MARION AND TIGERTON, WI – The Marion/Tigerton football co-op heads into the 2026 season looking to build on one of the strongest years the Thundercatz have put together since the two programs joined forces.
Marion and Tigerton have competed together as a football co-op since 2019, compiling a 32-35 overall record during that span. The program took a major step forward last fall, finishing 9-2 and advancing to Level 2 of the 8-player playoffs.
The 2025 season did not start the way Marion/Tigerton wanted, as the Thundercatz dropped their opener to Rosholt, 34-28. They quickly turned things around, defeating Almond-Bancroft 31-18 and Three Lakes 26-0 before continuing their run through the remainder of the season.
Now, Marion/Tigerton enters a new chapter under head coach Mark Fredy, although Fredy is anything but new to the program.
Fredy has spent 25 years around Marion football in a variety of roles and previously served approximately 10 years as the program’s head coach. He stepped away from the head coaching position to spend more time watching his children compete in sports, but remained involved with the football program, including working in the booth on Friday nights.
Fredy now returns to the sideline to take over a team coming off its best season of the Marion/Tigerton co-op era.
One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the return of standout running back Braylon Mielke, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. Fredy said Meilke became an even more dangerous runner as the 2025 season progressed by responding to coaching and improving his running style.
While Mielke will remain a major part of the offense, Fredy wants the Thundercatz to become less predictable in 2026. Junior Caleb Stern is expected to take on a larger role in the backfield, while sophomore Maxwell Wilkening should also receive carries.
Marion/Tigerton is also expected to turn to a sophomore at quarterback. Fredy’s goal is to establish one primary quarterback after the Thundercatz used several players to take snaps last season, while also developing a passing game capable of complementing their powerful rushing attack.
The biggest questions may come on the other side of the football.
Marion/Tigerton graduated nine seniors from last year’s team, a significant number for an 8-player program, and Fredy said only two defensive starters return. Stern returns after earning all-conference recognition at linebacker, while Mielke is expected to take on a larger defensive role.
Fredy knows opponents will also approach Marion/Tigerton differently following last year’s success.
“I think this year we’re not sneaking up on anyone,” Fredy said. “Everyone’s going to know what we have and they’re going to want to give us their best shot.”
There will also be an unusual twist to the Thundercatz’ season. Despite coming off a 9-2 campaign, Marion/Tigerton will not be eligible for the 2026 postseason because of the co-op’s enrollment average.
Fredy said the news was disappointing for players after they experienced postseason success last fall, but his message to the team has centered on controlling what they can control.
Marion/Tigerton has eight games scheduled and could potentially add another contest involving teams that do not qualify for the postseason. Instead of focusing on what will not be waiting at the end of the schedule, Fredy said the Thundercatz’ mission is straightforward: improve each day and try to win every week.
After going 9-2 and establishing themselves as one of the area’s top 8-player teams last fall, the Thundercatz enter 2026 with a proven star in the backfield, a familiar face back in charge and a new challenge as they attempt to show that last season’s breakthrough was only the beginning.
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