News

UW-W’s Christian Patzka Named National Athlete of the Year; Three are All-America

Christian Patzka crosses the finish line at the 2024 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships in Terra Haute, Indiana (Ryan Coleman, D3photo)

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

UW-Whitewater’s Christian Patzka has been named the Men’s Cross Country National Athlete of the Year by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. 

Patzka secured the individual national title at the 2024 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships in Terra Haute, Indiana on Saturday, November 23. The Warhawk phenom traversed the 8k at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in 24:01.6, more than two seconds faster than the rest of the field. 

The senior is the first Warhawk to win the national title and the first USTFCCCA Athlete of the Year for cross country in program history. 

Over the course of his illustrious career at UW-Whitewater Patzka has accumulated numerous accolades in both cross country and track and field. In cross country, Patzka is a four-time All-WIAC honoree, four-time All-Region selection, four-time All-American, the 2023 WIAC individual champion, a two-time NCAA North Region champion (2022, 2023), a two-time North Region Athlete of the Year (2022, 2023) and the 2022 WIAC Cross Country Athlete of the Year.

On the track, Patzka has stood atop the podium five times earning the national title three times in the 5,000 (2023 and 2024 indoors, 2024 outdoors) and twice in the 3,000 steeplechase (2023, 2024). In total, Patzka holds six individual national titles and is now a 14-time All-American with five honors both indoors and outdoors and four in cross country. 

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Schlender, Patzka & Anderson earn All-America for UW-Whitewater men’s cross country

Left to right: All-Americans Gunner Schlender, Christian Patzka and Dan Anderson of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater pose with their individual plaques and the team’s fourth-place trophy following the 2024 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships on Nov. 23 in Terre Haute, Indiana. (Photo by d3photography.com):

Gunner Schlender, a Physical Education major at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is one of three members of the Warhawk men’s cross country team who garnered All-America accolades by finishing among the top 40 in the field at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships on Saturday, Nov. 23, in Terre Haute, Indiana.

The Warhawks finished fourth overall with 219 points with three runners in the top 20 for team scoring. The fourth place finish is the highest finish in Warhawk men’s cross country history.

Christian Patzka (Black Earth, Wis./Wisconsin Heights) became the program’s first-ever national champion. The national runner-up in both 2022 and 2023, Patzka crossed the line with a time of 24:01.6. In the last 200 meters, the 2024 North Regional Champion, Augsburg’s Mohammed Bati, led the pack of runners. Patzka made his move to pass on the final stretch, quickly gaining the lead he needed to finish with a national title. Patzka is the first Warhawk Cross Country runner to win the national title.

Gunner Schlender (Brillion, Wis./Brillion) kept pace with Patzka, as they were sitting just a second a part after the 5.6K mark. Schlender finished 12th overall, scoring 10 team points, with a time of 24:22.1.

Both Patzka and Schlender finish their careers as four-time All-Americans in cross country.

Dan Anderson (Eau Claire, Wis./McDonell) was the next Warhawk to cross, finishing 22nd overall with a time of 24:32.9. In the last 1.5K, Anderson jumped up 9 spots to secure 19 team points for the Warhawks and claim his first career All-America medal.

J. Robert’s Menswear Launches “Dress for Success Drive” for Warhawk Success Closet

Area Menswear Store Supports Students by Collecting Professional Attire for UW-Whitewater Warhawk Success Closet

J. Robert’s Menswear, a family-owned, area men’s clothing store with locations in Elkhorn and Janesville, is excited to announce the launch of its “Dress for Success Drive,” a charitable initiative in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Career Services. From November 25th to GivingTuesday, December 3rd, 2024, the store invites the community to donate gently used professional attire to benefit UW-Whitewater students in their career pursuits.

This initiative is particularly meaningful to the store’s owner, Kyle Deschner, a 2022 alum of UW-Whitewater. “Our goal is to give back to the community and support the next generation of professionals,” Kyle states. “We’re thrilled to once again contribute to the Warhawk Success Closet, providing students with free access to the professional attire they need for interviews, internships, and career fairs.”

Community members can donate their gently used professional attire at either of the two J. Robert’s Menswear locations in Elkhorn or Janesville through Giving Tuesday (December 3, 2024). Accepted items include suits, shirts, ties, dress shoes, and more for men and women, all of which will be directly donated by Kyle to the Warhawk Success Closet at UW-Whitewater. Community members can also donate directly to UW-Whitewater.

As a token of gratitude, J. Robert’s Menswear is offering a $2 store credit for each item donated at one of the store locations, up to a $50 limit per customer, redeemable through March 2025. “This is our way of thanking our community for their generosity and involvement in this important cause,” says Kyle. The Dress for Success Drive is more than a clothing donation; it’s an opportunity for the community to engage in a meaningful act of giving.

For more information on the Dress for Success Drive and how to participate, visit any of the J. Robert’s Menswear store locations.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Ribhav Agrawal from Pixabay.

Jefferson County Fair Celebrates 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees: Paul Majors recognized

The Jefferson County Fair held a recognition event for the 2024 inductees into its prestigious Hall of Fame: Cindy Jaquith, Paul Majors, the Kiwanis of Jefferson County, and Roger Kylmanen. These honorees have been recognized as having made remarkable contributions to the fair, exemplifying the spirit of dedication, service, and community support that this recognition celebrates.

A recognition event was held to honor the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees on Wednesday, November 20th, at the Jefferson County Fair Park. This event was hosted by Becky Roberts, Fair Park Director and included friends, family, and community members of the honorees.

Roberts shared, “Each of these individuals and organizations has played a vital role in shaping the success of the Jefferson County Fair, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or enhancing the fair experience for all attendees. Their commitment and efforts have left an enduring mark on this cherished event, ensuring its continued growth and tradition.”

The Kiwanis Club of Jefferson has been involved in the fair since its inception. Back in 1988 many club members were involved in the removal of the old grandstand, as well as the construction of the new one. True to the Kiwanis mission statement “to serve the children of the world: one at a time,” the Kiwanis group has offered scholarships to community youth for nearly 45 years. Along with other opportunities, they manage a food booth at the annual Fair (baked potatoes and corn on the cob) and raise money for its scholarship fund with the proceeds. 2024 almost marked the silver anniversary of Take a Kid Fishing Day event hosted annually by the Kiwanis club volunteers and targeted to provide experiences for local youth that make a different and create memories.

Cindy Jaquith has been one of the backbone volunteers of the Jefferson County Fair for nearly three decades. Ironically, as a child she didn’t participate in the Fair or youth organizations that show, but when she was a mother, she connected her children to the fair. Being the logistics queen that she is, she inserted herself in a leadership role to better understand the working of the fair….and never turned back. Her nominator shared that Cindy really likes to be the one behind the scenes and not in front and center. Cindy contributes to the Fair with her heart. She is full of passion for the thousands of youths that have passed through the doors of the Fair for decades. Cindy currently serves as a Fair Superintendent to be an advocate for exhibitors and support the judging process. She is also the coordinator of the Hospitality Tent for the Animal Auction & Youth Celebration event at the Fair.

Paul Majors has been the Whitewater FFA Advisor for nearly 25 years. During that time, he has been volunteering with the Jefferson County Fair in a variety of ways. He genuinely enjoys helping young exhibitors with their projects and supports them with unique training tips and commands for their animals. He has been a tried-and-true volunteer for the Fair and is here in person every day to show support to his members. Paul has a glass half full spirit and will say that he never sees a problem, just an opportunity.

Roger Kylmanen played a major role with the logistics of the infrastructure that a fair involves. Vendor placement, animal care and use of barns was always top on his list. While Roger didn’t have a past with 4-H, he absolutely had a connection to the 4-H families. He was very proud to watch the fair grow over the two decades of his service as the Fair Park Supervisor and continued to do so even after retiring in August 2020. Some of his favorite memories involved how the music scene grew at the fair and he enjoyed the concerts that were held each year. He would also enjoy watching the horse shows and being a part of the growth of them at the Fair Park. “Roger has left an irreplaceable and indelible mark on the Fair and the Fair Park Operations,” stated Roberts. Roger’s wife Daisy accepted the award on his behalf.

The event included a short program, a chance to meet the inductees, and refreshments featuring a gourmet cookies and milk station, chosen as a fair-appropriate treat.

About the Jefferson County Fair: County operated, the Jefferson County Fair is a long-standing tradition that brings together the community to celebrate agriculture, education, and entertainment. Through its Hall of Fame, the fair recognizes individuals and organizations whose contributions have been integral to its success.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Jefferson County Fair.

The Whitewater Federa-tion of Women’s Clubs Celebrates GivingTuesday

On December 3, 2024, the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs (“WFWC”) will join millions around the world participating in the global generosity movement of GivingTuesday. The WFWC will inspire generosity by reaching out to all who support historic preservation and Whitewater’s heritage – and Whitewater’s historic Bassett House in particular.

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. GivingTuesday will kick off the generosity season this year by inspiring people to give back on December 3, 2024, and throughout the year.

For almost 100 years, WFWC has been the custodian of the Bassett House, built in 1857 and one of the oldest buildings in Whitewater. For the last five years, the WFWC has been engaged in a comprehensive and necessary restoration of the Bassett House, from top to bottom and both inside and out. To complete this restoration, which will ensure the Bassett House’s conservation for the foreseeable future, the WFWC is seeking donations from supporters of historic preservation and of the Bassett House to secure the funds the WFWC needs for this essential work.

“Since the Bassett House has been in our care since 1926, it has allowed us to connect with the past,” said Pat Blackmer, WFWC President. “Because it is of architectural, historic, and cultural history, it provides us with a sense of place and community. I have always believed that through our efforts of preservation, we save the future by rescuing the past.”

GivingTuesday was launched in 2012 as a simple idea: to create a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eleven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. People demonstrate generosity in many ways on GivingTuesday. Whether it’s helping out a neighbor or stranger, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving to causes we care about, every act of generosity counts. GivingTuesday has raised billions of dollars for critical causes around the world and gets billions of impressions on social media from people and organizations speaking up for the causes that matter to them and encouraging others to get involved in their communities.

“GivingTuesday inspires people all around the world to embrace their power to drive progress around the causes they care about, not just on one day but throughout the year,” said Asha Curran, GivingTuesday’s CEO, and co-founder. “With country and community leaders, millions of organizations, and countless givers of all kinds, GivingTuesday is creating a shared space where we can see the radical implications of a more generous world.”

Those who are interested in joining the WFWC’s GivingTuesday initiative can visit www.bassetthousewww.org. A tax-deductible gift may be made directly on the website or by mailing a check.

For more details about the GivingTuesday movement, visit the GivingTuesday website (www.givingtuesday.org), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday), or follow @GivingTuesday and #GivingTuesday on Instagram.

About the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Bassett House
Whitewater’s women’s clubs date to the late nineteenth century, and began as forums for women to gather, socialize, study, and engage in civic betterment and contributions to the community. In 1926, Florence Basssett, a lifetime member of one of Whitewater’s women’s clubs, bequeathed her lifelong home, the Bassett House, to the WFWC, which has been its sole custodian ever since. Today, the Bassett House, one of Whitewater’s most historic homes, serves as the meeting place for the clubs, the site of community events, and an events venue available to the public for private events. “This beautiful home is a historic gem, a precious piece of Whitewater’s heritage that continues to contribute to Whitewater and surrounding communities today,” said Linda Robinson, WFWC Vice-President. “Its preservation is a trust we all owe to current and future generations of Whitewater residents so that they may enjoy and experience this piece of Whitewater history for years to come.”

About GivingTuesday
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eleven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

Whether it’s making someone smile, helping out a neighbor or stranger, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give. GivingTuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and equity around the globe.

Washington Elementary Named to 2025 U.S. News Best Elementary Schools List

Revised 11/25/24 at 9 a.m. to delete the number of schools in the nation, as the U.S. News list is compiled on a state-by-state basis.

U.S. News & World Report has named Washington Elementary to its list of the 2025 Best Elementary Schools across the United States.

Washington earned a spot at no. 264 on the list [out of approximately 1000 Wisconsin elementary schools] (improving from no. 290 in 2024).

The publication analyzed and ranked elementary schools’ proficiency in mathematics, reading, and language arts based on state assessment data. The rankings are not based on the test scores alone, as they also take into consideration local socioeconomic demographics. This two-part calculation ensures schools listed are serving all students. 

“This is a recognition to be celebrated for our staff, students, and families of Washington Elementary,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “These results show the success of our teaching models and initiatives to make our schools more inclusive and equitable for all students. We are proud of this recognition and will continue to best prepare our students for their continued educational journey.”

“Having earned this award in three of the last four years, the honor is a testament to the incredible work and support our staff has provided students and their families.  Overall academic achievement on the state assessment drives the recognition of schools for this award. Washington noted an increase in mathematics, reading, and language arts academic achievement this past school year,” said Tom Grosinske, Washington Elementary Principal.

Washington Elementary scored 73.63 out of 100 overall. The school ranked 179 in reading proficiency and 551 in math proficiency, out of 1,002 Wisconsin schools. 

Additionally, about 85 percent of Washington Elementary teachers have three or more years of experience. 42 percent of students scored at or above proficient in math and 52 percent of students scored at or above proficient in reading, compared to the state average of 40 and 37 percent, respectively.

To learn more about Washington Elementary’s ranking, please visit 

https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/wisconsin/washington-elementary-225107

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Tom Grosinske.

Patzka Claims National Cross Country Title; Highest Team Finish in History

Women’s Recap: De La Cerda Represents UWW at National Meet

Ari De La Cerda (Pewaukee, Wis./) from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s cross country team represented the Warhawks in the 2024 NCAA Division III Cross Country National Championship.

De La Cerda started out strong with a first half, moving up almost 30 places from 1K to 3K marks. Over the last 3K, De La Cerda worked her way to the finish line.

De La Cerda crossed with a time of 22:55.1 to finish 188th overall in the meet.

Photo credit: Ryan Coleman, d3photography.com

Men’s Recap: Patzka Claims National Title, Warhawks Highest Team Finish in History

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s cross country team finished fourth overall as a team. Christian Patzka (Black Earth, Wis./Wisconsin Heights) secured the National Championship Crown.

The Warhawks finished fourth overall with 219 points with three runners in the top 20 for team scoring. The fourth place finish is the highest finish in Warhawk Men’s Cross Country history.

Patzka, the national runner-up in both 2022 and 2023, crossed the line with a time of 24:01.6. In the last 200m, the 2024 North Regional Champion, Augsburg’s Mohammed Bati, led the pack of runners. Patzka made his move to pass on the final stretch, quickly gaining the lead he needed to finish with a national title. Patzka is the first Warhawk Cross Country runner to win the national title.

Gunner Schlender (Brillion, Wis./) kept pace with Patzka, as they were sitting just a second apart after the 5.6K mark. Schlender finished 12th overall, scoring 10 team points, with a time of 24:22.1.

Dan Anderson (Eau Claire, Wis./McDonell) was the next Warhawk to cross, finishing 22nd overall with a time of 24:32.9. In the last 1.5K, Anderson jumped up 9 spots to secure 19 team points for the Warhawks.

The fourth and fifth Warhawk scorers finished less than five seconds apart. Chris Allen (Downers Grove, Ill./North) finished 112th overall (90 team points) with a time of 25:15.6. Dan Anderson (Eau Claire, Wis./McDonell) crossed at 25:19.7 for 122th overall (99 team points).

Alex Metko (Brillion, Wis./) and Conner Murphy also represented on the National Championship Scene. Metko crossed with a time of 26:21.5 and Murphy finished with 26:39.1.

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

Whitewater Unified School District School Board Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater High School Library
435 South Elizabeth Street

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes 2025 tree sale
Cravath Lakefront room, 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
In Person and Virtual
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81705994748?pwd=yHeRbOykhxjlPDgXCA1qwOYIEN8Knz.1
Meeting ID: 817 0599 4748 Passcode: 231322
One tap mobile +16469313860,,81705994748#,,,,231322# US
+19292056099,,81705994748#,,,,*231322# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m. — CLOSED SESSION to discuss the personnel impacts of the audit, discussion of leave request, contract updates, and discuss board governance.
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6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83010860488?pwd=z6QWaZV1VjYYEOQYL9oTcVF91aDYGk.1
– Passcode: 543993
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 830 1086 0488
– Passcode: 543993
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Closed Session
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes  Survey results and communication,  WUSD Strategic Planning & Scorecard Review, High School (Informational), and enrollment/membership update
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88903168120?pwd=SEp0Vk1hWmcrYVM2S2xUTVMzbkMrZz09
– Passcode: 903450
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 889 0316 8120
– Passcode: 903450
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City of Whitewater Finance Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater
*In Person
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81990128957
Or One tap mobile :
+13052241968,,81990128957# US +13092053325,,81990128957# US
Or Telephone:
Dial
+1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 819 9012 8957


City of Whitewater – Notice of Voting Equipment Audit – Wednesday @ 10:00 a.m.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 7.08 and the
Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. § 21081, the City of Whitewater
will conduct a voting system audit on November 27, 2024 at 10:00 am
(unless postponed due to notification of recount) at the City of Whitewater
Municipal Building located at 312 W Whitewater St, Whitewater, WI 53190.
The reporting unit to be audited is Central Count, Wards 8-10, which
utilizes the Dominion Image Cast voting system. The reporting unit and
contests were randomly selected by the Wisconsin Elections Commission.


UW-W Volleyball Punches Ticket to Final 8 with Sweet 16 Sweep

Warhawks pose after winning the regional title (Michael Gouvion)

By Angela Kelm
Aast Athletics Director for Sports Information

Whitewater, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team punched its ticket to Salem with a sweep in the Sweet 16 over UW-Platteville 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-19) Saturday evening in Russell Arena. 

The NCAA Division III Volleyball Championship will be held at the Cregger Center in Salem, Virginia beginning with quarterfinal matchups on December 4. The championship match is slated for December 7.

It was a memorable night in Russell Arena Saturday as the Warhawks dominated to hoist the Regional Championship trophy. UWW hit .337 in the match while holding the Pioneers to just .085 – much to the credit of the Warhawks’ huge block. UW-Whitewater registered 15 blocks in the contest compared to just 3 for UWP. 

The defensive prowess at the net was a factor from the opening serve. UWW rattled off the first seven points of the match with Chloe Werner and Abbie Dix teaming up for a block and Jenna Weinfurt hammering down a pair of kills in the run. The Pioneers narrowed the gap to three, 14-11, but that’s as close as UWW would allow. A four-point run late handed the Warhawks their largest lead of the set, 22-13. A three-point spurt sealed set one as Alayna Jansky tallied a kill on each side of a Werner/Hannah Proctor block. 

Set two went back-and-forth until UW-Whitewater ran off five straight to open up a 10-4 advantage. Werner and Proctor turned away a pair of Pioneer attack attempts in the run. From that point, UWW cruised to a 2-0 advantage in the match. 

A massive triple block opened and put the finishing touches on set three. Werner, Weinfurt and Dix created a wall for the bookend blocks to send the Warhawks into the Final 8. 

Jansky and Werner paced UWW offensively with 10 kills each. Weinfurt added nine and Proctor posted eight. True to form, the blocking stats were impressive Saturday — Werner tallied nine, Dix had eight, Proctor added five while Weinfurt and Krzus each had three. 

Jaedynn Evans led UWW in the digs column with 13 while Jansky added 12. Krzus registered 35 assists adding three kills on the night. 

Following the conclusion of the match, Dix was named the Most Outstanding Player of the regional. Krzus and Jansky were also selected to the 2024 NCAA Volleyball Whitewater Regional All-Tournament Team. 

It’s no surprise that UW-Whitewater’s block was one of the main components of the regional … after all matches have gone final across all regionals, the Warhawks remain atop the national rankings with a jaw-dropping 3.14 blocks per set – the next closest in Division III is 2.85 per set. In regional action alone, UWW averaged an incredible 4.83 blocks per set. Dix became the nation’s top blocker along the way, averaging 1.59 per set. That mark ballooned to 2.67 per set in the three regional matches.

The Warhawks are one of two Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference programs to advance this weekend as UW-Oshkosh will also compete in Salem. The other six teams include Hope, Johns Hopkins, Emory, Washington & Lee, La Verne and Juniata. The Final 8 are re-seeded after the completion of all regional rounds. 

UW-Whitewater is no stranger to the postseason as the Warhawks are amid their 35th appearance in the national tournament. UWW has won two national titles, finished as the national runner-up three times, placed third twice and fourth once along the way. This will be the first appearance for the Warhawks in the Final 8 since 2007. 

More information on the national championship will be posted next week. 

Walworth County Veterans Service Officer to Resign

Nathan M. Bond

Nathan M. Bond, Lt Col. US Army Retired, has announced his resignation as Walworth County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) at the end of January 2025. Bond has served in this vital role since July 2016, following confirmation of his appointment by the Walworth County Board of Supervisors. He began his tenure with Walworth County on March 3, 2014, as the Veterans Service Specialist.

During his time as CVSO, Bond was instrumental in providing assistance, advice, and advocacy for veterans and their families throughout the county. His commitment to improving the lives of veterans has left a lasting impact on the community, ensuring that those who have served our nation receive the support and resources they need.

Bond is stepping down from his position to pursue Command of The Wisconsin American Legion, where he aims to continue his dedication to serving veterans at a broader level.

“I am pleased with the work we have accomplished in Walworth County to support our veterans and their families,” says Bond. “It has been an honor to serve as CVSO and advocate for those who have sacrificed so much for our country. I look forward to taking on new challenges with The Wisconsin American Legion and continuing my mission to serve veterans.”

Walworth County thanks Colonel Bond for his service and unwavering commitment to veterans. His leadership and advocacy have made a significant difference in the lives of many, and he will be greatly missed.

For more information or inquiries, please contact the Walworth County Veterans Service Office at (262) 741-4222.