Wisconsin high school football player regained eligibility through court ruling

A Wisconsin high school football player was ineligible for the first two games of the 2025 season. According to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, Arrowhead High School defensive lineman Tristan Seidl cannot play football after transferring residence into Arrowhead’s district. The Seidls transferred home after their home in Dousman caught fire and burned down.

However, Seidl’s football journey continues after the court ruled in his favor. As The Freeman’s Brian Huber wrote, Waukesha County Circuit Judge Paul Bugenhagen Jr. issued a temporary restraining order that blocks the WIAA’s decision.

Huber added, “After further arguments Friday morning, Bugenhagen ruled Seidl should be allowed to play. A temporary restraining order requires a showing that a ruling is necessary to preserve the status quo or prevent irreparable harm. Bugenhagen said the status quo is that Seidl would otherwise be eligible to play.”

Before transferring to Arrowhead, Seidl played at Kettle Moraine, which is within the family’s previous home in Dousman. As WIAA attorney Brent Jacobson argued, they have no evidence to prove that Seidl cannot return to Kettle Moraine. Likewise, the WIAA filed a motion to dismiss Seidl’s motion, which Bugenhagen ignored.

With attorney William Rettko helping the Seidl family, the teenager finally played in the 2025 Wisconsin high school football season. In that game, Arrowhead defeated Waukesha West 29-6, bringing the Warhawks’ record to a perfect 3-0. Arrowhead will look to maintain its unblemished record as it welcomes Pewaukee at home on September 12.