Athletes earn money scoring against drunken driving

Soccer team raises funds in honor of victim

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — On Thursday, a Sun Prairie soccer team stood up against drunken driving and dedicated its game to a woman killed by a driver police say was impaired.

Maureen Mengelt was jogging last month when a driver Sun Prairie police said was intoxicated hit and killed her.

The night started off cold, but the ceremony would warm the hearts of the entire community when the team’s coach presented a check to Maureen’s husband for $1,750.

“Although it doesn’t change what’s happened, it certainly shows that I’m loved and our family has all the support in the world,” Kevin Mengelt said.

His wife died April 7, when police said Bruce Burnside was speeding and struck her at Highways 151 and 19. According to a criminal complaint, Burnside’s initial breath sample was. 128. He’s been out of jail since the crash and entered treatment.

The team sold red T-shirts that the girls wore during practice and parents donned at the concession stand. Proceeds from the game were also included in the check total that Kevin Mengelt donated to a fund in his wife’s honor.

“We came up with it on Sunday or Monday and by Friday of that week, we had the T-shirt orders out to the schools and community,” said Rachel Olson, the girl’s coach.

“They’ve come together and done some wonderful things,” Kevin Mengelt said. “I want to give back to this community, they deserve it.”

The money will support the hockey, music and soccer programs in Sun Prairie — activities the Mengelts’ children participate in and ones Maureen enjoyed.

The Mengelt family is also hosting a 5k run on Memorial Day. Find more information by visiting www.maureenmengelt.org.

The accused killer, Burnside, is due back in court Monday.