It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week we feature a great photo of a six-horse hitch pulling a wagon on Whitewater Street. The ability to handle a team of six horses was a skill any farmer or drayman would be proud of and was probably not a common sight, hence someone taking this photo. The photo dates from between 1900, when city hall (in the background) was completed and around 1917, when brick pavement replaced the dirt street shown in the photo.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
By Angela Kelm Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s cross country team is headed to Newville, Pennsylvania for the NCAA Division III Championships hosted by Dickinson College this Saturday.
Championship Information: Date: Saturday, November 18 Host: Dickinson College Location: Big Spring High School in Newville, PA Time: 10 a.m. CST start (men’s race) Live Coverage: Video available on ncaa.com (runs through awards ceremony)
The Warhawks will send eight runners to the national championship meet – seven will compete on Saturday. UW-Whitewater finished 10th in the 2022 national meet. The Warhawks have finished among the top 10 five times in program history including fifth place finishes in 2021 and 1999.
“Our goal is to finish better than we ever have before in the national meet,” said Coach Jeff Miller. “We have seven runners that have competed in a national meet before,” continued Miller. “That’s a relatively rare feat, so we’re excited for Saturday’s championship.”
UW-Whitewater enters the 2023 NCAA Division III Championship ranked sixth according to the latest USTFCCCA poll. The Warhawks have won all but three meets this season – each time finishing second to the No. 1 or No. 2 team in the Division III poll that week.
The Warhawks are led by Christian Patzka (Black Earth, Wis./Wisconsin Heights) this season. The junior was named the USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week three times this season – October 2, October 16 and October 30.
UW-Whitewater will have five All-Region runners including two runners who are two-time All-Americans. Patzka was the 2022 runner-up registering the top finish for a UWW runner in program history. Both Patzka and Gunner Schlender (Brillion, Wis./Brillion) have placed among the top 30 at the national meet each of the last two seasons. Seven Warhawks earned All-WIAC honors this season – the largest contingent in program history.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Jefferson County administrator.
The Jefferson County Fair Park Committee is asking interested community members to apply for a position on the Fair Advisory Board. This newly created body will serve in a purely advisory capacity. Its purpose is to preserve and improve the annual Jefferson County Fair by reviewing related policies and making recommendations to the Jefferson County Fair Park Committee to enhance the planning, development, and execution of the County Fair.
“When we sought input on ways to continually improve the Jefferson County Fair, creating this Advisory Board clearly became a top priority,” said Blane Poulson, Chair of the Fair Park Committee. “We are fortunate to have so many people in Jefferson County who care deeply about the County Fair’s success, and we invite everyone with an interest to apply so we can build as strong a team as possible.”
The Advisory Board will meet between 10 and 15 times per year, with two-year terms that expire on August 31st. A maximum of 20 spots are available on the Board, with the Fair Park Committee members making the final selection based on relevant experience, with every effort made to find individuals who represent a cross-section of local stakeholders.
Applications can be found through the Employment Opportunities section of Jefferson County’s website, or by e-mailing MLuckey@jeffersoncountywi.gov. Completed applications are due back by December 6th.
According to a press release from Kristina (Kristy) Secord, she will be resigning from her position as Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court. She stated, “It has been an honor to serve the public in this capacity, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have made a positive impact during my tenure. I have decided to resign in order to pursue other public service opportunities within Walworth County. I believe that this is the best decision for me at this time. I am confident that my successor will continue to uphold the high standards of excellence that we have set…..I have been fortunate to work with some of the most talented and committed individuals in the court system, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together…” Secord told the Banner that she has accepted a position as Business Office Supervisor with the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office.
According to her LinkedIn page, Secord was appointed to her position by the Circuit Court judges effective February 19, 2018. She won the November, 2022 election unopposed.
Hi, Whitewater! I know many people have been asking about Hawk Bowl. I wanted to let you know we will be lighting the sign for one final time this evening until 9:00 p.m. if anyone is interested in getting a final photo. (Bowling alley will not be open.)
We are so appreciative of so many people sharing memories here and elsewhere and will miss hosting people from here for bowling nights, birthday parties, and leagues.
By Angela Kelm Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team will open the 2023 NCAA Football Playoffs at home in Perkins Stadium as the Bethel University Royals come to Whitewater for round one. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 18.
The winner advances to play the winner between Wheaton (IL) and Mount St. Joseph Saturday, November 25. Location of the round two contest will be announced following the completion of all round one games.
TICKETS/PARKING Tickets are $14 for Adults, $10 Over 65 / Students and youth 5-18 Free kids under 5 (no ticket needed) Advance Ticket Purchase: Click Here Tickets will also be available for purchase on Saturday at Perkins Stadium. Parking: All parking is cashless this season. To purchase in advance, click here. Fans can purchase on the day of but must go through the online purchasing portal to do so and will not be allowed into a lot until purchase is complete.
IN THE POLLS UWW: #5 D3football.com (Prev: 5) / #5 American Football Coaches Association (Prev: 6) BU: Receiving Votes / Receiving Votes
UWW’S PATH TO PLAYOFFS The Warhawks wrapped up the regular season with a 9-1 record despite boasting one of the toughest schedules in Division III this season. UW-Whitewater’s lone loss came at the midway point of the season to then-No. 14 UW-La Crosse. UWW finished as the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference runner-up to the now-fourth ranked Eagles. That strength of schedule was a vital piece of the Warhawks receiving an at-large bid into the playoffs this season.
UW-Whitewater is making its 16th playoff appearance since 2005. UWW is 58-12 in postseason play with six national titles in program history.
UWW’s first six games of the 2023 campaign were against ranked opponents including contests against then-top five’s Saint Johns (week two) and UW-River Falls (week six). The Warhawks picked up back-to-back wins at home over UW-Stout and UW-Platteville before wrapping up the season with shutouts over UW-Stevens Point and UW-Eau Claire.
In the final two weeks of the regular season, UWW outscored their opponents 107-0 including a 59-0 route of the Blugolds last week.
HOW BETHEL GOT HERE The Royals claimed their sixth MIAC Championship last week to secure the league’s automatic bid into the postseason. Bethel is making its third consecutive playoff appearance and 12th overall.
Bethel enters the postseason on a seven-game win streak – the longest for the Royals since 2013. BU made a run to the quarterfinals last season and is 13-11 in postseason play in program history.
ON THE AIR Saturday’s game will air live online on the WIAC Network. The contest can be heard on 105.9 FM The Hog in the Whitewater area, or online at www.1059thehog.com.
SERIES The Warhawks and Royals have met just one other time in the teams’ storied histories – and it was another postseason matchup. UW-Whitewater defeated Bethel 26-12 in the NCAA Quarterfinal at Perkins Stadium on December 1, 2018.
Best way to jump start the Holiday Season??? Easy answer: Taking in a performance of the Whitewater High School’s red-hot production of “Mean Girls, High School Version.”
Based on the Paramount Pictures film “Mean Girls,” performances will be held November 16-18 at 7 p.m. and November 19 at 2 p.m. in the newly named James Stewart Auditorium located in the Whitewater High School.
General Admission seating is $10 for adults and $7 for students. Call the box office at 262-472-8178 for more information.
“Mean Girls, The High School Version” tells the story of Cady Heron, a teenage girl who finds herself in a public high school after years of being home-schooled on the African savanna. Confronted with the animalistic social order of American teenagers, Cady devises a plan to topple the school’s queen bee Regina George and her cohorts: The Plastics.
Under the artistic direction of Jim McCulloch and musical direction of Liz Elliott, the cast and crew have been working very hard preparing for opening night.
Due to mature themes and language a rating of PG-13 is recommended for audiences.
Cast members include Brooke Mason, Alex Sullivan, Ayden Clark, Hayleigh Pond, Haley Keltesch, Lauren Rollette, Cosette Wildermuth-Breizman, Chacha Binag, Ava Van Daele, Alex Clarksen, David Enns, Jocelyn Alcala, Ian Agen, Hailee Ambrose, Deven Bawden, Kaci Beaver, Belle Cohen, Peyton Comfort, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Vivian Harris, Nina Heim, Jimmy Kinson, Ameera Lin, Ruth Lopez, Sam Nickelsburg, Sophia Noonan, Kai Peterson, Lia Ramirez, A’lani Ross, Josie Selby, Taylor Speerbrecher, Willow Vogelzang, Sophia Walenton, and Elora Wildermuth-Breizman.
Putting their talents to work as part of the Production Crew are Kara Long and Gabi Kirley (Stage Managers), Taytum Atkins (Choreography), Kat Dunham (Tech Director), Alexa Casino-Pena (Costumes), Matt Zingheim (Sound), Kerry Ramsden (Scenic Painter), Payton Bunger, Natalia Gallegos, Laken DePorter, Emerson Dunham, Ava Nygren, Lucy Troxel, Joshua Nygren, Rae Breisath, Ace Hudec, Miles Nickelsburg, Taiya Kolb, Payton Peacock, and Cora Schimming.
The Pit Band Members include Sam Averill (Conductor), Liz Elliott, Thayer Coburn, Isabelle Lavertu, Liz Ngabo, Jay Downs, Dante Baker, Justin Kamp, Maddie Blain, Samantha Van Daele, Kayla Mikos, and Adam Drefs.
Before each performance, Tom Ganser’s photos will be displayed from the Whitewater High School Players productions of “The Little Mermaid” (2019), “Footloose” (2021), and “Beauty and the Beast” (2022).
Put “See ‘Mean Girls, High School Version’ on your To Do List.
By Angela Kelm Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s volleyball team will head to Mount Vernon, Iowa for NCAA Regional action this week. The eight-team regional hosted by Cornell College will run Thursday through Saturday.
The Warhawks (26-4) will take on Coe College (21-11) to open their 34th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The first match of the day Thursday will feature Washington-St. Louis against St. Olaf at 11:30 followed by UWW and Coe at 2 p.m. At 4:30, Northwestern (MN) will face Edgewood with Cornell hosting Millikin in the final match of the evening at 7 p.m.
REGIONAL INFORMATION Location: Mount Vernon, Iowa Facility: Small Athletic & Wellness Center
Click here and select UWW Match Notes (PDF) for further details.
More information will be posted on the online preview story as it becomes available
UWW’S PATH TO REGIONALS The Warhawks finished as the runner-up in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings but rolled through the league tournament to claim the WIAC’s automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. UWW swept UW-River Falls in the semifinal, beating the Falcons for the second time in less than a week. In the WIAC Tournament Championship, UW-Whitewater was phenomenal in handing UW-Oshkosh its first loss of 2023 on the Titans’ home court. The Warhawks won in straight sets to take down the No. 2 team in the nation and punch their ticket to regionals. UWW has won 18 WIAC Tournament titles.
HOW COE QUALIFIED Coe, the number three seed in the American Rivers Conference Tournament, knocked off top-ranked Dubuque 3-1 in the title match to claim the ARC’s automatic bid into the postseason. The win is Coe’s second straight ARC tournament championship.
ALL-LEAGUE LEADERS
The Warhawks swept all major player awards in the WIAC this season. Outside hitter Jenna Weinfurt (Waukesha, Wis./Catholic Memorial) was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year while libero Morgan Jensen (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) secured Defensive Player of the Years honors for the second time in her career. Setter Aubrie Krzus (Wheaton, Ill./Warrenville South) was named the WIAC Newcomer of the Year. In addition, the nation’s top blocker, Kirsten Anderson (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie), garnered First Team All-WIAC recognition.
The Kohawks were represented by middle hitters Grace Lueken and Gracie Urbatsch, setter Maddy Maahs and pin Madi Parson on the ARC’s All-Conference listing this season.
BATTLE OF THE HAWKS
The Warhawks lead the all-time series against Coe 9-4 since 2006. UWW has won the last six and eight of the last 10. Five of the last six meetings have resulted in the Warhawk sweep. Coe has won the lone two five-setters since 2006. Thursday’s match will be the second meeting between the two squads this season – UWW won 3-0 on September 9 on the road.
WHS Grad and UNC sophomore Reese Brantmeier swept the singles and doubles titles at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Fall National Championships in San Diego on Sunday, November 6th. Reese became the first player since 2001 to accomplish the feat. Reese Brantmeier won a three-set match against Ayana Akli of South Carolina 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 for the title.
A few hours later, Reese and UNC teammate Elizabeth Scotty would compete in the women’s doubles final. The UNC doubles team won the ITA championship with a win in the finals over Oklahoma State’s Ange Oby Kajuru and Anastasiya Komar in straight sets 6-1, 6-2. Brantmeier and Scotty did not lose an entire set in doubles play at the ITA doubles tournament.
On top of all the success on the court, there is a project very special to Reese. Reese began her tennis career at Washington Elementary school. It was here that she began as a tennis player.
The Reese Project Court Restoration Project Announced
Reese has reached out to many people and organizations in the nation’s tennis community to band together and support her efforts to restore the courts on the Washington Elementary school grounds. This is a passion project for Reese who is a graduate of WUSD and a Washington Elementary alum.
Events that are currently in the works are …
The UNC’s Women’s tennis program (current NCAA 2023 National Champions) is hosting a donor event in January as they kick off their season to raise money for the project.
The legendary Billie Jean King and Rosie Casals have donated autographed wooden racquets and a signed book as well as their time and efforts to the project.
The Pancho Gonzalez Foundation and the Latin American Tennis Foundation have donated items for raffles and continue to put project organizers in contact with other interested organizations.
Sports agencies are helping Reese get the word out to companies wanting to support community efforts to provide a lifelong sport to this community.
The nationally ranked UWW men’s and women’s teams have offered their support to help in events at Washington to grow interest in tennis and the project.
To create sustainable courts, we are looking to raise $200,000 through these above efforts as well as through anyone interested in donating to the project. For more information on the project or to donate, go to the Reese Brantmeier Project.
