Middleton’s boys golf team had just won the 2011 WIAA Division 1 state championship.
Shortly thereafter, Cardinals’ head coach Tom Cabalka was asked to join the Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin’s Board of Directors.
Cabalka, who had just retired from a lengthy teaching career, politely declined.
“I told them it probably didn't make sense because I didn't think I would be coaching much longer,” Cabalka said. “I had just finished teaching and I figured I’d stop coaching, too.”
That was 15 summers ago — about 14 more than Cabalka anticipated coaching.
“I just couldn't say goodbye,” the 75-year-old Cabalka said.
Everyone reaches the 18th hole at some point, though, and Cabalka will be tapping in for double eagle in the days ahead.
After 36 years in the program, including the last 22 as Middleton’s head coach, Cabalka is retiring after the season. He’ll leave behind a legacy of excellence — both on and off the course.