December 2017

Their numbers are large.

Their talent is impressive.

And their goals are sizeable.

Middleton’s girls gymnastics team began its season last Thursday with an impressive win over host Sun Prairie. And if first impressions are indeed the most telling, this could be another special season for Middleton’s gymnasts.

“As always, the goal is for a healthy and memorable season,” said Middleton coach Kari Steck, who has a team of 27 gymnasts, the largest in school history. “If a conference and/or sectional championship comes with that, we will be grateful. But that will only come with hard work and dedication, both of which this team has the potential for.”

Middleton lost one of the state’s elite gymnasts to graduation in Madeline Pflasterer-Jennerjohn. But Steck is optimistic she’ll have plenty of candidates to help fill that gigantic departure.

The Middleton Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating and checking the welfare of John Balistreri Jr, a 36 year old male who was reported missing on October 2nd, 2017.  John was last seen on September 15th, 2017. 

VERONA — At first glance, Alan Roden might not look the part of a basketball standout.

Middleton’s senior swingman is 6-foot nothing. Roden has the body of a baseball catcher, which just so happens to be the position he’ll play at Creighton University a year from now.

But there’s no question, looks can be deceiving.

Roden is a surprising scorer, a rebounding force and an active defender. And all of those skills were on full display during Middleton’s impressive 71-42 shellacking of Verona last Thursday.

Roden grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds to go along with his seven points. Roden’s defense was also key as the Cardinals cruised to arguably their most impressive win of the young season.

The records inside Middleton’s boys basketball program are sketchy.

They don’t go back as far as some other sports do. They lack detail and depth.

But it’s safe to say Cardinals’ senior Brogan Brunker had one of the finest nights in school history last Tuesday.

Brunker had 36 points — the most by an MHS player in at least 20 years — and powered Middleton to a 72-60 win over Madison West. Brunker shot 13-of-17 from the field, 5-of-7 from three-point range, grabbed nine rebounds, had three blocks and two steals.

Middleton improved to 1-2 in both the Big Eight Conference and overall.

“He took the ball to the rim on the drive, hit threes, plus rebounded on both ends of the floor,” Middleton coach Kevin Bavery said. “Brogan's the type of kid who would be happy with no points and a team win, but tonight was his night to flourish on the offensive end.”