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?