It was supposed to be the greatest day in the history of Middleton’s girls swimming and diving program.
The Cardinals were in the midst of winning the WIAA Division 1 state championship last November. Middleton’s dynamic group became the first in school history to leave the UW-Natatorium with a state title.
But as the state meet unfolded, Middleton coach Lauren Cabalka and the rest of the Cardinals didn’t feel like most teams that capture gold.
“Honestly, it felt kind of yucky,” Cabalka said.
Yucky? Really?
To hear Cabalka and her team tell it, the championship was remarkable. They’ll cherish it forever.
But the meet itself was anything but perfect.
There was squabbling. Girls were struggling with the pressure of the moment. And while the Cardinals left with a championship, the meet itself was far from enjoyable.
Compare that to 2015 when Middleton came out of nowhere, surprised the field and finished second at state.