September 2013

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

And from all spots in the lineup.

Middleton senior golfer Meggie Acker is proof of that.

Acker, the Cardinals’ No. 5 golfer, was the No. 1 player at the Big Eight Conference meet Thursday at Evansville Country Club. And that helped the Cardinals win the league title for the first time since 2009.

Acker shot a 2-over-par 74 to share the day’s low score with Verona’s Jessica Reinecke, the defending WIAA Division 1 state champion. Then on the first playoff hole, Acker drilled a 15-foot birdie putt to capture medalist honors.

Acker’s memorable performance helped Middleton — the state’s No. 1 ranked team — shoot a 323 team score and win the league title. Verona was second at 326, while Madison Memorial was a distant third at 348.

“To be honest, I didn't think that I would be able to shoot under 75,” said Acker, whose previous low was 79. “Anytime I shot 81 or lower, I was thrilled.

Landscape architect, countless award-winner, professor, author, visionary, innovator and Sports Illustrated person-of-note: these are just a few of the hats Phil Lewis has worn, and still does.

For over half a century he’s been a force in Wisconsin, and across the planet, for environmental protection and stewardship.

“As a kid, you want to see your dad in Sports Illustrated – Dad did that in 1967,” quipped Lewis’ son, Andy, himself a former member of the Middleton City Council.

At that time, SI published an in-depth article featuring Lewis entitled, “How To Stop The Pillage of America.” It explained Wisconsin’s forward-thinking statewide recreational planning effort, Lewis said.

The defense is already in postseason form.

If and when the offense gets there, look out.

Middleton’s boys soccer team had a thrilling week, going 2-0-1 overall and pitching three straight shutouts.

The Cardinals defeated Madison West, 1-0, in overtime last Tuesday.

Middleton then edged Mukwonago, 1-0, at the Muskego Invite last Friday. The Cardinals also played Muskego to a scoreless tie last Saturday, but lost a shootout, 3-2.

“This team has a camaraderie that is rarely seen and that can be the first step towards a great team if they use that to hold each other accountable on the field,” Middleton coach Ben Kollasch said. “I am optimistic that, especially with the quality of the senior class this year, they will find that groove when it counts.”

Middleton notched a huge Big Eight Conference win against the Regents.

Now we know what’s coming.

And it’s going to be a lot of fun.

Middleton’s girls cross country team went to the Big Eight Grade Level Challenge last Tuesday and took part in a barn burner. Madison West won the 10-team event with 28 points, while Middleton and Sun Prairie tied for second at 29.

Middleton was awarded second place, though, because its seventh runner beat Sun Prairie’s seventh runner.

“The Big Eight Grade Level Challenge was a snapshot of what’s to come with the girls teams,” Middleton co-coach Cindy Bremser said. “In previous meets Madison West beat Sun Prairie, then Middleton beat West. One week later, Sun Prairie beat Middleton. 

“This shows how close each team is and will make everything interesting for the Big Eight Conference meet and sectionals. All three teams are in the same sectional, with only two teams advancing.”

Sam Valentine was Middleton's top finisher, placing second in the freshman/sophomore race.