High School

Marquette Star Tommy Novotny Embracing Role As One Of Wisconsin's Best Running Backs

Senior standout led Hilltoppers to WIAA Division 1 state championship in 2023, looks to carry program back to the top

Jeff Hagenau

Marquette running back Tommy Novotny (5) weaves through the Sussex defenders during a Greater Metro Conference game at Hart Park on Friday, Oct.11, 2024.
Marquette running back Tommy Novotny (5) weaves through the Sussex defenders during a Greater Metro Conference game at Hart Park on Friday, Oct.11, 2024. / Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tommy Novotny's speed, toughness and vision have made him one of the top running backs in the state of Wisconsin.

Novotny, a tenacious 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior running back for the Marquette University High School football team, rushed for 1,370 yards and 24 touchdowns as the Hilltoppers won the Greater Metro Conference championship, advanced to the third round of the WIAA Division 1 playoffs, and finished the 2024 season 10-2 overall.

He rushed for more than 100 yards in seven games last season, including a season-high 223 yards and three touchdowns in a 50-10 home-field victory over fierce league rival Hamilton on Oct. 11, 2024.

Wisconsin high school football: Marquette's Tommy Novotny follows a block during the season opener versus Arrowhead. 2024
Marquette running back Tommy Novotny (5) follows lineman Gabe Miller (51) to the corner during the season opener at Arrowhead on Friday, August 23, 2024. / Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

As a three-year starter for Marquette, the humble, hard-working Novotny has consistently maintained a team-first attitude and amassed 3,292 yards with 57 touchdowns, averaging a statement-making 6.5 yards per carry in the process.

During his standout sophomore season, he rushed for a career-high 1,548 yards and 28 touchdowns in leading the Hilltoppers to the WIAA D1 state championship. He finished with 167 yards with two touchdowns on 38 carries to put an exclamation point on a meaningful 27-10 victory over Franklin at the University of Wisconsin's Camp Randall Stadium on Nov. 17, 2023.

Wisconsin high school football: Marquette's Tommy Novotny runs through a gap during the WIAA Division 1 state title game.
Marquette's Tommy Novotny (7) races through a gap during the WIAA Division 1 state championship football game against Franklin at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on Friday, November 17, 2023. / Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Novotny, the Greater Metro Offensive Back of the Year and a Wisconsin Football Coaches Association honorable mention selection in 2024, has continued to shine during the offseason as one of the state's top recruits. He demonstrated that by posting an impressive time of 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash (in front of many college coaches) at the 12th annual WFCA Combine in early May.

With a determined mindset and focus on faith, family, and team, it's safe to assume that he will attempt to carry Marquette back to the top one yard at a time.

Wisconsin high school football: Marquette's Tommy Novotny celebrates a touchdown during a game at Germantown Sept. 13, 2024.
Marquette players celebrate a touchdown by running back Tommy Novotny (5) during the third quarter of a Greater Metro Conference game versus Germantown on Friday, September 13, 2024. / Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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-- Jeff Hagenau | jeffreyhagenau@gmail.com

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Jeff Hagenau
JEFF HAGENAU

Jeff Hagenau has been a sports writer in southeast Wisconsin for the past 28 years, covering at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. He graduated from Carroll University with a degree in journalism and has showcased his versatility by reporting on a wide array of sports over the course of his memorable career.

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