June 2022

MIDDLETON–Allen Jeffrey “Jeff” Martin, 78, of Middleton, passed away on Dec. 13, 2021. 

Born and raised in Michigan, Jeff was a true Spartan, receiving his degrees from Michigan State University, earning his Ph.D. in 1969. Following graduation, Jeff worked for the US Forest Service in Princeton, WV, and then as a professor for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. Following his retirement, Jeff began a second career as a photographer. He also volunteered with the Middleton Historical Society and Demeter and wherever needed. 

Jeff will be missed by his family for his ability to be there when needed but also allowing them to grow. He loved fly fishing but most of all he loved the challenge of catching and releasing a fish that he caught on a fly that he had tied.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Jan; sons, Joel (Mary) and Jonathan (Erika) Martin; grandchildren, McKenna and Jack Martin; sister, Sharon Olney; and sister-in-law, Georgia (Art) Ellwanger. 

Middleton boys golf coach Tom Cabalka has been part of several big wins while guiding one of the state’s elite programs.

Cabalka led Middleton to the 2011 WIAA Division 1 state championship. Cabalka and the Cardinals have seven top-five finishes at state since 2010.

So when Cabalka talks about Middleton’s championship at the Onalaska Championship on June 1 as one of the biggest of his career, you know it was a special day.

The Cardinals shot a blistering 153 on the back nine at La Crosse Country Club and won the sectional with a 316-team score. Madison Memorial was second with a 317 and earned the second spot at the state meet, which will be held Monday and Tuesday at Blackwolf Run in Kohler.

“I have to say that it is one of the biggest wins that I have been a part of,” Cabalka said afterwards. “I’m extremely proud of how this group has played under the pressure of our regional and sectional play.”

BARABOO – Griffin Ward had already accomplished his preseason goals of returning to the WIAA Division 1 state track and field in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs early last Thursday evening.

But the Middleton senior distance runner wasn’t quite done yet.

Moments after he finished runner-up in the 3,200, Ward was back on the track and ready to run the second leg of the meet’s final event, the boys’ 1,600-meter relay.

Ward did his part to make sure the Cardinals ended the meet on a high note, combining with juniors Emre Gunay, Finn Patenaude, and Cameron Swapsy to finish second in a season-best time of 3 minutes, 26.91 seconds and qualify for the state meet.

The top three finishers in each event advanced to the WIAA Division 1 state track and field meet Friday and Saturday in La Crosse.

Survive and advance.

Really, at this time of the year, that’s all that matters.

Middleton’s baseball team wasn’t at its best Tuesday afternoon. But the host Cardinals did enough to topple Tomah, 3-1, in a WIAA Division 1 regional semifinal.

The fourth-seeded Cardinals advanced to face fifth-seeded La Crosse Central in a regional final Thursday at 5 p.m. in Middleton. If the Cardinals (17-8) win there, they’ll advance to the Waunakee Sectional on June 7, where their first game would be at 11 a.m.

Middleton senior pitcher JT Hockers was brilliant against Tomah, throwing a complete game and allowing just one run. Hockers gave up six hits, struck out eight, didn't walk a batter and threw strikes on 57 of 75 pitches (76.0%).

The Cardinals were quiet offensively and managed just four hits. Then again, with Hockers dealing throughout, Middleton didn't need much offense.