Wisconsin Finals Set for This Weekend
Wisconsin Finals Set for This Weekend
Wisconsin's high school finals are here with two matches on the slate Staurday at the Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex in Cottage Grove.
Marquette will play the Pulaski Roos in the final while Green Bay plays Waukesha Gold in the 3rd-4th game.
State Championship: Marquette vs. Pulaski 1PM Kickoff
The final chapter of the 2025 season brings together two of Wisconsin's most decorated high school rugby programs. The Marquette Hilltoppers, state champions in 1996 and 2024, look to go back-to-back for the first time in school history. Facing them is a battle-tested dynasty—the Pulaski Roos, who boast six state titles (2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019), 20 semifinal appearances in the last 26 seasons, and now enter their 10th championship game in the past 17 years.
This isn’t just a title match—it’s a collision of legacies.
Marquette University High School – "The Standard"
Marquette returns to the championship stage fresh off a dominant 31–14 semifinal win over Green Bay. Their 2024 championship marked a return to prominence—and a win Saturday would mark their first-ever repeat and a third title overall.
Captain Jude Ballinger continues to lead with force and intelligence in the trenches. Flankers Keegan Kowalke and Jack Dorley provide constant disruption in the interior channels, while the tight five — Uriel Vazquez, Sean Hutchinson, Henry Bolger, Cole Fischer, and Joe Bortner-Oberle — earned semifinal MVP honors for dominating the scrum and lineout platforms.
The backs are equally sharp. Sam Becker, a 2024 All-State scrumhalf, and flyhalf Carson Tappa manage the pace with precision, while top try scorer Evan Maier and Diego Serrano offer electric attacking options and counter threats. Coach Colin Dillon, now in his seventh season, has cultivated a squad that thrives on discipline and teamwork.
Pulaski Roos – "Legacy Forged in Fire"
Pulaski’s rugby heritage is second to none. Their trophy case includes six state titles across two different decades (2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019), and their consistency is unrivaled: 20 semifinal appearances in the last 26 seasons, with 10 state final berths since 2008.
Their latest title push comes after a gritty 18–3 semifinal win over Waukesha. Leading the way is Ben Barry, a First Team All-State lock who plays with controlled fury. Josh Berzowski runs the offense with steady hands at flyhalf, while utility stars Ian McDougal and Mason Taylor provide plug-and-play excellence across multiple positions.
Pulaski’s next generation has stepped up heroically. Freshman Ty Spratlin was named Man of the Match in the semifinal for his dominant presence at prop. Underclassmen like Bryce Van Lannen, Blake Magers, and Quinn Leimkuehler have become essential to the Roos’ success during an injury-ridden stretch.
Head Coach Cole Coopman credits the team’s success to continuity, commitment, and culture: “These guys have played together for years. They know what’s expected—and they play for that name on the jersey.”
Tale of the Title
Will Marquette begin a new era of dominance with their first repeat and third overall title? Or will Pulaski, one of Wisconsin’s most decorated and consistent programs, return to glory and hoist a seventh state championship trophy?
3rd Place Match: Green Bay vs. Waukesha Gold 11:00 AM
Before the championship match kicks off, pride is on the line between Green Bay and Waukesha Gold, two resilient squads hungry to finish strong.
Green Bay Leprechauns – "Built from the Ground Up"
Despite falling to Marquette, Green Bay showed resilience and flashes of brilliance. Coach Ed Borowitz praised his squad’s unity: “Losses don’t define us—our response does.”
Standout players include creative leaders Logan Johnson and Fontaine Sifonte, with junior burner Nate Wiater and sophomore forward Keona Sausi providing athletic punch. Avantae Martin anchors the defense with relentless communication and effort, while James Process and Archer Fitzpatrick deliver impact at the point of contact.
Waukesha Gold – "Fired Up and Unshaken"
Waukesha went toe-to-toe with Pulaski in a physical semifinal, trailing just 0–5 at halftime before falling 18–3. Thomas Bloom, a 2024 First Team All-State center, was Man of the Match for his two-way performance.
Backline weapons include top try-scorer Calvin Clarke, Noah Balderas, and Daniel Heller, who dictate the flow of attack. The defense is built on the shoulders of Vuk Radic, Dawson Zur, Adam Anderson, and Logan Trecek, with Jon Roth and Jacob Jauregui providing leadership and stability in key roles.
Coach Jason Petrillo summed up the spirit perfectly: “This last match is about honoring our seniors. They’ve earned it.”
Final Questions Before the Whistle Blows:
For Marquette:
• Can they complete the first back-to-back title run in school history?
• Will their experience and structure control the moment?
• Is this the start of a new dynasty?
For Pulaski:
• Can the Roos claim a seventh state title and solidify their rugby legacy?
• Will their young core rise again under championship pressure?
• Can their tradition and depth overcome Marquette’s form?
For Green Bay & Waukesha:
• Who finishes with pride and purpose?
• Which senior class walks off the pitch with a win?
• Which team finds one last surge?
