The MUHS rugby club won the Wisconsin state championship on Saturday by defeating the reigning state champion Green Bay Leprechauns by a score of 50-0. 

 

This state championship win comes after a dominant 7-1 regular season and playoffs where the Hilltoppers outscored their previous opponents 402 to 83. The team also went 3-0 at the St. Louis University High School Catholic Rugby Tournament. 

 

The team experienced national attention this year as the Goff Rugby Report named center Evan Maier ‘25 one of its national “Gamebreakers” after he scored five tries in Marquette’s 56-0 rout of Middleton. The Goff Rugby Report highlighted the team’s success and grit, and covered the team's state championship recap. 

 

Senior Josh Nacker (pictured below) achieved a notable individual accomplishment by contributing to his third state title of the school year. Nacker was also a member of the Hilltopper football state championship and basketball state championship teams. 

Mr. Colin Dillon, Head Coach of the Rugby Club and Assistant Dean of Students, has continually emphasized the need for both academic and athletic success while building a culture of brotherhood and camaraderie.

"One of the best things for our team, and what's working well for us, is that we are a single-school team in a state full of clubs," said Dillon. "The boys know each other in the classroom, in other extracurriculars, and at rugby. It really shows how they are able to read and adapt to one another during play. They all share the same values, have similar goals, and continually support one another."

As both a coach and educator, Dillon emphasizes that academics remain the top priority for his student-athletes. He also enjoys witnessing their rugby camaraderie spill into the school day.

"It's great seeing these boys during the school day watching film together, going over gameplans, or just hanging out, strengthening their bonds, always pushing each other and encouraging growth," Dillon said.