BRODHEAD — The Cardinals struggled overall in 2021, finishing just 4-15 overall and 3-14 in the Rock Valley. Then three 4-year starters graduated.

Even still, the program has a lot to be optimistic about this season. For once, a pair of all-conference aces return. 

Senior Brady Malkow (P/C) was a second-team all-conference selection behind the dish, and has the ability to go pitch-for-pitch with southern Wisconsin’s top hurlers. He’s headed to UW-Whitewater in the fall and plans to pitch for the Warhawks.

Junior OF/P Aidyn Vondra was a first-team RVC selection in 2021 after leading the league in stolen bases. While he’s being recruited in the football circles in part for his speed, Vondra has a chance to set the single-season school record for steals. 

“With Aidyn’s speed, he’s in scoring position on first base,” said head coach Aaron Guilbault. “He missed a season due to COVID (2020) and is still on track to break the school’s career SB record as well.”

Also back for Brodhead-Juda is senior Cooper Woelky (P/1B) and sophomores Ryan Searles (IF), Kohen Sawle (IF/P), Dylan Lewis (IF/C) and Evan Senobe (OF/P).

Jackson Field, a junior first baseman, is also expected to make a difference both on the field and in the dugout.

“Jackson is one of our leaders. He’s a kid that puts the time and effort into his work, and continues to improve every time out,” Guilbault. “He’s one of our best kids and celebrates each of his teammates. He’s a true team first guy and we look to ride his leadership throughout the season. These are the kind of kids you look to, that build culture.”

Guilbault aims for this year’s squad to compete at a higher level than in years past. Between the leadership of the upperclassmen, the overall athletic talent, and the success on the football field and basketball court many of his players have seen over the previous two years, the 2021 season could be primed for success — with Guilbault saying a 3-for-3 conference championship season in baseball is a goal.

“We have some young competitors that will be relied on to step up and meld into our young core and to do things the Cardinal Way,” Guilbault said. “We’ve been focusing more on our Culture and leadership as a program and throughout the district. I’m proud of what these young men have done up until this point and will continue to grow.”

Jefferson and Beloit Turner are two of the top teams in the Rock Valley and always have quality programs, Guilbault said, and Edgerton and McFarland also have strong programs year in and year out.

“We have one of the toughest baseball conferences in the state,” Guilbault said. “Staying together as a team and building our culture (will be a challenge). Athleticism is great, but often times it’s not enough. When things may get tough or a string of losses builds, it’s your teammates and the culture you have to turn to, to right the ship.”