Sports

UW-W New Head Football Coach Rindahl’s Top 3 Reasons to Attend Football Summer Camp

Players populate the football field at Perkins Stadium for speed and agility tests during preseason camp on Aug. 11, 2022. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW-Whitewater.

UW-Whitewater was thrilled to recently announce the promotion of defensive coordinator/assistant head coach Jace Rindahl to head coach of the storied Warhawk football program. Following an impressive playing career at UW-W, Rindahl had been an assistant coach with the football program for the past eight seasons. He knows the greatness of UW-W Football better than anyone.

Coach Rindahl also has extensive knowledge of the outstanding UW-W football summer camps. With five camps catering to different ages and positions, there is a camp for everyone! From players entering 5th grade to those beginning their senior year of high school, UW-W’s top-notch football coaching staff is ready to ensure that every camper has an experience they’ll never forget.

“UW-Whitewater’s football summer camps provide young players with an unmatched opportunity,” Coach Rindahl says. “It is the perfect experience for a young player looking to learn more about the game and improve their performance.”

Here are Coach Rindahl’s top 3 reasons to attend a UW-Whitewater football summer camp:

1) Skill Development: Whatever their position, players receive focused skill development, expanding and enhancing their skill-set.
2) First-class Collegiate Experience: From the best-in-class facilities to the dorms and dining, campers are exposed to a taste of college life.
3) Direct Contact with Coaches: Campers are coached by the UW-W football staff, so they learn from the best.

Registration is open now! For more information and to see a full list of football summer camps, visit https://www.uww.edu/ce/camps/athletic/football.

Gymnasts Compete in Platteville Invite

The varsity gymnastics team had their last invite of the season in Platteville, Saturday, February 11, 2023. The season may be winding down, but the girls are getting stronger!

The girls started strong on the Floor where Halee Peters did a front layout for the first time. She led the team with an 8.0725, followed by Makayla Bazeley with a 7.725, and Mady Hefty with a 7.45. Rounding out our Floor competitors were Nola Coburn with a 6.9 and Alexa Wildenberg scoring 5.75. The team scored 30.1475 on Floor.

The next rotation brought the girls to the Vault where they were all very close to their season best scores. Mady Hefty led the team with an 8.0, followed close by Halee Peters with a 7.9. Makayla Bazeley scored a 7.5, while Nola Coburn came in with a 7.3 and Brenda Aguilar scored a 6.95. The Vault team scored a 30.7.

Uneven Bars was another amazing rotation for the girls where all of them scored very close to their season bests or exceeded. Makayla Bazeley led this round scoring her lifetime best of 7.70 when she included uprises into her routine. She has been working extremely hard to be able to add them into a meet; we were all so excited to see her do them so confidently. Halee Peters was just behind her with a 7.625, while Mady Hefty scored 5.875 and Nola Coburn scored 4.325. The team scored 25.525 on Bars.

The last rotation was on the Balance Beam where the team scored 27.2. Halee Peters led the way again with her no fall Beam routine and earned a 7.775 while Mady Hefty scored a season best of 7.0 and also had a no fall routine. Makayla Bazeley came in at 6.325, Nola Coburn scored a 6.1 and Brenda Aguilar scored 5.85.

All Around scores came in with Halee Peters at 31.3725, Makayla Bazeley at 29.25, Mady Hefty at 28.325 and Nola Coburn at 24.625.

Come watch more twists, flips, leaps, and turns on Friday, February 17th, when the girls compete at the conference meet at Waterford High School. Sectionals will take place on Thursday, February 23rd. 

Article and Photos Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org

Whippets Fall to Evansville

The Whitewater Whippets traveled to Evansville Monday night for a girls basketball game. We played a very strong 1st half. Our defense was tough both inside and out. The key was our communication, which helped us protect the hoop and close out on the shooters on the perimeter. Offensively, we attacked the rim and shot confidently from outside. We went into half up 25-23.

Calli Grosinske

In the second half, Evansville adjusted their defense giving them an opportunity to go on a scoring run by getting steals and connecting on fast breaks. That created a 24-point scoring deficit quickly. We fought back tirelessly, putting pressure on them defensively and working our offense by getting the ball inside. We closed the gap but came up short 51-57. 

Calli Grosinske led the Whippets with 14 points, 5 assists, and 7 steals. Mayte Navejas added 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 steals. Cali Kopecky scored 9 points and had 6 rebounds. Danielle DePorter also added 9 points and 4 rebounds. 

The Whippets take on Clinton at home for Senior Night on Thursday, February 16. 

Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Boys Swim Team Wraps Up Season At Sectionals

The Whippet Boys Swim Team traveled to Sauk Prairie to compete in the WIAA Division 2 Sectional on Saturday, February 11th. They placed 8th overall as a team, and had many best times on the day!

Top 16 finishes:

⭐ 200 Medley Relay: 2:01.19 (9th) – Tyler Arnett, Jack Hefty, Cruz Aranda, Andrew O’Toole

⭐ 200 Freestyle: 1:59.90 (7th) – Tyler Arnett *Lifetime best time, puts him 6th overall on the Whippet Top 10 List!

⭐ 200 Freestyle: 2:18.77 (13th) – Miles Nickelsburg

⭐ 200 Freestyle: 2:21.22 (14th) – Myles Morse *This was an 18 second drop for Myles!

⭐ 200 IM: 2:25.46 (10th) – Jack Hefty

⭐ 500 Freestyle: 5:28.20 (7th) – Tyler Arnett *Best Time

⭐ 500 Freestyle: 6:30.45 (10th) – Andrew O’Toole

⭐200 Freestyle Relay: 1:59.87 (10th) – Myles Morse, David Enns, Xavier Zei, Miles Nickelsburg

⭐100 Backstroke: 1:11.58 (12th) – Miles Nickelsburg *Best Time

⭐100 Backstroke: 1:23.66 (13th) – Onyx Thompson *Best Time

⭐ 400 Freestyle Relay: 3:54.77 (7th) – Cruz Aranda, Andrew O’Toole, Jack Hefty, Tyler Arnett

Additional Best Times:

-50 Freestyle crew all went best times: David Enns (30.02), Andrew O’Toole (27.67), Cruz Aranda (25.54)

-100 Freestylers: David Enns (1:09.26) dropped over 3 seconds, Onyx Thompson (1:14.72), Cruz Aranda (57.68).

-100 Breaststroke: Xavier Zei (1:26.98)

-Jack Hefty had a sensational split in the 400 Freestyle Relay going a 55.00!

Congratulations to the boys swim team on an amazing season. We can’t wait to see what they can accomplish next year!

Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Co-Head Boys’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

Whippet Wrestlers Win Regional Team Title, Two Individual Titles – UPDATED

On Saturday, February 11, the Whitewater Wrestling Team competed in the Regional Wrestling Tournament held in Jefferson. The tournament consisted of 13 teams, each attempting to achieve top two status to advance to the team sectional with the top four individuals to qualify for individual sectionals. After a grueling day of competition, the Whitewater team defended their title from a year ago, clinching the team title, outdistancing Martin Luther who took second place. As a team, Whitewater will travel to Evansville to compete in the team sectional against Belmont/Platteville, a team that came out of a very strong region.

Whitewater Whippets

Individually, Whitewater wrestled very well throughout the day. Traysen Thomason and Aaron Porras led the way for the Whippets, each of them winning their first individual Regional championships at 138 and 160 pounds. Traysen wrestled very well throughout the day winning a very exciting semi-final match 9-8 and then a championship match 8-4. Aaron Porras started his day with two pins and then a very tough match in the championship winning 6-5.

Coming in second for Whitewater were CJ Tomomitsu, Connor Friend, and Odair Porras. CJ and Connor each lost in the championship match against very tough competitors, putting up a good match but coming up short. Odair lost in the semi-finals, won his third-place match, and then had the opportunity to wrestle for true second. He wrestled very well in the 2nd place match to move up the podium.

Individual Sectional Qualifiers

Taking third place and also qualifying for sectionals were Jasen Porras, Victor Hernandez, and Payton Lyon. Jasen and Victor won their third-place match. Victor did not get a wrestle back as he had already wrestled the 2nd place person, and Jasen lost in the wrestle back so he held onto 3rd place. Payton had a very tough loss in the championship. He nearly pinned his opponent in the championship but ended up losing. It was tough to come back from the loss, and he ended in third place, yet still qualified for the sectional.

Aaron Porras
Traysen Thomason

The individual qualifiers will compete on Saturday, also in Evansville.

Article and Photos Courtesy of John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Action Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Whippets Can’t Overcome First Half Deficit, Fall to Brodhead

The Whitewater Whippets Girls’ Basketball Team played a conference game against Brodhead Friday night, February 10. We knew Brodhead’s ability to score inside and around the perimeter was going to make it a tough game defensively.  

Danielle DePorter

In the first half, we played aggressive defense inside which gave Brodhead more looks from the 3-point range. This gave them the scoring edge 14-30 going into the half. We adjusted our defense and worked our outside game in the second half, hitting seven of our eight 3-pointers the second half, matching them in points with 26 apiece. But, that deficit from the first half gave them the win, 40-56. 

Danielle DePorter led the Whippets with 17 points, followed by Mayte Navejas with 8 points. Calli Grosinske added 7 points and 6 steals. 

The girls travel to Evansville Monday night, February 13. 

Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

UW-W at Rock County joins National Junior College Athletic Association

Students at UW-Whitewater at Rock County will soon be able to participate in competitive athletics as they move along their educational journey. The National Junior College Athletic Association has accepted the campus as its newest member. Rock County intends to field teams starting in the 2024-25 academic year, and its student-athletes will be eligible for postseason play starting in 2025-26.

“We are thrilled to be bringing intercollegiate athletics back to UW-Whitewater at Rock County,” said Tricia Clasen, dean and assistant vice chancellor. “Participation in athletics is a valuable college experience for so many students and offers the whole community opportunities to get involved in college sports. We can’t wait to cheer on our student-athletes!”

Founded in 1938, the NJCAA is the governing body for two-year collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes opportunities to prepare, compete, succeed and achieve in their academic and athletic disciplines. It is the second-largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with more than 500 member schools in 44 states. UW-Whitewater at Rock county is assigned to Region 4, which includes schools in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

“We are excited to welcome UW-Whitewater at Rock County to the NJCAA family,” said Christopher J. Parker, NJCAA president and CEO. “NJCAA believes that college athletics are an important part of college experience, and we couldn’t be more pleased that URock students will now be able to take part in our competitions.”

Initially, the Rock County campus plans to join NJCAA in the following sports: men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s bowling. The campus is in the process of identifying coaches to lead the teams, and more information will be shared with students once the teams are ready to welcome players.

Editor’s note: The above news report was posted to the UW-Whitewater website.

Jace Rindahl Introduced as UW-W Football Head Coach

Head Coach Jace Rindahl addressing the media for the first time [Lynn Binnie photos]
With the whole family attired in purple, Rindahl is joined after the conference by his children Dane, 2, being held, and Camille, 4, and his wife Caroline

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

At a press conference on February 9 in the Student Athletic Complex, Athletic Director Ryan Callahan officially introduced Jace Rindahl as the new head coach of the Warhawks football team, succeeding Kevin Bullis, who retired after eight years in the role.

Rindahl indicated that he is humbled and honored by the “great responsibility — I know that, I understand that, I’m excited about that. As an alum and a coach and a student athlete I feel what makes Whitewater special is the people.” He thanked Callahan for his faith and trust, and his wife Caroline and their children for their support, while also acknowledging the presence and influence of his parents and his sisters. He claimed he got his competitiveness from his sisters.

Rindahl said he has worked under three great coaches at Whitewater in his 16 years with the program, and he wants to take something from each of their approaches. Bob Berezowitz was the coach in his freshman and sophomore years. Lance Leipold, whom he described as a visionary, gave him his first opportunity to coach in 2009. “My first eight years out of high school were spent here as a student athlete and a coach, earning two degrees — for a young man who didn’t like school, it wasn’t easy for me. The people here and the coaches helped shape me and it’s my responsibility to give back.”

A player for UW-W from 2005-08, Rindahl was a three-year starter at linebacker and competed in four DIII championship games, winning in 2007. He was named 2008 Defensive Player of the Year by D3football.com, and finished his playing career with several All-America honors. Rindahl coached linebackers for UW-W during its run of three straight national championships from 2009-2011.

Jace left for the University of South Dakota for two years, where he served as running backs coach. His coach there had a motto, “It’s better to be prepared and not have an opportunity than to have an opportunity without being prepared.” It was there, Jace said, that he began thinking as a head coach. “I’m very fortunate,” he said, “there never was a plan B. Plan A was being a college coach.” The time away helped Rindahl to appreciate what we have here.

Rindahl described Kevin Bullis, who hired him back in 2015, as a great teacher. He was prepared when Bullis called him on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to say that he’d be announced as interim coach the next day.

“I’m 36 years young. I love challenges; I love being doubted, having my back against the wall. I love to compete — competing against the best is when you find out how good you are,” Jace continued.

“The program is in a great spot,” Rindahl claimed, as he said he didn’t foresee any major changes. He’ll be keeping the “Pound the Rock” mantra, though he also likes “Change your best; look in the mirror and realize you aren’t good enough.”

“The 2023 recruiting class is special because of our coaching staff….To the players, I’m excited – let’s go — let’s attack this thing one day at a time — it’s not about talking or tweeting — it’s about action, caring for others. We’ve got the right people here. I love you guys — go Hawks,” Rindahl concluded.

The storied Warhawk record as displayed in the Student Athletic Complex

Four JV Wrestlers Earn Conference Titles

The Junior Varsity Wrestling Team finished up their season Wednesday night, February 8, after two nights in a row of tournaments.

JV Conference Team

On Tuesday they traveled to Badger High School for a large tournament. Whitewater had one champion, Rylan Oldenburg, and 8 runner-ups on the night.

Wednesday night they traveled to East Troy for the JV Conference tournament. They had 4 champions on the night: Kevin Gonzalez, Christian Minett, JJ Gonzalez, and Marcus Seaver. Rylan Oldenburg and Richi Kalra took 2nd. Rylan defeated a young man he had lost to in early January.

JV Conference Champions
JV Conference Runner-Ups

Great job to the JV on such improvement over the course of the season.

Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org

Whippet Girls Fall to Edgerton

The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball Team traveled to Edgerton for a conference game, Tuesday night, February 7. 

We came out with some jitters early in the game. We turned the ball over the first few possessions, but once we settled in, we played solid defense and played with patience on offense. That helped us connect on shots both inside and around the perimeter. We went into half down 21-30. 

Calli Grosinske

In the second half, we struggled with Edgerton’s press, giving them a comfortable lead. We lost 44-66. 

Calli Grosinske led the Whippets with 13 followed by Danielle DePorter with 12. 

We take on Brodhead at home on Friday, February 10. 

Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka