Warhawk Baseball Advances to NCAA DIII Championship Series with 5-2 Win

Hopper, Frank, & Cootway Celebrating the Victory (Photo Credit: Angela Kelm)

By Broderick Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director

Warhawks Advance to 2024 Championship Series with 5-2 Win

Holland’s 8th-inning home run broke up the tie to lead the Warhawks to victory.

Box Score

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team takes Monday’s game two over Salve Regina, 5-2. With the win, the Warhawks advanced to the NCAA DIII Championship Series against Misericordia. A best of three game series will decide the 2024 DIII Baseball National Champion.

In the game against Salve Regina, a quick three-and-out bottom of the first gave the Warhawks some momentum heading into the second inning. Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) led the inning off with a double and Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) hit him in two batters latter to open up the scoring for the Warhawks. 

The Seahawks tied it back up after a solo home run from Tyler Cannoe. In the top of the third, Bennett Frazer (Oconto, Wis./Oconto) led off with a double, but the Slave Regina defense got out of the inning, stranding him on second.

The Warhawks responded right back defensively, with a three-up-three-down to get out of the third inning. 

The Warhawks regained the lead in the top of the fourth, with Paden hitting his second double of the night, scoring Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles). But Salve Regina tied it right back, with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fourth. 

The game remained tied 2-2 for the next three innings, with neither team able to put together a rally. Max Huseboe (Ripon, Wis./Ripon) came in to relief Jack Hagen (San Clemente, Cal./San Clemente) in the bottom of the 7th, taking the Salve Regina side down in order for his first inning. 

In the top of the 8th, Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) got the momentum back on the Warhawks’ side. Holland sent a lead-off homer the opposite way to finally break the tie and putting the Warhawks up 3-2. 

After Holland’s homer, the Warhawks tallied three straight singles from Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port), Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran), and Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) adding another run to their lead. 

In response, the Seahawks got a runner on first, but the Warhawk defense kept them off the board. The Warhawks tallied on an insurance run in the Top of the 9th. After video review, Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) was called safe on a single that scored Frazer, giving UWW a 5-2 lead. 

With another 3-run cushion, Salve Regina had three outs left to make up the runs. Logan Eisenbarth (Barrington, Ill./Barrington) came in as the closer for the bottom of the ninth. Eisenbarth fanned the first two batters, but the next two runners made it on base. With two outs and the tying run on the plate, the Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) secured the final out, claiming the victory for the Warhawks. 

Huseboe earned the win on the mound and Eisenbarth was awarded the save as the Warhawks advance to the NCAA Championship Series for the first time since 2014. 

The Warhawks will take on Misericordia in a best of three-game series. Due to weather, the first game, [which was scheduled to be played on Wednesday,] will be on Tuesday, June 4th at 7 PM EDT/6 PM CDT. The second game will remain on Thursday, June 6th at 11 AM EDT/10 AM CDT with the third game to follow if needed. 

Homebuyers Workshop presented by First Citizens State Bank this Wed.

Taking those FIRST STEPS towards owning a home can be overwhelming and confusion over where to start can slow the process. First Citizens State Bank will be holding a Homebuyers Workshop where experienced lenders will walk through the process of applying and qualifying for a home loan, provide tips on how to prepare, and share information about programs offering down payment assistance. Guest speaker, Jon Marshall from Tincher Realty, will discuss current market trends and there will be time to answer questions.

The Homebuyers Workshop will be held at First Citizens State Bank at 207 W Main Street in Whitewater on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Light snacks will also be provided.

Please send questions ahead of time and RSVP (appreciated, but not required) to Kimberly Myszkewicz at (262)473-1402 or kmyszkewicz@firstcitizensww.com.

Find more information at www.firstcitizensww.com/News-and-Events.aspx

Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender

Special Olympics Returns to UW-W Beginning Thurs. – Volunteers still needed

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Special Olympics Wisconsin continue preparations for the 2024 State Summer Games on June 6-8 in Whitewater.

More than 1,400 athletes are set to compete in athletics (track and field), cornhole, powerlifting, soccer, and tennis. Events will be held at UW-Whitewater’s athletic facilities – Perkins Stadium, Rex Foster Track, the Warhawk Outdoor Tennis Complex, the Williams Center, and the campus intramural fields.

With more than a dozen events and competitions scheduled over the course of the three days, more than 100 volunteer shift opportunities are available. All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt and the opportunity to engage with participants, fans, and event staff.

“UW-Whitewater prides itself on being an inclusive, welcoming place, especially for the thousands of visitors we welcome to campus each summer,” said Morgan Anderson, Director of Camps and Conferences at UW-Whitewater. “Volunteering for the Special Olympics State Summer Games is a great way to make these talented athletes and passionate fans feel like they’re home. We invite residents from Whitewater and in the surrounding communities to get involved in this great event.”

Debbie Reuter, director of student affairs in the Center for Students With Disabilities, volunteers measuring distances at the javelin competition. Wisconsin Special Olympics came to the UW-Whitewater campus for the first time with its 2023 games. Athletes enjoyed perfect weather and competed in and around the athletics facilities on the north end of campus on June 8-10, 2023. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

No prior experience is required to volunteer (unless otherwise designated). Volunteers aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone. Special Olympics Wisconsin will provide training before your shift start time.

“We welcome Whitewater community members and people from surrounding communities to come to our games and witness amazing sportsmanship and wonderful athletic experiences,” said Danny Kuklinski, senior director of sports for Special Olympics Wisconsin. “You will be forever changed through a volunteer experience, but we also would love as many fans in the stands as possible!”

The Parade of Athletes and Opening Ceremony kicks the event off on June 6 from 6-8 p.m. at Perkins Stadium. Check out the full schedule of events here.

For more information or group volunteer reservations, Kuklinski at dkuklunski@specialolympics.org.

Interim Municipal Judge is Only Candidate to File for Special Election

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

As was previously announced on the Banner, the Common Council on May 1 appointed John William Nelson to serve as Municipal Judge on an interim basis as a result of the resignation of Judge Patrick Taylor effective June 1. At that meeting the two other candidates, Art Coleman and Jonathan McDonell, expressed possible interest in filing for the special election to be held on November 5 to fill on a “permanent” basis the unexpired term that will expire in May, 2027. However, with the filing deadline of June 3 having passed, City Clerk Heather Boehm told the Banner that only Nelson submitted nomination papers to appear on the ballot. Consequently only a write-in candidate would have the opportunity to compete with Nelson for the position.

NCAA BASEBALL RECAP: UWW 7, SRU 4 – The two play again tonight to advance to Championship

 Adam Cootway making contact with ball (Photo Credit: Angela Kelm)

Warhawks Force Second Game against Salve Regina with 7-4 win

The two will battle it out for the last spot in the NCAA DIII World Series

Box Score

By Broderick P. Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater forces a second game against Salve Regina after defeating the Seahawks 7-4 on Monday afternoon. 

The Warhawks got two base runners in the first inning, but Salve Regina closed out the inning without allowing a Warhawk run. One of the baserunners was Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South), who recorded his 86th hit, setting a new Warhawk single season hit record.

The Seahawks ended up being the ones to break open the scoreboard, a RBI double in the top of the third. 

Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) tied it up with a sacrifice fly in the fourth, scoring the first run for the Warhawks against Salve Regina. The Seahawks regained their lead after a runner scored from third as the Warhawks turned a double play.

Down 2-1, it didn’t take long for UWW to regain the lead. With bases loaded, Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) hitting a standing triple down the right field line to put the Warhawks up 4-2. One of the runners that scored was Scolan, who set yet another record with his 78th run, a single season high for the Warhawks. 

An inning later, Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) singled up the middle to drive in another run. The three-run cushion didn’t last too long, as Salve Regina’s D’Amato hit a two-run to close the Warhawk lead to just one. 

After a scoreless inning from both teams in the 7th, Cootway stepped up again with an RBI single. Paden followed him with his own RBI single, regaining the three-run cushion. 

Ethan Wickman (Spring Green, Wis./River Valley) and Logan Eisenbarth (Barrington, Ill./Barrington) closed out the game for the Warhawks on the mound. Eisenbarth picked up the save, with the Seahawks going down in order in the bottom of the ninth. 

Wickman picked up the win, pitching the 7th and 8th innings without allowing a hit. 

The Warhawks return to the field tonight (estimated start time 8:45 PM EDT – 7:45 PM CDT) against Salve Regina. The two will battle it out for the last spot in the NCAA DIII World Series Finals, [which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday.]

NCAA World Series: UW-W Beats Salve Regina on Mon. afternoon; Rematch on Mon. evening

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

In the Pool B Championship game on Monday afternoon, UW-Whitewater (#3) beat Salve Regina (#2) (SR) 7-4. Salve Regina had beaten the Warhawks earlier in the series, 2-0. With this victory, Whitewater stays alive once again and will face SR a third time on Monday evening in a game that will decide which team goes on to the championship on Wednesday and Thursday. The game is scheduled to begin on Monday at 7:00 CDT, but it appears that it could start somewhat later.

Editor’s note: We will hopefully be able to publish a UW-W provided recap of the above game before the start of tonight’s game.

Introducing Clyde’s Closet: A Little Free Pet Pantry Making a Big Impact

Updated 6/3/24 @ 2:30 p.m. to address whether they will be offering food. Response from Albert’s: “We will occasionally have some small amounts of dog food, but our goal is to bridge the gap that our local food pantry can not provide.  From time to time, the food pantry will get some things donated they can dispense, but for all intents and purposes, our local food pantry can only give pet food.  We feel that things like new collars, shampoos, blankets, leashes, etc. are also equally important in a pet’s quality of life and the ability for families to help keep their pets in their homes when they are struggling financially. That will be our primary focus.”

Hope that helps! And thank you so much for sharing our story.  We look forward to being able to help many people! 

In honor of Clyde, a beloved dog whose journey touched the hearts of many, we are proud to announce the grand opening of Clyde’s Closet, a unique little free pet pantry dedicated to supporting pets and their devoted owners in our community. Clyde’s Closet will officially be available to the public on May 29, 2024, providing a wide range of essential pet supplies to those in need. Clyde’s Closet is located at N7285 Woodfield Lane, Whitewater, Wisconsin at the headquarters of Albert’s Dog Lounge Rescue.

Inspired by Clyde’s story, Clyde’s Closet aims to ensure that no pet or pet owner has to go without the necessary resources they need to thrive, and that no dog be surrendered to a rescue or shelter for lack of resources. Founded out of compassion and a deep understanding of the bond between humans and their animal companions, Clyde’s Closet goes beyond traditional food pantries by offering a variety of items that are often unavailable, but essential for the well-being of pets.

“At Clyde’s Closet, we believe that every pet deserves to be loved and cared for, regardless of their owner’s financial circumstances,” said Mandy Lewis, founder of Clyde’s Closet and Albert’s Dog Lounge Rescue. “Our mission is to provide a helping hand to those facing hardships, ensuring that both pets and their owners have access to the supplies they need to lead happy and healthy lives together.”

Clyde’s Closet will offer an array of items including diapers, shampoos, leashes, collars, dishes, dog waste bags, grooming supplies, and more. These items, generously donated by members of the community will be available free of charge to anyone in need.

The opening of Clyde’s Closet represents a beacon of hope and compassion in our community, reflecting the spirit of generosity and unity that defines us.

For more information about Clyde’s Closet, follow Clyde’s Closet on Facebook.

About Clyde’s Closet:

Clyde’s Closet is a little free pet pantry founded in honor of Clyde, a beloved dog whose journey inspired the creation of this initiative. Dedicated to supporting pets and their devoted owners in times of need, Clyde’s Closet offers a variety of essential pet supplies free of charge, ensuring that no pet or pet owner goes without the resources they need to thrive.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from Albert’s Dog Lounge Rescue.

Local Students Named to Milwaukee School of Engineering Dean’s List

 Milwaukee School of Engineering congratulates the following students:

Grace Alderman of Whitewater was named to the Spring Semester 2024 Dean’s List . Alderman is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Daniel Portwine of Whitewater was named to the Spring Semester 2024 Dean’s List . Portwine is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

MSOE encourages excellence in academic achievement and, as a result, publishes the Dean’s List and Honors List each fall and spring semester. Students taking undergraduate courses who have earned at least 12 credits in residence at MSOE, are in good academic standing, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher are on the Dean’s List.

Milwaukee School of Engineering (www.msoe.edu) is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The independent, non-profit university has about 2,800 students and was founded in 1903. MSOE offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, business and nursing. Faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes students ready now as well as prepared for the future. Longstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors, and challenge them to go beyond what’s possible. MSOE graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners and value creators.

Rep. Ellen Schutt Announces She Will Not Seek Reelection; Brown, Johnson & Kurtz Expected to Vie to Represent City in Assembly

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

Rep. Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton), who has represented the Walworth County portion of the City of Whitewater in the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2022, announced on May 31 that she will not seek re-election. As the Banner indicated in an article posted on February 20 regarding the recent redistricting of the State Assembly and Senate, Schutt does not live in the new Assembly district #43, which will include the entire city. The filing deadline was June 1, and, assuming that they have submitted valid nomination papers, the candidates are expected to be Brienne Brown (D), Scott Johnson (R) and Dylan Kurtz (R). Johnson and Kurtz will face off in a primary on August 13. The general election will be held on November 5.

By the way, Sen. Steve Nass (R), who currently represents the city, does not live in our new district, but will continue to represent Whitewater until his term expires in 2026.

Rep. Schutt released the following statement:

“I have been honored and humbled by all of the support that I have received to run for reelection. And, although I know our campaign would have been successful, I have made the decision not to seek reelection this fall.

This was not an easy decision to make but one that was made with thoughtful consideration and conversations with my family, friends, and neighbors.

I want my constituents to know that I will continue to advocate for them and their needs. I know that I can, and will, still make a difference for our community in other ways. It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve my hometown and our community, and I will be forever grateful to everyone that put their faith in me.” 

UWW NCAA Baseball Recap: UWW 11, BSC 10

Team Celebration after Walk-off – Photo Credit: Ryan Coleman/D3Photography


Paden with Walk-Off Homer to Cap off Warhawk Comeback over BSC

Warhawks defeat Birmingham-Southern 11-10 to keep season alive

Box Score

By Broderick P. Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater kept their season alive with an 11-10 win over Birmingham-Southern College. The Warhawks were down by five runs heading into the 7th, but the Warhawks kept their composure and rallied back.  The win was capped off by Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) hitting a walk-off homer one pitch into the bottom of the 9th.

Jack Hagen (San Clemente, Cal./San Clemente) only needed six batters to get through the first two innings, keeping the Panthers off the base path. The Warhawks offense capitalized in the bottom of the 2nd, with Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) starting off the scoring with a solo home run. Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) followed suit, hitting his own solo homer immediately after. 

Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) finished out the 3-run second inning with an RBI single to send Bennett Frazer (Oconto, Wis./Oconto) home.

Birmingham-Southern used the top of the third to close the gap, as Eli Steadman hit a 2-run homer to close the gap 3-2.

After the Panthers held the Warhawks scoreless in the 3rd, they took the lead with a 3-run 4th inning. The scoring started with another home run.

The game turned into a home run derby, as Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) sent a 2-run homer to right field in the bottom of the 4th to tie the game back up at 5 a-piece.

With the tie game, Birmingham-Southern flipped the momentum back to their side with a four-run frame in the top of the 5th. 

In the top of the 6th, the Panthers extended the lead once again, taking a 10-5 lead over the Warhawks. With a three-up-three-down inning for UWW in the bottom of the 6th the Warhawks were running out of outs to play with.

Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) sparked some life back into the Warhawks, hitting a two-run double after a Birmingham-Southern error extended the inning. 

With Max Huseboe (Ripon, Wis./Ripon) and Logan Eisenbarth (Barrington, Ill./Barrington) combining for a scoreless inning, the Warhawks entered the bottom of the 8th down 10-7.

Scolan kept up his amazing game, with an RBI double to score McVay and close the gap to 10-8. After being quiet offensively for most of the game, Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) was due as he scored himself and Scolan with a home run to tie the game up. 

Eisenbarth got things done in three batters, including winning a 9-pitch at bat for the final out. 

The Warhawks had three outs to score in regulation, but Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) only needed one pitch to walk things off. Paden hit his second home run of the night, keeping the Warhawks’ season alive.

The Warhawks defeated Birmingham-Southern 11-10 after the walk-off. Eisenbarth picked up the win, pitching the final four outs of the game. 

The Warhawks will head back out for a rematch against Salve Regina in the Pool B championship game. The first pitch is set for Monday at 1:15 PM ET [12:15 PM in Whitewater.] The Warhawks will need to win two in order to advance to the NCAA World Series Championship Game. 

Editor’s note: This game was the last that Birmingham-Southern will ever play, as the college closed effective May 31 due to declining enrollment and financial struggles. Here’s the link to a story about how much being in the World Series meant to Birmingham-Southern’s fans.