Rod Burks
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Sports Anchor at NBC affiliate WTMJ-TV and Host of the Packers Live Show. Edward R. Murrow Winner. Buffalo Native.
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Articles by Rod Burks
Sussex Hamilton Chargers aim to make a statement against Oconomowoc this Friday
The Sussex Hamilton Chargers believe they have the talent to make some noise this season, and a big win Friday night against Oconomowoc could send a big message. Head coach Justin Gumm has led the Chargers for the past six seasons. He knows that for Hamilton to take the next step, it will take a complete effort. "You know we've got to be good on all three phases. I don't think we have to be world beaters anywhere. But we gotta be consistent and not give up the big play on defensively.
Catholic Memorial ready to test itself against No.1 Arrowhead in marquee matchup
Catholic Memorial's football team faces its biggest test of the season Thursday night when top-ranked Arrowhead comes to town. For the Crusaders, the game is more than just a matchup — it's a chance to prove they belong in the same conversation as the best teams in the state. Head Coach Bill Young, now in his 49th season leading the program, knows the stakes are high.
Port Washington Pirates open season with dominant win, set sights on state championship
Confidence is high in Port Washington after the Pirates opened their season with a 39-20 win over Sheboygan North — and the team has its sights set on much more than a fast start. Head coach John Bunyan, who has led the Pirates for 16 years, said the offense showed what it is capable of in the opener. "We can make plays, a lot of plays. We have a lot of speed on the field.
Pewaukee Pirates football team eyes deep state playoff run after dominant week one victory
Confidence is high for the Pewaukee Pirates football team heading into the 2026 season. The expectations are high, the talent is there, and the Pirates want to turn that confidence into wins to reach their goals at the end of the season.
Ahman Green opens up about Parkinson's diagnosis and his fight to stay ahead of the disease
The Green Bay Packers' all-time leading rusher Ahman Green is facing a new kind of battle. Green was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in early 2025. Green says his body had been giving him signs that something was wrong for years.
Ahman Green opens up about Parkinson's diagnosis and his fight to stay ahead of the disease
The Green Bay Packers' all-time leading rusher Ahman Green is facing a new kind of battle. Green was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in early 2025. Green says his body had been giving him signs that something was wrong for years.
Whitefish Bay football opens the season with high expectations, eyes on defense and turnovers
WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. — Whitefish Bay High School football is entering the new season with high expectations, and the team believes it has what it takes to make noise this year. Head coach Jake Wolter is in his 12th year leading the program and has seen plenty of growth in his football team. Head coach Jake Wolter "Really made the focus this year. We wanna be a ball-hawking secondary defense, turnover-prone.
Cedarburg native Drew Biber is chasing the dream of making the Green Bay Packers 53-man roster
For Drew Biber, getting the call from the Green Bay Packers was a moment he had dreamed about his entire life. Now, the Cedarburg, Wisconsin, native is working to prove he belongs on the team's 53-man roster. Biber said the moment he got the call was unlike anything he had experienced. "I was at the town club with my girlfriend, my sister, and two kids when I got the call. It was just a surreal moment. It's been a dream to play for this team. I'm from Cedarburg, Wisconsin.
Cooper Catalano steps into leadership role as Wisconsin's defense eyes big season
MADISON — Cooper Catalano earned his starting spot as a true freshman middle linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers last season. Now, with added size, strength and experience, he has become one of the leaders of the Badgers' defense heading into the new season.
Homestead Highlanders football: Building a state title contender in year 6 under Drake Zortman
MEQUON — Homestead High School's football team is entering the season with state title aspirations, led by sixth-year head coach Drake Zortman and a strong returning group on both sides of the ball. The Highlanders are setting their sights high this season, with players and coaches alike focused on peaking when it matters most. Head coach Drake Zortman said the early returns have been encouraging. "I'm excited we're off to a good start. We got a nice returning group coming back.
Milwaukee School of Languages Hawks win flag football title, eye Wisconsin state championship
MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee School of Languages girls flag football team won the Southeastern Summer League Championship, capping off a dominant two-season run that has the program dreaming of a Wisconsin state title. The Hawks defeated DSHA 28-6 in the championship game after shutting out Franklin 30-0 to punch their ticket to the title game. The program has now compiled a 44-win record over the past two seasons.
First Tee and Neighborhood House of Milwaukee team up to build confidence in kids through golf
First Tee Southeast Wisconsin is teaming up with Neighborhood House of Milwaukee to give kids — some picking up a golf club for the first time — lessons that go beyond the fairways. The program uses golf to help young people build confidence and character, teaching values like honesty, integrity, respect, and responsibility that kids can carry with them at home, at school, and throughout their lives.
Joey Ortiz's move to third base sparks one of the hottest bats in the Brewers lineup
Joey Ortiz is proving that sometimes a position change is all it takes to unlock a player's potential. When Cooper Pratt was called up to the big leagues, Ortiz shifted from his natural shortstop position to third base. Rather than letting the move affect him, he embraced it — and the results have followed. Over the last 20 games, Ortiz is hitting better than .300 with four home runs. The turnaround may have started with one swing.
Special Olympian Katrina Crow wins gold at USA Games in Minnesota
Wisconsin Special Olympian Katrina Crow has been working toward a moment like this for years — and this summer, it finally arrived in a Minnesota pool. Crow, who was born with intellectual disabilities, grew up watching her brothers swim and wanted to do the same. Her family taught her, and she has been competing with Special Olympics since 2005. This year marked the first time she qualified for the USA Games, representing Wisconsin. She learned she had made it in a memorable way. "I got the news.
Izzi Stricker looks to forge her own path in golf, following in father Steve's footsteps
Izzi Stricker is carving out her own identity in golf, and she is doing it one swing at a time. Stricker competed in the Wisconsin State Women's Amateur Championship at The Wisconsin Country Club, just her third career event. She entered the final round tied for second before finishing 5th with a round of 78, four strokes behind winner Jessica Guiser of Hartland. "You know to be honest, not my best stuff, but that is, and I know that, and I'm just kind of pick my chin up and move on.
Muskego baseball standout Tyson Grulkowski, drafted by the Atlanta Braves, begins his pro journey
NEW BERLIN — Former Muskego High School pitcher Tyson Grulkowski is heading to professional baseball after the Atlanta Braves selected him in the MLB Draft. Grulkowski was back to work at the OAW Sports Complex in New Berlin as he prepares for the next chapter of his career. The 6-foot-5 right-hander said he had a sense the Braves were watching him closely heading into draft day.
Kenosha slugger Dominic Santarelli awaits his name at the MLB draft
Dominic Santarelli of Kenosha is one of hundreds of top baseball prospects hoping to hear his name called in this year's Major League Baseball amateur draft, which starts tomorrow. Santarelli has been named Kenosha County Player of the Year and is widely considered the top prospect in all of Wisconsin. "I'm just really excited for it. This week's been awesome.
Figure skaters from around the world compete at Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee this week
Figure skaters from around the world have come to the Pettit National Ice Center to turn the rink into one of the biggest stages in figure skating this week. The event is organized by Carolin Clausius, chair of Skate Milwaukee, who has been judging figure skating for 46 years. "This is Milwaukee it's our 21st annual competition, and it is also our sixth time hosting the Jr Cup," Clausius said. More than 200 skaters are competing in Milwaukee at various levels.
Bobby Portis says goodbye to Milwaukee with a fan event at a downtown boutique
Bobby Portis walked into Hype Boys Boutique in downtown Milwaukee wearing his signature smile — but this wasn't just another signing. It was a chance for him to say goodbye to the city he says became his home. Fans lined up around the block for a photo, an autograph, or even just a hug, despite the heat. Portis, who spent six years with the Milwaukee Bucks, said the event was about giving back to the community before his trade to the Miami Heat.
Waukesha West junior breaks Wisconsin long jump state record that stood since 1965
Cole Zielinski is already making history — and he's not done yet. The Waukesha West High School junior broke the Wisconsin state long jump record at the state track and field championships in La Crosse, leaping 25 feet, 9¾ inches and shattering a mark that had stood since 1965. Even in the air, Zielinski knew something special was happening. "I knew it was special when I was up there. I remember thinking, I haven't hit the ground yet. I got hold this one, so I held as long as I could when I landed.
DSHA girls soccer team wins division one state championship, defeating reigning champs Muskego
MILWAUKEE — The DSHA girls soccer team capped its season with a Division 1 state championship, defeating the Muskego Warriors — the reigning state champions who were pursuing their fifth consecutive title — by a score of 3-1. The Dashers controlled the match from start to finish, outshooting Muskego 19 to 8.
Pewaukee Pirates win first-ever state baseball championship with 5-4 victory over Kenosha St. Joseph
The Pewaukee Pirates won their first-ever state baseball championship with a 5-4 victory over Kenosha St. Joseph in the title game at Fox City Stadium in Grand Chute. With the game tied at 2 in the fifth inning, Jack Tabbert laced a 2-run single to right field, scoring two runs and giving Pewaukee a 4-2 lead.
Sussex-Hamilton softball one win away from first state championship in school history
Sussex Hamilton softball is one win away from making history. The Chargers defeated Sun Prairie East 3-2 in nine innings in the state semifinal and will play for the school's first-ever state championship Saturday night. Sussex-Hamilton trailed 2-0 in the fifth inning before Maddie Palicka hit an RBI double that scored Abby McCauley to make it 2-1. Ava Serembiczky followed with an RBI that tied the game at 2.
Muskego senior pitcher Tyson Grulkowski leads the Warriors into sectionals with MLB draft buzz growing
Muskego senior right-hander Tyson Grulkowski is expected to hear his name called in the MLB Draft in the coming weeks, but first, he has his sights set on bringing another championship to Muskego. Grulkowski made his final home start count, leading the Warriors to a regional win over Waterford and punching their ticket to sectionals, where Muskego will look to defend its championship. "It felt good.
Muskego girls' soccer team seeks fifth straight state championship
MUSKEGO, Wis. — Championships are hard to win, and dynasties are even harder to build. The Muskego women's soccer team has a chance to add another chapter to one of the most successful programs in the state of Wisconsin — a fifth straight state title. Head coach Lance Matthews is in his 8th season leading the program and has guided the Warriors to each of their four consecutive state titles. "I'm grateful every day, I mean, these girls make me a better dad, they make me a better coach.
St. Thomas More baseball eyes state title run after earning No. 2 seed and 1st-round bye
MILWAUKEE — The St. Thomas More Cavaliers are heading into the state playoffs with momentum, a No. 2 seed, and a first-round bye — and they believe they have what it takes to make a serious state title run, even if they may be overlooked in their division. Watch: The St. Thomas More baseball team is eyeing a state title run after earning the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the postseason.
Germantown Warhawks baseball finishes conference play with a perfect 16-0 record
GERMANTOWN, Wis. — The Germantown Warhawks baseball team made history, finishing conference play with a perfect 16-0 record — the first time in school history the program has accomplished the feat. The Warhawks clinched the conference title with a 6-0 win over Sussex Hamilton, with pitcher Landon Hagland dominant on the mound.
Milwaukee boxer Daniel Blancas returns from Las Vegas with 15th win; eyes world championship
Undefeated super middleweight Daniel Blancas is ranked in the top 30 in the WBC and 15th in the United States after a unanimous decision victory in Las Vegas. Daniel Blancas The Milwaukee native's recent fight in Las Vegas was the biggest of his career so far. "The atmosphere is the next level. Hearing all those fans cheering and screaming, the atmosphere is crazy hard to describe that feeling you get when you're walking through the tunnel, and you're inside the ring," Blancas said.
Milwaukee Vincent hires new varsity boys basketball coach to rebuild program and student success
Milwaukee Vincent High School has a new varsity boys basketball coach, and the hire is about more than wins and losses. Principal Dr. Richard Watkins made it a priority to find a coach who could develop students on and off the court. He chose Freddie Riley. Principal Dr. Richard Watkins made it a priority to find a coach who could develop students on and off the court. He chose Freddie Riley.
Milwaukee Panthers bring Wisconsin talent home with Jake Hanson and Aaron Womack transfers
In today's college basketball world, players are constantly moving—chasing playing time, opportunity, and the right fit. But for Jake Hanson and Aaron Womack, the next step in their journey brought them right back home. Coach Bart Lundy and the Milwaukee Panthers are bringing Wisconsin talent back to Milwaukee. Lundy recalled the first time seeing Womack play.
Divine Savior Holy Angels girls soccer team is one of Wisconsin's top state title contenders this season
The Divine Savior Holy Angels girls' soccer team has all the ingredients of a state contender this season. The Dashers have proven they are one of the best teams in Wisconsin. Steve Lawrence has been coaching soccer for 20 years. This is his first year as the Dashers' head coach. The Dashers boast a high-powered offense, scoring 45 goals in their first 10 games. Defensive midfielder Brailey Baxter said the team leans on each other when the pressure builds.
Carroll University H-back Reed Breckheimer earns Miami Dolphins camp invite
Reed Breckheimer, an H-back at Carroll University, has earned an invitation to a Miami Dolphins camp after a standout career with the Pioneers. Breckheimer, a first-team All-American, finished his final season with 716 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns. Coming from a Division III program, he said the opportunity is something he never thought possible. "It's a great opportunity.
West Allis Blue Jays softball team bonds over family ties — and winning
Three sets of sisters are helping the West Allis Blue Jays softball team build chemistry — and a winning streak. The Blue Jays have won six straight conference games, and head coach Dean Mlachnik says the family connections on the roster are part of what makes this group special. "It's rare. First of all, you have to be talented enough to be up at the varsity level. Being a sophomore, all three of the sophomores are really good. The three seniors are all starters and great players," Mlachnik said.
Brookfield Central junior Kyenret Rinkam is Wisconsin's fastest sprinter with Olympic dreams ahead
BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Brookfield Central junior Kyenret Rinkam has already proven she is the fastest sprinter in the state of Wisconsin — and she has big goals ahead of her. Rinkam said her path to the track started in seventh grade. Kyenret Rinkam "Okay, when I was in seventh grade, I just to do cross country. My cross country coach noticed that I ran really fast towards the end of the race. So he suggested that I should do track and field.
Wisconsin Lutheran junior Niyer Clayborn sets state record in 110 high hurdles to rank top 15 in USA
MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin Lutheran junior Niyer Clayborn set a state record in the 110 high hurdles over the weekend, placing him among the top 15 hurdlers in the nation. Clayborn achieved the record on a cold, less-than-ideal day. He is also already a state champion in the 60-meter indoor. Watch: How Wisconsin Lutheran's Niyer Clayborn is working to become one of the best hurdlers in the nation, as colleges across the country look to recruit him.
The Milwaukee Wave advance to the MASL Championship to play San Diego for their first title since 2019
The Milwaukee Wave will play San Diego for the MASL Championship after battling and adjusting all season long to make a playoff push. The last time the Wave were in the championship was 2019, when they won the title. Former Wave star Marcio Leite is in his first year as head coach after spending several seasons as an assistant. The team has fully bought into Leite’s system, and they are one of the highest-scoring teams headed into the finals.
Armed with elite pitching and speed, the top-rated Muskego Warriors searching for back-to-back state titles
MUSKEGO — The top-rated Muskego Warriors baseball team is aiming for another state title with 11 talented seniors. Six players are committed to Division 1 programs as the top-rated Muskego Warriors look to repeat last year's championship success. Watch: Why the Muskego Warriors baseball team is hopeful it can win back-to-back state titles with its elite pitching and speed.
Wisconsin's top baseball prospect Dominic Santarelli enters his senior year with major league dreams
Kenosha St. Joseph's senior Dominic Santarelli is the top-rated high school baseball player in Wisconsin, drawing the attention of Major League Baseball scouts at every game. The 18-year-old outfielder, who stands 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs 220 pounds, will continue his baseball career at Louisiana State University. Santarelli was voted the prep Wisconsin Player of the Year as a junior.
Brother and sister duo lead Whitefish Bay basketball teams to state championship titles this season
Siblings Sage and Mace Miskel both helped lead their respective Whitefish Bay basketball teams to state championship titles. Senior guard Sage Miskel led the Blue Dukes to the school's first-ever girls state title against Beaver Dam. She scored the last four points of the game, including the go-ahead basket with 44 seconds remaining. Sage Miskel “I think it was like the middle of the second half, and we had a timeout, and I was just like, 'Wow, this is coming down to the end.
Waukesha County Original
Waukesha County One of the last remaining Pearl Harbor survivors, Brookfield resident turns 106 Brookfield resident Ed Miklavcic, one of the last living survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack, turned 106 years old on Thursday. According to the Associated Press, as of December, there were only 12 Pearl Harbor survivors still alive Rebecca Klopf
DJ's Goalpost in Menominee Falls features over 20,000 pieces of incredible sports memorabilia for fans
There's no other sports bar quite like DJ's GoalPost in Menomonee Falls. Donald Matovich opened the bar 14 years ago. "So DJ’s stands for Don and Jennifer. We used to be at 4th and National, and this place closed down, and this used to be a Mexican restaurant, and I only had four pieces of memorabilia, and they were all of Ray Nitschke," Matovich said. Matovich estimates that he has over 20,000 pieces, which include all sports from all eras. He even has a signed baseball from Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb.
St. Catherine's Angels celebrate their Division 3 state basketball championship with the Racine community
RACINE, Wis. — Students at St. Catherine's recognized the Angels basketball team today after they won the Division 3 state title at the Kohl Center in Madison. The team celebrated their seventh WIAA title in their gym with a focus on fun and community support. Head Coach Ryan Thompson acknowledged the expectations that come with the school's success. "It's an historic program. So it comes with a lot of pressure.
Milwaukee Juneau wins state title as their no-shot-clock strategy sparks debate in Wisconsin
The Milwaukee Juneau Pioneers won their first-ever gold ball by defeating Cambridge in the Division 4 title game in Madison, but their second-half strategy is drawing attention. Taking advantage of the absence of a shot clock in Wisconsin high school basketball, Milwaukee Juneau held the ball for more than 90 seconds in the second half. Slowing the game down helped the Pioneers play their style of basketball. Head Coach Torre Johnson Jr. explained how the strategy helped his team.
Whitefish Bay Boys Basketball Team heads to Madison seeking their first gold ball championship since 2011
The third-seeded Whitefish Bay Boys Basketball Team will open tournament play against second-seeded West Salem on Friday in Madison. The Blue Dukes are just two games away from bringing back the gold ball for the first time since 2011. Head Coach Ryan Fiet said the team's chemistry has put them in the position they are in now. "Simply put, it’s a group of friends that love to play basketball together," Fiet said. "They’ve been playing together forever, including AAU junior Dukes.
Tosa West's Jalen Brown draws high-major recruiting attention
Wauwatosa West junior Jalen Brown is one of the most sought-after recruits in Wisconsin, and it's easy to see why. The 6-foot combo guard leads the Trojans in assists and averages 7.5 rebounds per game — numbers that have caught the attention of high-major Division I programs across the country, including the Wisconsin Badgers. Head coach Chris Newbauer said Brown's ability to impact the game in multiple ways sets him apart. "What makes him special is that he can score at all three levels.
Pewaukee's Jadin O'Brien reflects on Winter Olympics debut, sets sights on LA 2028
PEWAUKEE, Wis. — Jadin O'Brien finished seventh in the two-woman bobsled at this year's Winter Olympics, but the Pewaukee native says the experience was about far more than the final standings. O'Brien competed in her first Winter Games alongside 6-time Olympian Elana Meyers Taylor. I sat down with O'Brien to hear about her time in Italy and what comes next. The trip began with a moment O'Brien said she will never forget.
Figure skating hopes and dreams start at Milwaukee's Pettit National Ice Center
MILWAUKEE — Sixteen-year-old Marilyn McCoy Sprung has her sights set on the Olympics, and her journey began on the same ice where beginners are learning to skate today. McCoy Sprung started skating when she was 4 years old and now competes at a high level. She recently won a Junior bronze medal at a national dance solo competition in Salt Lake City. For her, the rink is more than a competition venue. "Skating is my safe place.
Nathan Hale High School cheerleading team wins its first-ever state championship
WEST ALLIS, Wis. — The Nathan Hale High School cheerleading team has won its first-ever state championship. The six-member Huskies squad began practicing in late April and went into the competition not expecting to place, but came away with the title.
Pewaukee fans rally behind Jadin O'Brien as she advances to Olympic bobsled finals despite setback
PEWAUKEE — Pewaukee native Jadin O'Brien competed in the two-woman bobsled today, with family and friends gathering at Brewfinity Brewery in Pewaukee to cheer her on during her Olympic debut. O'Brien, partnered with veteran sledder Elana Meyers Taylor, had strong support from her community, including former teachers and coaches who watched her journey from aspiring Olympian to competing on the world's biggest stage. "I coached her at DSHA in track for four seasons.
Olympic biathlete reflects on sacrifice, community support that shaped her journey
Deedra Irwin's path to the Olympics wasn't paved with luxury training facilities or financial backing. The Green Bay native slept in her car and dog-sat to make ends meet while pursuing her biathlon dreams in Sun Valley, Idaho. "Going into the last Olympics, I really didn't know how much it meant and how much you sacrifice and how much you give and how much you look back on the communities that helped you grow as a person and as an athlete," Irwin said.
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