Sports

They’ve knocked on the door in recent years, but haven't been able to knock it down.

In the spring, Middleton’s boys soccer team took Waunakee to overtime before losing. The Warriors eventually reached the state tournament.

In 2019, Middleton gave Verona a battle in the sectional semifinals. The Wildcats prevailed that night, and eventually won a state title.

And in both 2018 (Sun Prairie) and 2017 (Madison West), Middleton lost in the postseason to a team that eventually went to the state tournament.

This fall, the Cardinals are hoping to end that streak and earn their first trip to state since 2016.

“We've already set our goals for the year and a state appearance is always one of our goals,” Middleton coach Kevin Pauls said. “We haven't been far off the past few years.

They spent the spring running past approximately one-fifth of the state.

Now, they want to show all of Wisconsin who’s boss.

Middleton’s girls cross country won the 2020 WIAA Division 1 alternate-fall state championship. That event was held in May for schools that opted not to compete in the fall of 2020 due to COVID restrictions and concerns.

Middleton won the spring title handily, but that came against just 18% of the state. Now, with the Cardinals once again facing a normal schedule, they can’t wait to take on any and all comers.

“The team is very excited for a normal season,” said Middleton coach Alexa Richardson, whose team begins their season Saturday at the Verona Invite. “We have been able to do all of the training they are used to in previous seasons and it’s like they didn’t even miss a beat. They are all ready to go!”

Middleton’s boys cross country program has been arguably the finest in the state for the better part of a decade now

The Cardinals have been to state eight consecutive years, winning WIAA Division 1 state titles in 2017 and 2019. Middleton also has six consecutive top-four finishes at state, including a fourth-place finish in the alternate-fall season that concluded in May.

When the Cardinals begin their season on Saturday at the Verona Invite, coach Brian Finnel — the architect of the program who’s now in his ninth season — believes this year’s Middleton team will be overlooked and disregarded.

“This group really wants to prove that they belong up in the top tier for state rankings and I don't think early season rankings will reflect that,” Finnel said.

So the Cardinals have one major goal.

Prove people wrong.

Middleton’s boys volleyball team opened the season by winning two of three matches at the Burlington Quadrangular on Aug. 26.

Muskego edged the Cardinals, 23-25, 25-18, 15-11. Middleton then rebounded with a 25-17, 19-25, 15-8 win over Burlington. The Cardinals then finished their night with a 25-20, 25-19 win over Sussex Hamilton.

“Overall it was a good night,” Middleton coach Rob Kleinschmidt said. “Everyone played at some point throughout the night, so it was a great chance to see everyone in live play situations.” 

Cole Sweitzer led the Cardinals with 23 kills on the night, while Ben Heise added 13. Brady Stuttgen had 27 assists, while Alexander Heuer added eight.

Kaden Fosdick had four aces and three blocks, John Kruchten had five blocks, and both Ambrose Engling and Nick Ulfig had three blocks.

Middleton’s swimmers also defeated Beloit Memorial, 140-30, last Friday.

The Cardinals got wins from the following events:

• 200-yard medley relay — Lily Mair, Natalie Charles, Eva Anagnostopoulos, Ryanne Woodall.

• 200-yard freestyle — Ella Needham.

• 200-yard IM — Isabell Frommelt.

• 50-yard freestyle — Lily Mair

• 100-yard butterfly — Emma Chandler

• 100-yard freestyle — Abby Ensenberger

• 500-yard freestyle — Molly Haag

• 200-yard freestyle relay — Abby Ensenberger, Ella Needham, Eva Anagnostopoulos, Ryanne Woodall.

• 100-yard baskstroke — Tait Haag.

• 100-yard breaststroke — Sophia Walker.

• 400-yard freestyle relay — Molly Haag, Sophie Benson, Ella Needham, Audrey Alexander.

GREEN BAY — Middleton’s football team was on its way to Bay Port High School Aug. 19 when its bus unexpectedly pulled over in Waupun. The driver feared he had a flat tire, but after further review, was thrilled that everything was in working order.

While the bus proved to be all right, the Cardinals weren’t. In fact, Middleton blew a tire itself at the most inopportune of times.

The host Pirates scored 20 unanswered points in a 4 ½-minute stretch of the fourth quarter and rallied for a 26-14 win. It was the season-opener for both teams.

The Cardinals now face the daunting task of hosting traditional state power Waunakee Friday at 7 p.m.

“I felt like we had control the entire game,” said Middleton senior wideout/cornerback Cole Toennies said. “We just needed to capitalize on offense and we could have been in much better shape. We’ll be back (this) week. We’ll get some things taken care of and I think we’ll be a lot better.”

They broke through in a big way last spring.

Now, they want to finish the deal.

Middleton’s boys volleyball team — which was 0-7 at the WIAA Division 1 state tournament between 2009-18 — stormed all the way to the state finals during the alternate-fall season.

Although just 37% of the state elected to push volleyball to the spring due to COVID-19 restrictions, Middleton’s charge to the state finals was still incredibly impressive.

Now, when the Cardinals begin their season Thursday at the Burlington Invite, they’re anxious to take on the entire state — and chase a championship.

“Our spring season was one for the history books,” Middleton second-year coach Rob Kleinschmidt said. “That team helped lead Middleton to a great new chapter in the program, and I look forward to building on that this season. Our guys are excited for the challenge.”

SAUK CITY – Liam Belleveau wasn’t surprised to see a sea of Ashton fans that made the trip to watch their beloved A’s battle for a berth in the Home Talent League Final Four round-robin tournament that begins on Sunday.

“The best fans in the league,” Belleveau said of the support the A’s receive at home and on the road. “They are unbelievably awesome. I don’t think we can ever thank them enough. They’re a difference maker. It makes games like this even more fun.”

Belleveau gave the Ashton fans a thrill when he blasted a dramatic game-tying two-run home run over the right field fence in the top of the ninth inning.

“He’s done if for us this year,” A’s manager Dave Adler said. “He was struggling early today and struck out twice. But he came around when he had to.”

They had a taste of success in the spring.

They flashed potential and promise.

And now they want more. Much more.

Middleton’s girls volleyball team began their new season at the Onalaska Invite on Wednesday. And with a gifted group of returnees and some exciting newcomers, the Cardinals could be poised for a big year.

“I expect a nice long season this year,” Middleton second-year coach Maddie Vogel said. “While we had a fairly successful season this past spring, I think that the girls are ready to exceed everyone's expectations in a more ‘normal’ season. I definitely believe that we are in contention to win conference and beyond.”

Middleton returns a solid nucleus led by junior outside hitter Jordan LaScala, junior middle blocker Sierra Pertzborn and junior setter Evan Jordee.

MENOMONEE FALLS — In one corner was Brookfield Central — the 2020 WIAA Division 1 girls golf state champion — and many of the other powers that played last fall.

In the other corner was Middleton, which won the alternate-fall state champion.

The best teams from 2020 — and the expected top dogs of 2021 — collided Aug. 16-17 at the Brookfield Central-Homestead Classic. And Middleton made quite a statement.

The Cardinals shot a 619 to win the two-day, 27-team tournament. Sussex Hamilton was second at 627, while Kettle Moraine (632), Westosha Central (644) and Arrowhead (645) rounded out the top-five.

“We are happy with the way we have started this year,” Middleton coach Becky Halverson said. “It is clear the ladies put in work over the summer.”