Middleton golfers chasing a title
The 2025 WIAA Division 1 boys state golf tournament had just ended.
Middleton enjoyed a terrific two days, finishing third overall with a score of 609, which was the third-best total in school history.
As champion Marquette and runner-up Hudson received their first- and second place trophies, the Cardinals looked around knowing even better days might be coming.
Middleton didn't have a single senior in its 2025 lineup. Meanwhile, five of Marquette’s top six players were seniors, Hudson had three seniors among its top five and fourth place Oconomowoc had five seniors in its lineup.
“We don’t lose a single person,” MHS standout Reis Von Ruden said last June. “This year was fun. But I think it could be even more fun next year.”
Sammy Forslund agreed with his MHS teammate.
“The team’s going to improve,” Forslund said that day. “I think we’ll be back here next year even better and hoping to contend even more.
“We’re not losing anybody. We’re going to come back stronger. All of us are going to be better. We’re a good group of guys. I think if we can tidy up some things I think we can really compete next year and hopefully win it.”
Well, next year is here.
And Middleton’s sensational senior class led by Von Ruden, Forslund, Luke Weiss, Berrin Reiter and Sam Wolf is set to take aim at the Cardinals’ first state title since 2011.
Middleton, which began its new season Monday by hosting a four-team meet at Bishop’s Bay, opened the year ranked No. 1 in the first Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin poll.
“Our guys have had the idea all year that this year could be special,” Middleton coach Tom Cabalka said. “They know what it will take to be near or at the top, which is to continue to work at their game and to improve daily.”
Leading the way will be Von Ruden and Forslund, a pair of four-year letterwinners that have enjoyed stellar MHS careers.
Von Ruden averaged 74.0 last season — a four stroke improvement from 2024 — and was named second-team all-state by the Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin and first-team all-Big Eight Conference. Von Ruden had just one round in the 80s last season, and of his last 13 rounds, two were in the 60s and his high score was a 76.
Von Ruden then shot a 4-over-par, 148 at the two-day state tournament and tied for 11th out of 104 golfers.
“Reis jumped to varsity as a freshman after shooting an even-par 72 at Edelweiss in a conference match while on the JVA squad,” Cabalka said of Von Ruden. “His season average has steadily improved.”
Forslund was also named second-team all-state last year and first-team all-Big Eight after averaging 74.40 — a nearly three stroke improvement from 2024. In 20 rounds last season, Forslund had 18 rounds in the 70's and two rounds in the 60's.
Forslund then carded a 6-over-par, 150 at state and tied for 14th overall.
“Sammy's leadership and attitude were exceptional all season long,” Cabalka said of Forslund.
Weiss, now a three-year varsity player, was named honorable-mention all-state and first-team all-Big Eight last year when he averaged 76.40.
Weiss was second at both regionals and sectionals last season, then finished 21st overall at state. In addition, 18 of the 20 rounds Weiss played were in the 70s.
“Luke also led all Wisconsin high school golfers with the most pars for the season,” Cabalka said.
Reiter cracked the varsity lineup last season and was named second-team all-Big Eight after averaging 79.29.
“Berrin was a great addition to our team of Sammy, Reis and Luke,” Cabalka said.
Cabalka knows that fantastic foursome could lead his team to big things in 2026.
“These guys are veterans. All four are wonderful kids,” Cabalka said of Von Ruden, Forslund, Weiss and Reiter. “Their love of the game is what is best about each of them. They know what it takes to be a great player, which is to practice with a purpose every day.
“They all play in many summer tournaments, and work hard to improve. It will be fun to see if they can continue to lower their averages this season.”
Wolf, one of the greatest swimmers in Wisconsin history, also has plenty of skills on the golf course and was named honorable-mention all-conference last season. Wolf averaged 83.90 last year, and will battle fellow senior Aaron Gepner and several others for the No. 5 spot in the lineup.
“Sam and Aaron both played in several matches last year and should be in the hunt,” Cabalka said. “We also have three or four players who had strong seasons on JVA last year who will be competing for that varsity spot, and hopefully we'll have a few freshmen ready to compete.”
While Middleton returns as the team to beat, Cablaka and the Cardinals know just how competitive the state is.
Alhough Marquette was hit hard by graduation, the Hilltoppers always seem to have their next batch of standouts just around the corner. Hudson is also a traditional state power, while Edgerton returns three of five golfers from a team that finished tied for fourth at state.
But Middleton — which also had the No. 1 academic team in the state last year — has a rare combination of skill, smarts and experience. And the Cardinals’ sensational senior group hopes to make their final rodeo their most memorable one yet.
“By the time regional and sectional roll around, all the teams will have improved and be ready to compete at a high level,” Cabalka said. “We just have to be playing our best at that time.”
