisness, the light of their lives. In his free time Greg enjoys family time (#1), being a huge Coug fan, golf and cooking for friends and family.
WADE HOGG
Wade Hogg is a founding member of the Cougar Collective Board of Directors. Wade graduated from WSU with a degree in Business Administration and currently serves as the President and CEO of Hogg Davis. Wade is an avid Coug fan and long-time season ticket holder.
WILLIAM KIRK
William Kirk is a 1992 graduate of Washington State University and is the owner of two very successful law firms. He currently serves as the managing partner of Cowan Kirk and is the President of Washington Gun Law. Bill has been named a Super Lawyer by Seattle Met Magazine every year since 2003.
TIM BRANDLE (Treasurer)
Tim Brandle is a founding board member of the Cougar Collective. Tim graduated from WSU with a degree in history in 2007 and became an attorney in 2015. Tim currently serves as General Counsel for Flying Squirrel Sports. Tim works closely with board members to ensure the Cougar Collective is apprised of legal developments within the NIL space and also assists with contract review and drafting. A die-hard Coug, Tim is honored to assist the Cougar Collective and ensure that WSU Student-Athletes have the resources they need to succeed on and off the field.
LUKE WETZSTEIN (Secretary)
Luke Wetzstein is a board member of the Cougar Collective. Luke graduated from WSU in 1997, and is currently enjoying semi-retirement after nearly 25 years in business and technology (most of that time with F5 Networks). Luke assists the Cougar Collective with various operational duties, along with helping plan events and supporting fundraising efforts. Luke has been a WSU Football season-ticket holder and CAF member for 20+ years and is excited to help the Cougar Collective's mission to aid WSU Student-Athletes within the NIL space.
STEphen bowie
Stephen graduated from Washington State University’s College of Business, with a degree in Management Information Systems. He is a third generation Cougar, with his Grandfather, Dad, Mom, Aunt, brother and multiple Cousins having graduated from WSU as well. Stephen has spent his entire career in the information security professional, currently with Amazon Web Services in Seattle and before that, for Microsoft in Seattle and Deloitte in Los Angeles. Stephen and his wife Lisa, have long supported WSU student athletes through the purchase of season tickets for Football, gifts to the Cougar Athletic Foundation and he is now glad to support student athletes directly by supporting the Cougar Collective. Stephen resides in Seattle with his wife and two children.
ZACHARY THORNTON,, DEVelopment director
Zachary Thornton is a recent 2022 Graduate of the Carson College of Business at Washington State University, where he graduated with a degree in finance and economics. The passion for NIL and athlete development began with his younger brother, Zane, who played for the Cougar football team from 2020-2022. Now, Zach sees NIL as a vehicle that opens opportunities to reward athletes for their platforms and voices in addition to providing a competitive edge for the Cougs on a national scale given the support and culture of the Washington State community.
As the Development Director of the Cougar Collective, Zach handles the day-to-day operations consisting of athlete communication, outreach & engagement, public relations, and NIL deal facilitation.
