A judge in Wisconsin has dismissed a case centered around an Arrowhead High School football player's eligibility, possibly clearing the way for the WIAA to punish the school over the matter.
According to TMJ4, Judge Paul Bugenhagen Jr. ruled the case is moot, saying the original question at the heart of the dispute no longer applies.
"The existing matter is whether Tristen Seidl could play varsity football at Arrowhead High School in the fall of 2025 — that controversy no longer exists," Bugenhagen said.
Siedl moved to Arrowhead School District after his family's home burned to the ground in 2023, and he attempted to play football his senior year. The WIAA ruled him ineligible, citing a rule that prohibits students who move their senior from playing a sport without a hardship exemption. The family took the matter to court and was granted a temporary injunction, which allowed Siedl to play during the 2025 fall season when Arrowhead went on to win the state championship.
The Seidl family argued that withdrawing from or dismissing the case could trigger WIAA sanctions — including the potential loss of the 2025 state title.
"He can't dismiss the case because the bottom line they will sanction Arrowhead and him if they dismiss the case," Seidl family attorney William Rettko said.
While Bugenhagen acknowledged the family's concerns, he said they fell outside the court's role.
"The controversy in this case has changed over the season. Initially it involved a high school student wanting to play football at the school he was enrolled at," Bugenhagen said. "Now the concerns of the Seidl's and Arrowhead has shifted."
The judge added that the consequences now facing the Seidls do no justify keeping the case open.
"The personal stakes that the Seidl's have is just a possibility of some future consequences depending on the discretionary decisions of the WIAA," Bugenhagen said.
The WIAA has not yet announced any sanctions on Arrowhead.
