September 2019

MIDDLETON–Ted Speerschneider, who left the Falbo Brothers Pizza Franchise to start his own pizza place, Red’s, returns to the company partnering for Red’s Falbo Bros.

“I was Falbo’s, I became Red’s and now I am Red’s Falbo,” Speerschneider said.

He closed Red’s on Parmenter Ave. and moved his staff and equipment into the location on Allen Blvd. on Aug. 1.

Speerschneider started the first Falbo Brothers Pizza franchise in Middleton in 2003.  “We’ve been at this for over 15 years in Middleton making pizza and selling it by the slice,” he said.

The Middleton man said he does the most he can to give back including being a platinum sponsor at high school for over 10 years.

“We try be your local place for people to come and get a slice of pizza and get involved in the community,” Speerschneider stated. “That’s what our niche has been for the last 15 years.”

Middleton played its first football game in 1919 and went 0-2-1 that season.

In the 100 years since, the Cardinals have seen more good than bad, highlighted by a pair of state championships in the 1980s and a current run of 23 straight playoff appearances.

Last Friday, though, was one of the most humbling nights in program history.

Verona came to Otto Breitenbach Stadium and routed the host Cardinals, 61-35.

The 61 points is believed to be the most ever allowed by a Middleton team. In addition, Verona chalked up 734 yards of total offense, which is also believed to be the most the Cardinals have ever allowed.

The Wildcats improved to 2-0 overall and in the Big Eight Conference, while Middleton fell to 1-1, 1-1.

“Our defense my senior year gave up 35 points on the whole year,” said Middleton first-year coach Jason Pertzborn, who graduated from MHS in 1989. “This was ridiculous.”

Brian Finnel is in the process of building Middleton’s boys cross country program into a dynasty.

Finnel led the Cardinals to the 2017 WIAA Division 1 state championship. Middleton followed that up with a second place showing at state in 2018.

And Finnel expects nothing less than another run at a state title this season. Middleton begins its season Saturday at the Verona Invitational.

“Yes, absolutely,” said Finnel, who has a school-record 82 kids in the program. “We have some big-time experience on our side, arguably the most veteran group in the state at this level. 

“I think it will help temper the emotions compared to having a younger squad. These guys know what to expect in all facets of our season. They have a group sense of what they can do if they work together and are a confident group.”

With good reason.

MIDDLETON–Wayne P. Pferdehirt, age 67, of Middleton, passed away unexpectedly in Kings Canyon National Park CA on Aug. 26, 2019 during his life-long dream of hiking the John Muir Trail. Born on Aug. 3, 1952, in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of Harry “Bud” Pferdehirt and Anna Mae (Zimmer) Pferdehirt. He married his sweetheart, Diane H. Luchies, on April 26, 2014 in Holland, MI.