April 2022

There are a lot of games still to be played.

When last week ended, though, just one team remained unbeaten in the Big Eight Conference baseball race.

Middleton.

The Cardinals swept a pair of games from Madison West and finished the week 4-0 in the conference.

That had Middleton and Janesville Craig (5-1) tied for first place in the league. Sun Prairie and Verona (4-2) were both one game back.

“Both games were very similar,” Middleton manager Brent Jorgensen said. “We didn’t do a lot of flashy things, but played aggressively and took advantage of several mistakes that West made. Conversely, we were able to minimize our mistakes and turn back most of their scoring chances during both games. 

‘I think that means we are starting to become a good team as we were able to put up two good wins without a whole lot of flashy things in the box score.” 

Here’s a recap of Middleton’s week:

Middleton’s boys golf team began the season ranked No. 1 in the state.

The start of the season has proven two things, though.

First, the Cardinals can certainly play up to that lofty ranking. Second, there are plenty of good teams across the state capable of knocking off the Cardinals from their lofty perch.

Last week was proof of that.

Middleton shot a sensational 298 at a Big Eight Conference triangular held at Bishop’s Bay on April 19. The Cardinals then finished sixth at 42-team Sheboygan North Invite held April 20 and 21 at Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits.

“What we do from now on matters,” Middleton coach Tom Cabalka said. “How much they want to get better is up to each player. We have struggled getting five players to score well in the same round. To be a quality team in June, we have to have good consistent play from all five players.”

You can say this for Mary Duffy and Middleton’s girls soccer team.

They don’t hide from anyone.

One week after playing DSHA — the WIAA Division 1 defending state champs — the Cardinals battled Oregon, the top team in Wisconsin.

And much like Middleton’s game against the Dashers, the Cardinals discovered they can play with anyone.

Middleton battled the mighty Panthers throughout, but dropped a 1-0 decision on April 19. The Cardinals then defeated Madison East, 3-0, on April 21.

Middleton is now 2-2-1 overall and 1-0 in the Big Eight Conference.

“We battled throughout the game,” Middleton coach Mary Duffy said of the Oregon game. “Within our first five games, we know we can battle it out with anyone and give ourselves a chance for the win.

Middleton’s boys track and field team will have just two home meets this season.

The Cardinals — who always like to shine on their home field — hosted their first meet of the season on April 19. And Middleton made the most of it.

The Cardinals dominated the jumps and the throws and defeated Madison West, 88-49.

“It was great to be at home for the first time this season,” Middleton coach Chad Kliefoth said. “The excitement level was high and the kids had put in the work to be ready for this meet. 

“That work paid off in the results and with a number of PR's in this meet. These kids continue to raise the bar each and every meet and that is what we — the coaches — keep asking for.”

Middleton got first place finishes from the following individuals:

• Sam Pilof in the 100-meter dash (11.06 seconds).

• Finn Patenaude in the 300-meter hurdles (42.46).

• Harper Fahey in the 800-meter run (2:02.77).