Updated 6/5/25 @ 5:45 p.m. – The university is providing a livestream of the celebration at Prucha Field.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will welcome home the 2025 NCAA Division III National Champion Warhawk Baseball Team at a Champions Reception tonight (6/5) at 7 pm at Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium. The reception is followed by a parade at 8 p.m.
Below is the schedule of events for tonight’s Champions Reception.
Schedule of Events 7:00: Gates open for Fans/Families 7:10: Player and Coach Introductions (Athletic Director Ryan Callahan) 7:20: Congratulations from Dr. Corey King 7:23: Statement from Coach Vodenlich 7:30-7:50: Photos on Field and Media Interviews 7:50: Players Leave on Float for Parade
Parking is available for this event in Lot 22. *Due to construction and Special Olympics Wisconsin occurring on campus, it is suggested you access Lot 22/Miller Stadium off of Schwager Drive from Tratt Street*
Here’s the route for the parade that begins at 8 p.m.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a “Red PM2.5” (“Unhealthy:) Air Quality Advisory which is in effect for the Whitewater area, and a large portion of the state, until noon on Thursday. The concern is largely related to the wild fires in Canada. PM2.5 stands for fine particulate matter, a type of air pollution that can cause serious health problems.
The advisory indicates that “improving air quality is expected to move into Wisconsin from the northwest on Wednesday. However, smoke will continue to impact surface air quality across southern and eastern Wisconsin. Unhealthy AQI [Air Quality Index] is most likely in eastern areas near the Green Bay and Lake Michigan water bodies. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI is more likely for western portions of the advisory area.
Sensitive groups: Consider rescheduling or moving all activities inside. Go inside if you have symptoms. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider. Everyone else: Keep outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Go inside if you have symptoms.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Matthias Fischer from Pixabay.
The community is invited to join the Summer Reading Program with the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, which runs June 9 through August 1. The library is under construction, but still has many free events planned around Whitewater throughout the summer! The fun kicks off with Science Heroes on Monday, June 9 at 4:30 p.m., an interactive program for all ages about real-life science heroes and experiments to help you discover your science power! This event will take place at the Frawley Family Amphitheater at Cravath Lakefront Park. Bring your own blanket and/or chair, if desired.
Other events during the first week include:
Teen Book Cover Design contest
William Snakespeare: help create a snake out of painted rocks
Storytime at Starin Park on Wednesday, June 11 at 9:30 a.m. (will continue weekly)
Fun Fridays on the library’s lawn: a new activity each week for kids at 3:00 p.m.
Reading Under the Lights on Friday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Perkins Stadium
For complete information and the full lineup of all events during the Summer Reading Program, visit whitewaterlibrary.org or connect with the library on Facebook and Instagram.
No summer reading program would be complete without the reading! Children, teens, and adults may participate in a challenge to read at least thirty days. Complete the challenge to win a prize and be entered into a grand prize drawing. Children may also complete an activity challenge to receive an additional prize. Reading logs may be picked up at the library in a box near the book drop, at any library event, or downloaded from the library’s website.
Special thanks to First English Lutheran Church for sponsoring the adult summer reading program grand prize of a Kindle Fire! The library would also like to thank Bridges Library System, Tanis Construction, the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Springs Water Park, Little Amerricka, Dairy Queen, and Old World Wisconsin for their sponsorship.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. The library building is closed June 1-22 due to construction. Curbside services begin on June 23. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 or library@whitewater-wi.gov with questions or visit whitewaterlibrary.org.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Bulk trash pickup is routinely provided on the second Thursday of every month, but in recent years the city has arranged with John’s Disposal to provide extra “bulk trash” pickups during the month of May. That service, of course, is particularly appreciated due to university student moveouts. This year, as was announced on The Banner,there would be four bulk pickups in the month: May 1, May 8, May 15, and May 22, 2025. Unfortunately, it seems that a number of residents understood that there would be bulk pickups on all five Thursdays in May, including the 29th. Consequently, there is still bulk trash on a number of tree lawns that won’t be picked up until June 12. Removing it from the tree lawn until the evening of the 11th would be appreciated and would ensure that residents won’t receive a notice from Neighborhood Services.
MANCHESTER, NH — Kaatje Gunnink of Whitewater (53190) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University‘s (SNHU) Spring 2025 President’s List. The spring terms run from January to May.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 92-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 200,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as one of the “Most Innovative” regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner.
According to a press release from the City of Whitewater, “Starting Monday, June 9, Starin Road between Warhawk Drive and Prairie Street will be closed to all traffic. The University is in the process of installing new steam and condensate piping. The project is anticipated to be completed by June 18. This work is weather dependent. Traffic will be detoured using Warhawk Drive, Schwager Drive, and Prairie Street.
For the 27th year, we will be putting together an alumni band for the July 4 parade. If you’re going to be in this part of the country for the holiday, please consider joining us! I know that some of you have been playing professionally while others haven’t touched it since graduation – ALL are welcome! Instrument loans are available as are fingering charts! No marching is involved; we’ll be sitting on a flatbed truck!
There will be no rehearsal, but if you want to see the music ahead of time, I can email scans to you. Our “uniform” for the parade consists of ANY WHS Band T-shirt and AT LEAST one other article of clothing. (I just happen to have some pretty nifty WHS Band shirts still available at the low price of $5) or just wear something red.
The parade starts at 10 AM, the normal time. We’ll plan to meet at Lincoln Elementary School (Prince St. between Highland and Walworth) around that time although we will be near the end of the parade. Do not attempt to drive up Prince Street that morning; best bet for close parking is in the Middle School (old HS) lot off Elizabeth Street. [Note: Walworth Avenue will be under construction and closed to all but “local” traffic all summer.] Drummers, talk to me about the best way to get your equipment onto the truck.
For added incentive, there will be the traditional gathering at the beer tent after the parade. (OK, soda for you recent alumni)
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU’RE COMING so I know how many chairs, stands & copies of music we need. Also, please forward this to any other WHS Band Alumni you know from any decade – my list of email addresses is far from complete.
Hope to see you there!
Dr Don W Deal [WHS Band Director 1979-2012 and again in 2020]
NEW WILMINGTON, PA – Amber Krebs of Whitewater, Wis., was one of 246 students earning degrees from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa., on Saturday, May 10, in an outdoor ceremony on Old Main’s Weisel Senior Terrace. Krebs graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.
A total of 250 degrees were conferred, including 79 Bachelor of Arts, seven Bachelor of Music, 133 Bachelor of Science and 12 Bachelor of Nursing degrees. Four students earned dual Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. An additional 19 master’s degrees were conferred, including 10 Master of Education and nine Master of Business Administration degrees.
About Westminster College: Westminster College is nationally known for its collaborative environment, outstanding experiential learning programs, focus on student success, and the effort invested in making higher education affordable and attainable to all students. Established in 1852, Westminster is proud to be the first college in the country open to all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex or religion from its founding charter by the Presbyterian Church (USA).
By Broderick Frye Asst. Sports Information Director
Warhawks score 12 runs between 7th & 8th innings to propel them into the Championship
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team booked their second consecutive trip the NCAA Division III World Series Final with a dominant 17-4 win over Rowan University. The Warhawks finished the game out strong, scoring 12 runs in their final two innings of offense.
Max Huseboe (Ripon, Wis./Ripon) got the call on the mound and delivered to a 1-2-3 inning to get the game underway. The Warhawk offense got to work right away with a sacrifice fly to grab the first run.
Rowan answered back quickly, scoring two runs in the second to take the lead. The Profs worked on keeping the potent Warhawk offense quiet, tossing two scoreless innings to retain the lead.
Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) hit a hard ball to cause an error and a score to tie the game up in the fourth, but Rowan retook the lead on a sacrifice bunt.
The Warhawk offense hit full stride in the fifth, putting their first crooked number on the board with a 3-run frame. A two-run double from Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) followed by a Paden RBI single put the Warhawks up for good at 5-3.
Rowan closed the gap to just one run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth, but the one run lead didn’t last long for the Warhawks.
Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) kickstarted another rally, with the Warhawks loading up the bases with one out. Two runs scored on a back-to-back passed ball and wild pitch.
Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) cleaned off another two runs to put the Warhawks up 9-4 heading into the last two innings.
After a lead-off walk, Ethan Wickman (Spring Green, Wis./River Valley) put the Rowan batters down in order to put the Warhawks three outs away from their second consecutive Finals appearance.
In the 8th, the Warhawks broke the game wide open with an 8-run frame to put the game away.
Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) highlighted the inning with a three-run homer, a sense of deja vu for the right fielder. A year ago today, Paden hit the walk-off home run against Birmingham Southern in the World Series.
A heads-up play by Darryl Jackson (Milwaukee, Wis./Rufus King) and Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) made the most of a wild pitch. Holland, Scolan, and Cootway went back-to-back-to-back RBI hits to cap off the huge inning.
A two-out single would be the only base-runner for the Profs in the Top of the 9th. Brady Malkow (Brodhead, Wis./Brodhead) recorded the last strikeout needed, sending the Warhawks back to the NCAA Division III Championship Series.
The Warhawks will take on Messiah in the final best-of-three series. The first game has been moved up a day due to the forecasted weather. Game one will take place on Tuesday, June 3rd at 2 pm CDT. The second and third games will be on Wednesday, June 4th beginning at 10 am CDT. [The championship is best of three games, so the third game may not be necessary.]
Editor’s notes: Messiah’s season record is 39-14. They were the only team that entered the series unranked, and they were considered #8 in Eastlake. In the DIII “World Series” they won the right to play #3 UW-W by beating Johns Hopkins (#1) 16-7, Endicott (#4) 9-5 and Endicott a second time by 8-2. Messiah is located in Mechanicsburg, PA and it has an undergraduate/graduate enrollment of 3320 students. A win for them would be the second consecutive PA team win, as Misericordia beat UW-W for the championship last year. Per d3baseball.com, “Head coach Phill Shallenberger is in his fourth year and will be the least experienced coach in Eastlake. Every other head coach has been with their team a minimum of ten years. Messiah is a top 50 team in slugging (32nd) and ERA (31st). Among all the teams in the Series, they steal bases at a rate to make them third in the nation.” This is Messiah’s first appearance in the DIII “World Series.”
UW-W’s season record is 46-6. They won the right to compete versus #8 Messiah by beating Trinity (TX) (#6) 7-3, Denison (#2) 11-4, and Rowan, (#7) 17-5. Per d3baseball.com, “The Warhawks are the most experienced team this weekend as they make their ninth appearance in program history. Last year, they finished second to Misericordia but is back in 2025 to try to win their third national championship. UW-Whitewater coach John Vodenlich leads the rest of the head coaches combined in the series in championships (2-0) and World Series wins (19). The Warhawks took Player of the Year (Matt Scolan) and Pitcher of the Year (Max Husebee) honors. Ten players in total were placed 2025 All-WIAC baseball teams. Nobody has a better batting average than UWW in D-III baseball and only Johns Hopkins has a higher slugging percentage. With a 11th best ERA and 8th best WHIP, the pitching staff is almost as good as the offense.”
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL).
Ed Schweitzer is at WUL Hometown Hero and he was nominated by Jasmyne Hauger and Brian Robinson of Fairhaven “For his kindness and generosity by bringing a flower and handwritten card to each mother living on Fairhaven’s Assisted Living Floors on Mother’s Day.”
Jasmyne Hauger, Dining Services Manager at Fairhaven, said, “I was approached by Apartment Resident Ed Schweitzer the week of Mother’s Day as he asked if there was any way I could find out how many mothers there were on the assisted living floors. He had the beautiful idea of getting a flower for each Mom and a nice handwritten card. Ed wanted to make sure that they were celebrated and felt special. I could tell this meant a lot to him as well.”
“I had the honor of delivering the flowers and cards with Ed on Friday prior to Mother’s Day. Seeing the faces light up when they were handed a flower and told “Happy Mother’s Day” was such a heart-warming moment. People like Ed are the reason I love working here. Remembering to slow down and take time to think of others and the people that you care about. I have known Ed for over nine years, and he is one of the kindest most thoughtful people I know,” she said.
Ed Schweitzer (seated front center) is a WUL Hometown Hero, surrounded by Fairhaven staff.
Brian Robinson, Director of Marketing, Community Relations and Leisure Services at Fairhaven said, “It brought goosebumps to hear of him wanting to do this and to be able to hear of him doing so and the response afterwards was one that made this nomination a no-brainer. Ed not only makes Fairhaven Senior Services a better place, he makes the World a better place. Thank you again Ed!!!”
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
