WAUKESHA, Wis. — A Waukesha County judge has delayed a decision regarding a former Kettle Moraine High School student’s eligibility to play football at Arrowhead High School, pending input from the Arrowhead Athletic Department. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by Tristen Seidl’s parents against the Wisconsin Independent Athletic Association (WIAA) after the organization deemed their son ineligible for competition this season.
Tristen’s family relocated to Lac La Belle within the Arrowhead district after their Dousman home was destroyed by fire in 2023. The Seidls had been living in temporary accommodations, hoping to return home, but learned in March that their house was irreparable and was subsequently demolished. In June, they enrolled Tristen at Arrowhead for his senior year.
Despite the lack of objections from both Kettle Moraine and Arrowhead regarding Tristen’s transfer, the WIAA ruled against his eligibility, citing that the family’s choice to move was voluntary and did not meet its criteria for extenuating circumstances.
During Friday’s court hearing, Judge Paul Bugenhagen Jr. listened to arguments from attorneys representing both the Seidl family and the WIAA. The family’s attorney, William Rettko, requested an immediate decision on the eligibility injunction. However, Bugenhagen indicated that Arrowhead had a legitimate interest in the case, as allowing Tristen to play could lead to complications if a ruling were later reversed.
“This isn’t just a one-student situation,” Bugenhagen noted. “It could potentially affect the entire school and team based on any determination I would make today.”
A significant number of Arrowhead coaches and players were present at the hearing, wearing team jerseys in support of Tristen. Rettko contended that the WIAA’s reference to its “contribution to victory” rule was intimidating. WIAA attorney Brent Jacobsen argued that Arrowhead’s role in the case was crucial due to the implications of the ruling.
Rettko maintained that the Seidl family’s housing situation was beyond their control, as they were directed by their insurer. He expressed that they believed returning home in time for Tristen’s junior year was feasible, but circumstances had changed significantly. He argued that the WIAA was overstepping its bounds and could cause irreparable harm to Tristen, who risks losing a scholarship opportunity at Sioux Falls University.
Conversely, Jacobsen defended the WIAA’s decision, characterizing the organization as a private entity governed by rules agreed upon by its member schools. He asserted that the WIAA was within its rights to deny eligibility based on the circumstances surrounding Tristen’s transfer.
“A temporary injunction would upset, not preserve the status quo,” Jacobsen stated, noting that Tristen currently remains eligible to play at Kettle Moraine.
After the hearing, Arrowhead football coach Matt Harris refrained from commenting on the legal proceedings but emphasized team unity, stating that Seidl has been actively participating in practice despite missing initial game opportunities.
A follow-up hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. next Friday to further address the case.
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