CG-Belgium duo named among Big East’s best

It was one of their best seasons in recent memory, and all-conference accolades came with it.

The Cedar Grove-Belgium High School boys’ soccer team finished 5-3-2 in the Big East/Eastern Wisconsin Conference and went 9-7-4 overall, its second straight season better than .500 after years of struggles.

That led to the Rockets landing two players on the conference’s first team, along with two on the second team.

Senior Juan Castellon ranked third in voting after scoring 17 goals with 11 assists.

“That was exciting for him,” coach Kyle Schultz said.

Castellon, who was named to the second team last season, finished with 51 goals, fourth all time in the program, and 31 assists, in just three years. He didn’t play as a freshman.

Schultz said Castellon was a versatile scorer and took the Rockets’ free kicks.

“He was able to put a shot on target with good accuracy from 30 yards in,” he said. “He wasn’t the fastest but had good speed.”

Castellon also got better in learning to speak English.

“Players look up to him. He showed by example, that’s for sure,” Schultz said.

Senior keeper Landon Altheimer was named to the first team for the second straight season and has left his mark on the program.

“For us at Cedar Grove, he’s probably one of the best goalkeepers,” Schultz said.

The Rockets’ solid defense and potent offense kept Altheimer in the shadow a little bit this season.

“His talent didn’t always have to be on display, which is a blessing,” Schultz said.

Altheimer finished with 65 saves, about  a 76% save percentage, and nine clean sheets (shutouts). He had 25 clean sheets in his career, “which is impressive,” Schultz said.

Altheimer also played the field now and then. He had three goals and two assists, one as a keeper.

He was also a team leader.

“He was definitely the loudest player on the field for us,” Schultz said.

Senior Thomas Wiesner continued to excel on defense, earning a spot on the second team. He made the switch from midfielder midway through last season.

“This year he started on defense and by the end of the year was a midfielder/defender mix,” Schultz said.

Wiesner was a key piece during corner kicks and free kicks, racking up three goals and six assists. He also made a presence as center back.

“He’s such a big kid. He was always going to get his head on the ball for us,” Schultz said.

Freshman forward Colton Eischen made his mark with 10 goals and 10 assists, earning a spot on the second team. That’s the second-most goals as a freshman in program history and the most assists.

“I’m excited to see where his future goes. I’m definitely hoping that as years go on he’ll be striving for more and more,” Schultz said.

Eischen attacked the goal from the wing, and Schultz said he has a chance to become the program’s top scorer, overtaking 2025 grad Caleb Heinen, who had 73 goals and 27 assists.

“He’s quick and smart. I think he’ll definitely be able to give Caleb a run for his money if he can,” Schultz said.

The Rockets lose four seniors — the three honored, and Cameron Holle, who was on the cusp of earning all-conference honors — after its best conference finish in years. The team even scored two goals against state champion Oostburg, a feat the Flying Dutchmen only let happen three other times over the season.

RLO has three team captains honored

Three-year starter Max Klaus returned for his second year as captain at center midfield as the quarterback of the team’s offense. He was named to the second team.

“Max did a nice job this year of holding possession and spreading the ball around during our builds. He has great vision on the field and did a nice job of setting up his fellow teammates with scoring opportunities,” coach Matt Wilson said. “He also did a nice job of breaking down 50/50 balls and fighting to gain possession. Max is our vocal leader on the field but also leads through his relentless play style.”

Two players earned honorable mention.

Three-year starter Brady Ahrens ran the defense at center back.

“Brady makes all the calls on our defense and adds a lot of physicality to our team. He has great size and speed,” Wilson said. “He is the type of player that if you ask for 100%, then he is gonna give you 150%. He played through some injuries this season and is very dedicated to his team and the team’s success.”

Freshman Jaxon Klas played left midfield and was one of the team’s biggest scoring threats. He led the team with nine goals and had two assists.

“He has great vision and an amazing soccer IQ. Does an excellent job with his positioning and makes great runs on the ball. He showed a lot of great leadership abilities as a freshman and he will be a great asset to this growing program moving forward,” Wilson said.

The combined conference featured brutal competition. Oostburg won the Division 4 state title, and Kohler and Sheboygan Lutheran/Christian advanced to sectional finals.