Madison Memorial names Austin Battaglia as football coach

Battaglia replaces Mike Harris, who retired after seven seasons in the position last December, and plans to further his education in academic administration.

“We are very excited to have Coach Battaglia coaching our student-athletes,” school athletic director Tim Richardson wrote in an email to the State Journal.

Like Harris, a Madison Memorial graduate who teaches English at his alma mater, Battaglia graduated from Memorial in 2011 and teaches business education at his alma mater.

Battaglia, a former four-sport athlete, is no stranger to the Spartans' football program. Battaglia has served as an assistant since Harris was hired in December 2017, most recently as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

“I am excited to continue the great work that Coach Harris has established for this program. We were able to accomplish something amazing,” Battaglia said in a statement.

“To the students, staff, and community of our Spartan football program: We love you all. Let's get to work!”

Battaglia was integral to the Spartans' success under Harris. During his six-year tenure leading La Follette, Harris led Memorial to a 35-10 regular season record and 4-5 postseason record.

The Spartans have won the Big Eight Conference twice (2018 and 2019) and Madison City four times (2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023) under Harris.

Memorial reached the WIAA playoffs in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 (did not appear in 2020 due to the coronavirus). The Spartans advanced to the second round in 2019 and 2022, and reached the Division 1 state semifinals in 2019.