Sports

UW-Whitewater Athletics: Ryan Callahan Named Interim Athletic Director

Ryan Callahan

Ryan Callahan, a member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus community for more than 15 years, has been named Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. The announcement was sent to all university faculty, staff and students by Interim Chancellor Cheryl Green.

Callahan most recently served as Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations, a position he held for the last two years. In that role, Callahan maintained operating budgets for all 20 sport programs and oversaw event management, NCAA/postseason reporting and campus purchasing. He also played a role in capital projects and strategic planning.

“Ryan brings a wealth of experience to this important position for our campus and Warhawk Athletics,” Green said. “For a number of years, he has been a strong and collaborative leader at UW-Whitewater. I believe the breadth of his experiences – from his roles as Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations and Director of Continuing Education, to his time as a Warhawk student-athlete – will enhance the solid foundation that exists in our athletics department. He is committed to creating an environment of excellence for our student-athletes, inspiring them to excel in the classroom, the community, and their chosen sports.”

Callahan began working at UW-W in 2007, serving in multiple campus roles before being named Director of Continuing Education. He began working in intercollegiate athletics after serving as Director of Continuing Education from 2012-17. In that role, he assisted with the campus-wide effort in identifying, planning and providing non-credit programming that addresses needs and opportunities among regional constituencies and their communities. His role included oversight of all UW-Whitewater Camps and Clinics, where he worked closely with the UW-W athletic department.

Callahan was a member of the Warhawk baseball team from 2000-01 and 2003-04, helping the team reach the NCAA Division III World Series in 2003 and claim Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004. A three-time all-conference and two-time all-region honoree as a pitcher and outfielder, Callahan is among the top 10 in the program record book in career shutouts, innings pitched, strikeouts and walks allowed per nine innings. After graduation, Callahan played several years within the San Francisco Giants organization as a pitcher. He served as an assistant baseball coach at UW-Whitewater upon arriving back on campus.

Whippet Softball Team Defeats Big Foot

The Whitewater girls’ softball team improved to 8-3 in conference and 9-5 overall with a 10-2 win over the Big Foot Chiefs on April 23.

Whitewater got behind 2-1 after the first inning but pulled away with 5 runs in the third inning and 3 runs in the fourth. Morgan Gransee and Liz Katzman had 2 hits each while Katzman also scored 3 runs. Kailey Ruhl drove in 3 runs while Kiyla Kopecky and Catherine Yang each drove in 2 runs.

Sara Johnson pitched an outstanding game as she gave up only 2 hits while striking out 13 Big Foot batters. Johnson improved to 7-3 on the season.

Next up for the Whippets is a game against Brodhead on Thursday April 25th. This game will be played at Brodhead.

UW-Whitewater Football Announces 2019 Schedule

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team has released its 2019 schedule, which begins Sept. 7 at Perkins Stadium against Dubuque (Iowa) at 2 p.m.

More information will be released about season tickets and parking in the coming months.

The Dubuque game is one of three non-conference contests on the 2019 slate for the Warhawks, who enter the program’s 126th season of competition this fall.

UW-Whitewater topped Dubuque 38-6 on the road in its 2018 season opener. Members of the American Rivers Conference, the Spartans finished with a 7-3 record last season, and are coached by former UW-W offensive coordinator Stan Zweifel.

The Warhawks visit Concordia-Moorhead (Minn.) on Sept. 14 for a 12 p.m. kickoff in another rematch from last season. The Cobbers finished 5-5 last fall, including a 4-4 mark in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

UW-Whitewater defeated Concordia-Moorhead 24-6 at Perkins Stadium in last year’s affair.

The non-conference season closes Sept. 21, when the Warhawks visit St. Xavier at 1 p.m. in Chicago. The Cougars reached the NAIA national quarterfinals and finished with a 9-4 record in 2018. UW-Whitewater last played St. Xavier on Sept. 5, 2008, at Perkins Stadium, posting a 24-9 victory.

Following a bye week, the seven-game Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference schedule kicks off on Oct. 5 at home against UW-Eau Claire. The contest, which begins at 2 p.m., is part of Family Fest weekend at UW-Whitewater.

The Warhawks continue action at Perkins Stadium Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. with a game against UW-Platteville for the Miner’s Axe. The game will be the 25th edition of the George Chryst Bowl in honor of former Pioneers head coach George Chryst, who passed away suddenly in 1992.

UW-Whitewater hits the road for games at UW-Stevens Point on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. and at UW-River Falls on Oct. 26 at 1 p.m.

After hosting UW-La Crosse on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m., the Warhawks close the home portion of the schedule Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. against UW-Stout for Shriners Day and Senior Day at Perkins Stadium.

The regular season concludes Nov. 16 with a 1 p.m. game at UW-Oshkosh.

UW-Whitewater won the program’s 36th WIAC championship and reached the NCAA Division III semifinals for the 11th time in program history in 2019. The team finished with a 13-1 record, including a 7-0 mark in conference play.

View the entire schedule here.

Former WHS tennis team member, Betsy Hixson, signs Letter of Intent with Dominican College

Former Whitewater High School tennis team member Betsy Hixson, recently signed a national letter of intent to play tennis for NCAA Division II member Dominican College of Orangeburg, New York.

Hixson played on the conference championship WHS team her freshman year before her family moved to Smithfield, Utah.

She played three years for Sky View High School, qualifying for the Utah State High School tournament in her junior and senior years.

Dominican College tennis coach Joseph Gravagna said he is excited to have Betsy on the team, and he is confident she will make a great addition to the tennis program at Dominican.

Hixson was also awarded an academic scholarship.

Former Whippet voted to the NCCAA DII South Region All-Freshman Team

Daniel Fuller was voted to the NCCAA DII South Region All-Freshman Team

Former Whippet Daniel Fuller was recently voted to the All-Freshman Team by the coaches of the NCCAA DII South Region. Injuries and other personnel issues opened the door for Daniel to make the team right before the season started and caused the team to get off to a slow start. Midway through the season Daniel cracked the starting lineup and was a key contributor to the Bruins finishing 7-1 in their regional play.  Fuller averaged 8.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 43% from beyond the arc.

“I’m very happy for Daniel to receive this recognition from the coaches in our region,” Bruins men’s basketball head coach Burton Uwarow said. “He works hard and does things the right way while always looking to improve. We wouldn’t be where we are this season without him and the impact he has had on our team this year.”

For more visit the Bob Jones University announcement here.

Youth Wrestlers Meet Their High School Wrestlers

On Thursday night the youth wrestlers of Whitewater had the opportunity to have a short practice on the varsity mat prior to the varsity competing against Clinton. It provided the young wrestlers the chance to show off to the fans what they have been learning so far in their season.  During the varsity competition the team appreciated the excitement the young wrestlers brought to the stands. After the dual meet the high school team had a meet and greet of the youth and gave out a trading card of themselves for the youth to have to remember the night.

It was an enjoyable experience not only by the youth but the high school wrestlers also stated it was a lot of fun meeting the young wrestlers.

WHS wrestler Brianna Staebler ranked in first-ever Wisconsin Girls High School Wrestling Rankings

WHS’s Brianna Staebler is ranked #3 in her class in first ever WI Girls High School Wrestling Rankings. (Photo courtesy of Bob Mishcka)

182/195
1 – N/A – Natalie Kemp Sun Prairie 12
2 – N/A – Asia Rave Black River Falls 10
3 – N/A – Brianna Staebler Whitewater 10
4 – N/A – Ann Tess Sun Prairie 11
5 – N/A – Savannah Ahnen Racine Case 11

Wisconsin Wrestling Online introduces first-ever Wisconsin Girls High School Wrestling Rankings

WIWrestling.com is happy to present the first-ever Wisconsin Girls High School rankings. These rankings recognize girls on wrestling teams at their Wisconsin high schools.

Wisconsin Numbers and Girls High School Wrestling Tournaments

Girls wrestling numbers have grown at all levels in Wisconsin with over 280 girls setting out to join wrestling teams at their high schools for the 2018-2019 season. This growth has motivated Wisconsin Wrestling Online (WIWrestling.com) to prepare girls rankings for the first time ever.

Successful girls’ divisions were offered for the second year in a row, hosted at the following tournaments in 2018-2019; Fond du Lac Invite, Badger State Invitational in Madison (sponsored by Stoughton high school) and the Brookfield Central Lancer Invitational.

See entire article and rankings at WIWrestling.com.

Whitewater Gymhawks Youth Gymnastics Team Compete at Wisconsin State Championships

Photos by On Your Mark Photography

Eleven Members of the Gymhawks Youth Gymnastics Competitive Team in Whitewater recently competed at the 2018 Level 2-5 Wisconsin State Gymnastics Championships Meet held at Waukesha West High School on December 1- 2. The event was hosted by Swiss Turners Gymnastics Academy. Team members had to receive qualifying scores in prior 2018 gymnastics meets to participate at the State Level. A total of 859 gymnasts competed from throughout the state, with athletes competing against those of similar ages and skill levels.

Gymhawks Team member highlights include Level 3 gymnasts competing for the first time at a State level:
Level 3:

  • Amethyst Gruennert, led the Level 3 team by scoring a Personal Best 9.525 on Balance Beam, scored in the Top Five in all 4 events (Vault, Bars, Beam, and Floor) and recorded a Personal Best All-Around Score of 37.050.
  • Hannah Baldry earned two 3rd Place medals – by scoring a Personal Best 9.550 on Balance Beam and 8.950 on Floor, and recorded a Personal Best All-Around Score of 36.150.
  • Bella Grassi scored Personal Best 9.450 on Balance Beam, placed in Top 8 in 3 of 4 events and earned her Personal Best All-Around Score of 35.425.
  • Bailey LeRoy also scored a Personal Best 8.80 on Balance Beam and earned a place in the Top Ten in all four of her events, and earned an All-Around Score of 35.250

Level 4:

  • Ava Zepezzauer led the Level 4 team, with a Personal Best 8.80 on Floor, a Top 9 placing in Vault and an All Around Score of 34.575.
  • Falyn Krahn earned 1st Place for her Personal Best Balance Beam score of 9.40 and earned a Personal Best All-Around Score of 34.075.
  • Loralie Arnold earned a 3rd Place medal for her Personal Best Balance Beam 9.250 and a season high Personal Best All-Around score of 33.975.
  • Courtney Knox and Ava Recob rounded out the Level 4 team and both achieved Personal Bests on Bars (8.70 & 8.50) and each also earned Personal Best All-Around Scores (of 33.075 & 32.650)

Level 5:

  • Rhianna Pena earned 1st Place Balance Beam medal for her 9.30 score, a Personal Best 8.825 on Vault (4th Place), and a 3rd Place All-Around Score of 34.625.
  • Mickie Simmons earned a 7th Place medal for Floor with 8.625 and an All-Around Score of 32.825.

The Gymhawks competitive team currently consists of 21 team members, competing at Levels 3 – 7. While the Level 3- 5 athletes have just finished their 2018 competitive season with their performance at the State Meet, the Level 6-7 athletes are just beginning their competitive season.

The Gymhawks Gymnastics program is a developmental gymnastics program run by the UW-Whitewater Gymnastics team. Young gymnasts learn in state-of-the art facilities with professional and caring staff and train in the same facilities as the five-time NCGA Division III National Gymnastics Champions Whitewater Warhawks. Gymhawks offer recreational group sessions, private and semi-private lessons, gymnastics camps, birthday parties, and has a USAG Competitive Team.

For more information about Gymhawks Gymnastics, contact Head Coach Allison Annala at gymhawks@uww.edu or 262-472-1454, find them on Facebook under “Gymhawks Gymnastics” or at the University of Whitewater’s website http://www.uww.edu/ce/camps/athletic/gymhawks

Jason Bleck announced as new WHS football coach

Whitewater High School Athletic Director Jim Pease is pleased to announce Jason Bleck as the Whippets’ new football coach. Mr. Bleck takes over the whippets after being an assistant coach since 2017.

Coach Bleck played for the Whippets from 2002-2005 before he attended UW Lacrosse where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in math-Education. Coach Bleck’s coaching career began in 2010 at Watertown High School where he served as a football and basketball coach . He worked for Watertown Schools as a High School Math Teacher for 7 years . In addition to coaching football, Mr. Bleck teaches Math at Whitewater Middle School.

Pease added, “I am excited to have Jason Bleck as the new leader of the Whippet Football Program. He is the person who can lead the program toward its future goals.”