Home of the The Wisco-Rivals Podcast
The Wisco-Rivals Podcast takes you on a journey through the legendary teams and rivalries that shaped Wisconsin high school sports. Each episode revisits iconic teams, games, unforgettable moments, and the communities that lived them.
The first series of episodes is dedicated to a rivalry that is especially meaningful to me: the Park Falls vs. Phillips basketball rivalry. I grew up in Park Falls and spent the first decade of my career in education at Phillips High School. Due to the remote location of these schools in north-central Wisconsin, their fierce competition often goes unnoticed.
From 1970 to 2000, the rivalry reached its peak in basketball. Over a span of 20 years, the two schools combined to send nine boys’ teams and one girls’ team to the state tournament, while also competing in numerous epic matchups during both the regular season and playoffs.
Legendary Hall of Fame coaches—Jack Bennett, Barney Slowey, Jim Fitzgerald, Forrest Larson (as a player), and Andy Pilch—played pivotal roles in shaping the rivalry. Meanwhile, standout players such as David Greenwood, Mike Johnson, Chuck Woelfel, Theresa Mallak, Kim Arndt (Wudi), Alana Bader, Jerry Pritzl, and Justin Matsick, to name just a few, led their teams to sectional and state appearances, cementing their place in their schools basketball history.
Below is the list of episodes. I encourage you to subscribe to the podcast so you’ll be notified when new episodes are released.
Clicking on the “More Info and Pictures” button will take you to a page filled with photos and articles that enhance your listening experience. You’ll also have the opportunity to share your memories and reflect on what these teams and that era meant to you.
For those outside this rivalry, I’d love to hear your thoughts—make your case for which rivalry I should cover next!
Here is what people are saying!
Paul, You set the bar high and truly found your calling. Thank you for your vision, planning, execution, and delivery in capturing this special time in our history. You told the story flawlessly and brought a huge smile to my face as I relived those glory days listening to your podcast. Thank you for preserving the history, the team dynamics, the stories and perspectives from Coach, Dan, Ron, Dave, John, and David. With deep appreciation, well done! Paul Warren, Class of 1978 #43
“This was amazing. Never in a million years did I think I’d hear the story of that special team. Great to hear their voices after all these years.”
— Spotify Follower“Really appreciate the effort you put in to these! Can’t wait to listen!”
— PF Cardinal Fan“An absolute gem of a podcast. For any former Park Falls Cardinal this is an absolute must to listen.”
— First Time Listener“My dad, mom and I listened to the Jack Bennett and our 77–78 podcasts as I drove my parents back and forth from his dialysis appointments in Woodruff. As my dad’s time on this earth moves to its end… thank you for the gift of sharing these moments with my parents. We have a deal that he will hang around for as many of these podcasts as you can make! Thanks for the trip!!!” — Wayne Morgan, Class of ’78 and Member of the State Runner-Up Team
“Paul, your inquiries force me to think, appreciate, and be grateful for my formative years in coaching and education over the years, starting in Park Falls. Not everything came to fruition during those early years but I could see it clearly in the future! The seed was planted.” — Coach Jack Bennett
“When Paul Weber described his goal of writing about the Park Falls and Phillips basketball rivalry, I jumped at the chance to contribute. Paul’s insight into small town athletics is fun listening, and he has captured moments now only remembered by those of us who participated decades ago.” — Coach Barney Slowey
Episode #1 – 1971-72 Park Falls Cardinals
Join the 1971-72 Park Falls Cardinals, and their new coach, Jack Bennett, on their path to a conference championship, sub-regional championship, all highlighted by three thrilling victories over their rivals, the Phillips Loggers.
Episode #2 – 1974-75 Phillips Loggers
Relive the story of Coach Barney Slowey, point guard Forrest Larson and the 1974-75 Phillips Loggers, as they battle through a season of adversity, resilience, and unforgettable moments. From hard-fought conference clashes to a thrilling postseason run, experience their journey to the program’s first-ever regional championship and a dramatic showdown with one of the state’s top teams.
Episode #3 – 1977-78 Park Falls Cardinals
Join the 1977-78 Park Falls Cardinals on their historic journey to Madison, becoming the first team in school history to reach the state tournament. Led by standout players John Hall and David Greenwood, the Cardinals battled through an up-and-down regular season before peaking at the perfect time, defying expectations and making an unforgettable run to the Class B state championship game.
Episode #4 – 1978-79 Park Falls Cardinals
Relive the exhilarating story of the 1978-79 Park Falls Cardinals as they defy the odds and fight their way back to Madison for a second consecutive shot at the Class B state championship. Determined to finish what they started the year before, this resilient squad overcame every challenge in their path, proving that their place among Wisconsin’s elite was no fluke.
Episode #5 – 1981-82 Park Falls Cardinals
The 1981-82 Park Falls Cardinals lived up to every expectation of a team destined for greatness, storming their way to Madison behind a rock-solid starting five and the dynamic duo of Jerry Herbst and Chuck Woelfel. With skill, determination, and championship aspirations, they cemented their place in school history.
Episode #6 – 1983-84 Park Falls Cardinals
The 1983-84 Park Falls Cardinals defied expectations, capturing conference, regional, and sectional titles on their remarkable journey to Madison. Led by Conference Player of the Year Mike Kronberger, this team thrived on unselfish play and relentless determination, proving that teamwork was the key to reaching their ultimate goal—a trip to the state tournament.
Episode #7 – 1985-86 Phillips Loggers
With a youthful yet deep and dynamic roster, the 1985-86 Phillips Loggers showcased some of the best athleticism in Class B. Led by standout players Mike Johnson and Randy Simpson, the Loggers powered their way through the grueling Spooner Sectional, earning a historic spot in the school’s first-ever state tournament appearance.
Episode #8 – 1986-87 Phillips Loggers
Follow the 1986-87 Phillips Loggers as they make their second consecutive trip to Madison, determined to bring home the gold ball. Led by Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball, Mike Johnson, the Loggers boasted a high-powered attack that carried them through a deep and talented Class B field. Their path to a sectional championship in Spooner was forged through relentless competition, including several epic battles with archrival Park Falls, a powerhouse in their own right. This was a season defined by grit, talent, and championship aspirations.
Episode #9 – 1990-91 Phillips Loggers
Take a ride with the 1990-91 Phillips Loggers as they continue the program’s state-bound tradition, earning the school’s third trip to Madison in six years. Under the leadership of Coach Pilch, the Loggers battled through a grueling sectional to punch their ticket to state, showcasing their signature blend of teamwork, skill, and basketball IQ. With an unselfish, disciplined style of play, this talented squad didn’t just reach Madison—they fought their way all the way to the state finals, cementing their place in Phillips basketball history.
Episode #10 – 1994-95 Park Falls Cardinals
Join me for the incredible story of the 1994-95 Park Falls Cardinals girls team and their unforgettable quest for the gold ball. Follow their journey through a perfect undefeated season, battling through every challenge—including several intense showdowns with their archrival, the Phillips Loggers. Get to know the players who made history, the defining moments of their championship run, and the stories behind a season that will never be forgotten.
Episode #11 – 1997-98 Phillips Loggers
Get ready for the roller-coaster journey of the 1997-98 Phillips Loggers. After an underwhelming first half of the season, this deep and talented squad found their rhythm at the perfect time, stunning the number-one ranked team in the state en route to Madison. Once there, they cemented their legacy with a thrilling postseason run, securing the second state runner-up finish in program history and along the way took the Park Falls/Phillips rivalry to new heights.
Episode #12 – 1998-99 Park Falls Cardinals
The 1998-99 Park Falls Cardinals achieved what few teams ever have—a perfect season culminating in a WIAA State Championship. Determined to outdo their rivals from Phillips, who finished as state runner-up the year before, the Cardinals dominated their competition from start to finish. Led by Cardinal alumnus, Coach Chuck Woelfel, this talented squad left no doubt, securing their place in history as one of the rare undefeated champions in Wisconsin high school basketball.
About The Host
As the creator of The Wisco-Rivals Podcast, I have a deep passion for Wisconsin high school sports and the rich history it has built over the years. Growing up immersed in the rivalries, traditions, and unforgettable moments that shaped the state’s high school sports landscape, I was inspired to bring these stories to life.
Not all great stories end with a state championship. If that were the standard, we would overlook countless remarkable teams, players, and coaches who left a lasting impact. The pursuit of conference championships, regional titles, playoff runs and the electrifying thrill of facing a rival school—these are the moments that define high school sports and deserve to be celebrated.
Through this podcast, I explore the legendary teams, intense matchups, and the lasting impact of these rivalries on players, coaches, and communities. My goal is to preserve and share the legacy of Wisconsin high school sports—giving fans, athletes, and history buffs a front-row seat to the games, moments, and emotions that define our state’s greatest rivalries.
Paul Weber – Host of The Wisco- Rivals Podcast
