Carmen Pata
Director of Athletic Performance
Coach Pata began his coaching career at UW-River Falls in 2000 when he was hired as the assistant strength and conditioning coach. He held that position until 2005 when he was promoted to his current position as head strength and conditioning coach.
Coach Pata received his B.A. degree in Biology, Chemistry and Athletic Coaching from UW-River Falls and a M.A. degree in Sports Business Administration from the University of Central Missouri. Coach Pata is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and an active member of the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. Coach Pata has authored several articles related to strength and conditioning for the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, Indiana Wishbone Coaches Association, and the American College of Sports Medicine. He also works with local high schools’ sport performance programs and teaches about sport nutrition. Coach Pata is still an active competitor in Olympic lifting, Weightlifting, and Strongman.
He and his wife Katie, reside in River Falls.
Nathan Tenut
Coach Tenut returns to UW-River Falls after receiving as undergraduate degree in 2007 from UW-River Falls in Exercise and Sport Science. Tenut previously served as an intern with the staff from 2004-2006. While at UW-River Falls, Tenut lettered in football four years from 2004-2007 starting his final three years on the offensive line as a guard.
Tenut, from Phillips, WI, was a two sport athlete in both football and powerlifiting. He earned three letters in football and four in powerlifting. He is part of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Coach. He is also the offensive line coach for the UW-River Falls football team.
Ambrose Martell
Coach Martell started school at UW-River Falls in 2005 pursuing a degree in Exercise and Sport Science. While at UW-River Falls, Martell played four years of football and participated in one year of track and field. After completing his final season in football he volunteered his time as a coach on the defensive line. Martell finished his senior internship working directly with Coach Pata and will be an assistant for the Fall 2009 semester. Martell plans to graduate in the Fall of 2009 with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science. Martell plans to continue his education after graduating with his bachelors degree.
