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Whitewater Middle School Students Help Serve Meals to Community

The Whitewater Middle School Builders Club, part of the Kiwanis family, volunteered to work at the weekly Spaghetti Dinner at the Congregational Church in Whitewater on Monday, December 9. The students served nearly 200 free meals to members of the Whitewater Community. 

Ben Holzem, Associate Principal of Whitewater Middle School, said, “Our kids did a great job and worked very hard the whole night. It was great hearing the people who worked at the church and community members eating at the dinner saying things like ‘they really have great kids at the middle school’. The best part was that this was reported to me by several students who overheard the adults talking.”

Builders Club is a new group at the Middle School this year. The primary focus is providing students with public service opportunities. In a relatively short period of time the club has grown to over 20 members in grades 6-8. The group is a partner with the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

Alpha Minneiska is 122 years strong!


Alpha Minneiska Club, part of the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs, met for its 122nd Holiday Celebration on Monday, December 8 at the Bassett House.

Alpha Minneiska meets on the second Monday of the month, excepting January, during the academic year for food and fellowship. And captivating programs! Anyone interested in visiting should contact Annie Stinson at 262-203-2439.

Whitewater Whippet Swimmers Took 5th Place overall in Conference Relays and 4th at Comet Invite

The team started the competition season off with Conference Relays at Jefferson High School on Tuesday, December 3 finishing in 5th place overall.  Jack Mayer was able to post a Top 10 time in the 100 Breaststroke on the lead off swim of the 4×100 Breaststroke relay going 1:10.70.  The 4×100 Breaststroke was also able to place 3rd and earn medals with their performance.  This was a great meet especially for our new swimmers to try out competing. Madux Devitt had a great meet, leading the way as our first wheelchair athlete in swimming. All of our relays were able to score points for the team and no relays were disqualified! 

The following is a list of finishes:
6th place, 200 Medley Relay – J.Chan, D. Bazeley, S. Chan, J. Mayer
10th place, 200 Freestyle Relay – T. Arnett, Z. Tomomitsu, Y. Mohammed, M. Devitt
6th place, 4×100 IM Relay – W. Anderson, Jon Manriquez, K. Cameron, Y. Mohammed
4th place, 1000 Crescendo Relay – J. Chan, S. Chan, J. Mayer, D. Bazeley
8th place, 1000 Crescendo Relay – Z. Tomomitsu, Jon Manriquez, T. Arnett, W. Anderson
11th place, 100 Freestyle Relay – K. Cameron, Z. Tomomitsu, Y. Mohammed, M. Devitt
4th place, 500 Freestyle Relay – J. Chan, S. Chan, J. Mayer, D. Bazeley
5th place, 400 Backstroke Relay – Z. Tomomitsu, T. Arnett, K. Cameron, W. Anderson
3rd place, 400 Breaststroke Relay – J. Mayer, J. Chan, S. Chan, D. Bazeley
8th place, 400 Breaststroke Relay – K. Cameron, Jon Manriquez, W. Anderson, Y. Mohammed


12/7/19 Comet Invite at Delavan – 4th place

The team competed in their 2nd event on Saturday, December 7th at Delavan High School.  It was a great meet with even our veteran swimmers coming up with lifetime best times.  We had 6 medals earned at the meet.  Devin Bazeley won the 100 Butterfly and took 2nd in the 100 Freestyle, both were new times on the Top 10 list!  Our 200 Freestyle relay (S. Chan, T. Arando, J. Chan, D. Bazeley) also earned medals with their 3rd place performance.  Shawn Chan posted a new time to the Top 10 list in the 50 Freestyle with his 5th place finish.

We had several stand out swims at this meet.  Shawn Chan posted a 24.46 on the Freestyle split on the Medley relay. Tyler Arnett swam outstanding times in both his 200 Freestyle and 100 Freestyle.  Wyatt Anderson took on the 200 IM proving how versatile he will be for the team.  Zach Tomomitsu and Tony Aranda both posted lifetime best times.  Jovany and Jonathan Manriquez both are posting outstanding individual and relay times as returning swimmers on the team!

Our relays are coming on strong this year with several swimmers posting under :30 in the 50 Freestyle:  Shawn Chan, Tony Aranda, Jon Chan and Devin Bazeley.  The team is training and racing hard and it shows!

We have a few newcomers on the team this year.  Our freshman came in with experience in all strokes and the longer distance swims which will help us fill our dual meet rosters better.  Tyler Arnett and Wyatt Anderson have already taken on multiple events and can swim the longer distances too.  Youssef Mohammed and Keith Cameron have brought depth to our stroke races, already swimming the 100 Breaststroke and Backstroke races.  Madux Devitt is showing everyone what sheer determination and hard work can do while competing in 3 events at this meet, very inspiring!  

Next up will be our dual meet against Delavan-Darien on Tuesday, December 10 at 5:30pm at the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center.

“We’re No Angels” – Tuesday December 17 at 12:30 p.m., Seniors in the Park

“We’re No Angels” – Tuesday December 17 at 12:30 p.m., Seniors in the Park When: Tuesday, December 17, 12:30 p.m. Where: Seniors in the Park

Movie Information:  At Christmas, three Devil’s Island escapees (Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov, Aldo Ray) hide out in the home of a kindly, failing merchant and his family, and repay their kindness by helping them out of several crises. Also stars Joan Bennett, Basil Rathbone, and Leo G. Carroll. (Comedy/Romance), Rated G; 1 hour, 46 minutes. (1955)

Each year, UW-Whitewater contributes more than a half-billion dollars to the regional economy

UW-Whitewater, one of the UW System’s premiere universities, has an economic impact of $514.9 million annually on the region. The results of the most recent study, conducted by UW-Whitewater’s Fiscal and Economic Research Center and announced on Thursday, Dec. 5, shows that the university continues to be a key financial driver for southeast Wisconsin.

The study also found:

“UW-Whitewater is a critical part of the communities we serve in terms of providing employment and by contributing $23.1 million in annual tax revenue to our state,” Chancellor Dwight C. Watson said. “We know our students are likely to stay in Wisconsin, and our placement rate of 98.4 percent helps further the economic impact of this university long after our students graduate.”

In addition, another FERC study estimated the average annual income of UW-Whitewater alumni is $73,815, compared to the average income of U.S. high school graduates of $38,350. And UW-Whitewater alumni who worked in Wisconsin earned more than $1.8 billion and paid more than $117 million in state taxes in 2018.

“The economic benefits of having a regional comprehensive university such as UW-Whitewater far exceed the cost to the state of Wisconsin,” said Jon Kachel, who works in business development at PremierBank and is a UW-Whitewater Foundation board member. “Statistics show for years 2020 and beyond, more than 65 percent of job openings will require a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree. UW-Whitewater provides top-quality, well-educated and trained graduates who are employed by Wisconsin businesses, schools, universities and government organizations. This is one of the most accessible campuses in the nation, tuition is affordable, and there are excellent on-campus and off-campus housing options.”

Community leaders understand the importance of maintaining UW-Whitewater’s reputation for excellence in the classroom and beyond.

“UW-Whitewater is a real gem in our community,” said Jim Caldwell, CEO of First Citizens State Bank and a UW-Whitewater Foundation board member. “There’s an entrepreneurial spirit that permeates the campus. Students and faculty members have created new companies, providing jobs and income for many people — all of which significantly affect our region in positive ways. The result is a major contribution to our local economy.”

“UW-Whitewater truly is a hub for innovation and economic development, both in the city of Whitewater and, as shown in the study, around Wisconsin,” said Jeffery Knight, president and CEO of the Greater Whitewater Committee, Inc. “The campus offers a distinguished education and much more, including activities and athletics for students and community members alike. And they do all this while remaining the most affordable in the state.”

With the restructuring of the UW System’s two-year campuses, UW-Whitewater expanded its connections in Rock County.

“UW-Whitewater’s economic, social and cultural leadership has positively impacted our region for decades. As an employer of many UW-Whitewater graduates, including myself, my firm has witnessed first-hand and benefited directly from the talented young people that the university has educated,” said Lynn Gardinier, CPA, CMA, partner with Baker Tilly, and UW-Whitewater alumna. “The university is also a valued partner and supporter of Forward Janesville. As we address workforce, one of the organization’s top strategic opportunities, the university plays a very important role in continuing to be a catalyst for our region’s economic growth through educating those who will lead our future economy.”

The newest economic impact study was presented as part of the UW System’s All in Wisconsin media tour, which aims to demonstrate the impact of the UW System on the state.  The event kicked off two days of meetings on the UW-Whitewater campus, which hosted the UW System Board of Regents.

UW-W Men’s Basketball Falls in Michigan Opener

By Christopher W. Lindeke, Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding, UW-W

Playing its first game in more than a week, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball team was unable to find an offensive rhythm Friday night, 12/6, in an 81-66 defeat at Calvin (Mich.) in a non-conference contest in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Warhawks (2-5 overall), playing their first of a two-game swing in Michigan, were held to 41.0 percent shooting from the floor and finished 0-for-12 from 3-point range.

The Knights (3-3) hit 50.9 percent of their shots, including 57.7 percent in the first half, when they jumped out to a 38-31 advantage.

Junior forward Equan Ards tallied a team-high 23 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Sophomore guard Bailey Kale posted 15 points, three rebounds and three assists, and freshman forward Trevon Chislom totaled 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor and added four rebounds.

Sophomore forward Jack Brahm collected nine points and a team-high five rebounds for UW-Whitewater, which finished with a 42-28 advantage on points in the paint.

The two teams traded baskets for the first five minutes before Calvin stretched to a 15-9 advantage at the 13:52 mark. The Warhawks embarked on an 8-0 run and led 17-15 at the midway point of the half following a layup by Ards.

A 7-0 run capped with 4:31 remaining gave the Knights a 28-21 lead. UW-Whitewater closed to within 32-29 with 1:46 on the clock following a pair of free throws by freshman guard James Burks, but Calvin closed the half on a 6-2 run for a seven-point halftime lead.

Ards opened the second half with three straight points to bring the Warhawks within 38-34 with 18:59 to play, but the Knights brought their lead to double digits just over a minute later.

UW-Whitewater got as close as six points at 54-48 with 13:09 left, but Calvin continued to withstand the Warhawks’ push, building its advantage to 75-58 at the 7:18 mark.

Senior forward Riley Jensen cut the UW-W deficit to 75-65 with 3:56 on the clock, but the Knights scored the next six points to put the game out of reach.

The Warhawks visit Alma Saturday, 12/7, at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.

Whippet Wrestlers Open Season at Big Foot and Watertown Invite

The official start of the 2019-2020 wrestling campaign kicked off on Thursday night and then continued into Saturday as the Whippet Wrestlers were in action.

On Thursday night the team traveled to Big Foot to open the season with a convincing 68-6 victory.

The JV Wrestlers at Big Foot

The varsity team then traveled to Watertown on Saturday to compete in the Watertown Tom McGarvie Invitational. This is a very competitive tournament with 17 teams from all three divisions. Winning the team trophy was Mineral Point, a perennial power in Division three, in convincing fashion. Whitewater wrestled well during the course of the day and finished in 7th place. This was a nice finish considering the competition, with every competitor having tough opponents in their weight class.

Carter Friend

Leading the way for the Whippets was Carter Friend at 160 pounds. He finished the day 5-0 with 4 pins along the way to his championship. Following Friend was Jaden Salmieri who took third place at 132 pounds. Jaden was 4-1 on the day, with four pins and a very close 8-6 loss to the young man who ended up winning the tournament as his weight. Next up in line on the podium and bringing home medals were David Cushman (152), Will Leibbrand (182), and Gehrig Monday (195) who all found themselves in the semi-finals only to drop matches to some very tough opponents putting them in 4th place. Rounding out the medals for the Whippets was Diego Tovar, also wrestling at 160 with a 5th place finish, going 3-2 on the day. Diego wrestled very well in his first varsity tournament.

The coaching staff was very pleased with the efforts of the team, however found areas for improvement as we progress into the next week of practice. The Whippets are next in action on Saturday, December 14 when they host the 7th annual Whitewater Invitational. Wrestling will begin at approximately 9:15 am at Whitewater High School.

Article Submitted by Coach John Schimming

Ferradermis Receives NASA Sponsorship; Team Selling Raffle Tickets to Raise Additional Funds

Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Team, is incredibly excited to announce that they have received a NASA sponsorship for the second consecutive year! Ferradermis is one of only 3 teams in Wisconsin to receive this $5000 grant, and the only veteran team from the state to claim this sponsorship for the 2020 season. Congratulations to rookie teams #8002 The Knack from Lake Country School in Hartland and Sparta Robotans, Team #8024, from Sparta High School for becoming NASA sponsored teams as well.

Ferradermis members are also raising funds to purchase robot supplies by selling raffle tickets for the FIRST Wisconsin Raffle. Tickets are being sold for $3 each or 4 for $10. The grand prize is $1500 cash with a second prize of $1000 cash, and a third prize of a large screen TV. The drawing will be held on Sunday, February 16, when the team travels to a practice regional at Sussex Hamilton High School. If you are interested in purchasing tickets to help support the team, please email ferradermis@gmail.com or contact Laura Masbruch (lmasbruch@wwusd.org) at the high school, and the team will send someone your way!

The team would like to thank its many Whitewater community business sponsors as well. Many local businesses sponsor the team annually and make it possible for this learning opportunity to exist for Whitewater High School students. Generac, Lavelle Industries, Mr. Sticky Fly Control, LSP Whitewater, First Citizens State Bank, HSI Rentals, Ketterhagen Motors, Whitewater Family Dentistry, Kikkoman Foods, DLK Enterprises, and Culver’s have all contributed to fund the team this fall. Team members recently had the opportunity to do a presentation for the crew at LSP Whitewater and would be happy to organize a presentation for a business sponsor or community group at any time.

One large project the team is taking on this fall is a collaboration with the high school Technology and Engineering teachers to make upgrades and repairs to the school shop. Much of the equipment in the shop is aging (the lathes were purchased used in 1965) and in need of repair or replacement. Recently, local maintenance engineer Troy Clauer was able to track down a used mill which the school purchased. Troy and other adult mentors have been working diligently to get the mill up and running and to make repairs to other equipment in the shop. Both Ferradermis members and students in technology and engineering classes are looking forward to increasing the capability to manufacture their own parts. The team’s next goal is to get the equipment in place to be able to weld aluminum.

Ferradermis will kick off its 2020 season when the new game is unveiled on January 4.