Photo: Jessica Kuklinski
There’s no denying that the Divine Savior Holy Angels (DSHA) vs. Catholic Memorial match-up is a high school classic. Every year, the teams deliver – whether at the Wisconsin, Midwest or national championships – and the previous three seasons have seen them exchange the state trophy. In fall 2017, it was Catholic Memorial’s turn to hoist Wisconsin’s top honors after rallying from a deficit for the 15-10 win.
“I am sad to see this season end,” Catholic Memorial head coach John Waliszewski confessed. “We have such a wonderful, committed team that loves each other. They practice hard, are mature enough to enjoy competing against each other, and take care of each other.”
The teams bookended their seasons against each other. The two perennial finalists played a close pre-season friendly, then moved through their respective regular seasons and semifinals with ease, before lining up once again in Sunday’s final. DSHA had won the 2016 (18-15) and 2014 (15-10) titles by single digits, and Catholic Memorial won its first state title in 2015 with a 24-12 victory.
CMH’s Koenig exchanges medals with DSHA’s Colleen Pfaff / Photo: Rick Benavides
“Our finals, lately, feel like the film Groundhog’s Day – eerily similar again and again,” Waliszewski reflected. “We have some possession and miss an opportunity to score. Our opponents attack and defend well and score tries. We never give up and fight back.”
It was a back-and-forth first half, but DSHA’s Jackie Jarosz (The Rugby Breakdown’s Breakout HS Player of Spring 2017) and Colleen Pfaff scored tries for a 10-0 lead.
“Although we were down 0-10, we didn’t begin to play frantic and continued to play our game. We knew that if we all focused on doing our own responsibilities and focused on doing them well, that the score would take care of itself,” explained Catholic Memorial captain Allison Koenig. “Our plan was to keep it simple, play what is in front of us, and most importantly have fun. I can proudly say we did all three of those things and we did them well.”
Brookfield’s Areliz Rivera in the 3rd place match / Photo: Rick Benavides
Koenig was also fortunate to lean on fellow captains Maddie Donnelly, Kate Chapman and Grace Alesci, who all helped the team remain focused and upbeat.
“Playing from behind is mentally challenging. We have some experience with it. I think it’s made us stronger,” Waliszewski added. “Some years the fight back hasn’t been enough, twice it has. We’re trying to work on starting better.”
The Crusaders started chipping away at the lead. Kayla Ronge and Aly Cunningham logged tries to match DSHA’s two scores.
DSHA JV captain Catie Van Bibber in the 5th place match / Photo: Rick Benavides
“Both our tries were touched down by rookies, but the decisions and execution of veteran players doing their jobs well gave the rookies an opportunity to make a play,” Waliszewski explained. “They were team tries and so much went into each moment in the build-up.”
Cunningham kicked a conversion and added a penalty to give Catholic Memorial a 15-10 edge. The Crusaders worked in six subs to maintain that tenuous lead through full time.
“We have a special team this year and it took every single player, starters and reserves, to win this game. The rookies made our vets better throughout the season,” Koenig praised. “One rookie in particular, Aly Cunningham, was a vital key to our success in the game. Her knowledge of the game surpassed what I thought a player could learn in one season, and she is an incredible goal kicker which was huge in our success all season and specifically in the state game.”
Oak Creek’s Lauren Buchholz in the 7th place match / Photo: Rick Benavides
“The biggest impression that this team has left on me has been their ability to take on the role of calling many of their own shots during the game,” Catholic Memorial assistant coach Alex Glorioso noted. “As coaches, [Waliszewski] and I stressed the importance of making the right calls for our team, for that particular game. We know that there are the ‘right’ calls in rugby, and then there are the ‘right’ calls on that day. We are so proud of our girls for not only studying and knowing our game plan, but also knowing each other enough to use their own judgement while out on the pitch.”
CMH’s Grace Alesci presents to DSHA’s Maggie Leffler / Photo: Rick Benavides
The 2017 title is the Crusaders’ second-ever state trophy.
“Winning the state championship is an indescribable feeling,” Koenig enthused. “Winning state felt just as sweet the second time, especially for my senior year. It is a new team and I am so proud of each and every player. I am so glad they all got to experience the feeling of winning a championship, whether it was their first time or second.”
The championship final was preceded by placing matches for the entire Wisconsin field:
3rd: Brookfield 45-5 Pulaski
5th: DSHA JV 20-5 Sussex Hamilton
7th: Oak Creek 52-14 Fox Valley Co-Op
9th: Stevens Point 48-10 Kettle Moraine/Vernon
Stevens Point in the 9th place match / Photo: Rick Benavides
2017 Wisconsin Final Standings1. Catholic Memorial HS2. Divine Savior Holy Angels HS3. Brookfield4. Pulaski5. DSHA JV6. Sussex Hamilton HS7. Oak Creek HS8. Fox Valley Co-Op9. Stevens Point Area HS10. Kettle Moraine/Vernon
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