Following a tough loss the night before, the boys’ varsity wrestling team traveled to Monroe for an individual tournament on Saturday, January 25. The boys recovered quickly from the previous day’s disappointment. Since the tournament was individual, each wrestler had their own personal goals for the day. It was inspiring to see them test their determination in the quest for victory and overcome adversity throughout the event.
Jarvis Porcaro (2nd from the left)
Leading the way was Jarvis Porcaro. He opened the day by winning his first match by pinning his opponent. This victory propelled him into the semifinal match against a competitor from Belmont/Platteville, where he won decisively by a major decision, 15-1. This win advanced him to the finals against a tough wrestler from Boscobel/Wauzeka-Steuben. We believe this was one of Jarvis’s best matches of the year. He displayed persistence throughout the match and secured the victory with a last-second takedown.
As mentioned earlier, each wrestler had individual goals, and most were able to achieve at least some of them. Following Jarvis in the tournament standings were Jason Porras, Traysen Thomason, and Avi Kalra. All three wrestlers won their first-round matches but lost in the second round. This loss placed them in contention for fifth place, which they fought hard to attain.
Overall, it was a very successful tournament. The Whippets finished 9th out of 16 teams, despite competing with only 11 wrestlers. The coaches were impressed with how the team performed after a tough loss the night before. As a team, they have committed to continuous improvement throughout the season, aiming to peak at the right time.
Article and Photo Courtesy of John Schimming Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach jschimming@wwusd.org
On Thursday, January 30th the Whippet Boys’ Swim Team held their final conference dual meet at home against Delavan-Darien. The Whippets closed out the regular season with a 126 to 32 win over the Comets. The boys went 21 of 28 best times and even had a few try out a new event.
Boys’ Swim
Angel Kilar and Jack Hefty both swam the 200 Free for the first time this season, Angel swam an impressive 2:58.78. Jack won the event with a time of 2:00.86, with Mateo Bazeley close behind where he went a 2:02.90, dropping 8 seconds. Jack’s time put him 10th on the Whippet Top 10 List.
Andrew O’Toole gave the 200 IM a shot and had a great swim going a time of 2:48.93. Xavier Ortiz stepped up to the challenge and crushed his previous time by 20 seconds.
Sam Nickelsburg, Isaac Straight, Cruz Aranda, and Langdon Coburn all went best time in the 50 Free.
Jack Hefty dropped 4 seconds in his 100 Butterfly going a time of 1:02.66, and Myles Morse dropped 8 seconds going a time of 1:03.90.
Wyatt Esch continues to drop more time in the 100 Freestyle going a time of 1:02.50 while battling it out against teammate Andrew O’Toole who went a time of 1:02.36.
Langdon Coburn and Caleb Kluck both gave the 500 Freestyle a try for the first time. Langdon went a time of 5:47.80, and Caleb went a time of 6:54.94. Sam Nickelsburg had a massive time drop; he dropped over 42 seconds going a time of 6:38.94.
Myles Morse swam the 100 Backstroke for the first time this season going a 1:11.98. Wyatt Esch dropped 3 seconds going a 1:14.50.
Cruz Aranda and Mateo Bazeley both swam the 100 Breaststroke for the first time. Cruz went a time of 1:10.70, which puts him 8th on the Whippet Top 10 List. Isaac Straight continues to drop time going a time of 1:29.60.
The Whippets are now headed into Championship Season. We have JV Conference up first on Tuesday, February 4th.
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Beloit Turner defeated Whitewater 59-45 in RVC Girls’ Basketball action Friday night, January 31, at Whitewater High School.
The game was back and forth for most of the first 15 minutes, and Turner built a five-point lead at halftime. In the second half, the teams played even until Turner went on a quick 9-2 run to take a 53-42 lead.
Calli Grosinske led all Whippet scorers with 23.
Whitewater plays at Delavan-Darien on Thursday, February 6, and then will have their last home game against Monroe on Tuesday, February 11. It will be senior night and parents’ night.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach dowmi01@wwusd.org
The Whippet Boys’ Swim Team hosted Beloit Memorial on Tuesday, January 29th. The boys pulled off a big win on Senior Night beating Beloit Memorial 108 to 61. The night was spent celebrating our seniors and all their success in the pool as Whippets!
Seniors Andrew O’Toole, Jack Hefty, Myles Morse, Miles Nickelsburg, and Isaac Straight
Senior Jack Hefty went a season best time in the 200 IM with a time of 2:24.55 and a lifetime best in the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:13.31; he sits 10th on the Top 10 List.
Senior Myles Morse went season best times in both of his individual events and won both events on the night. In the 200 Freestyle he went a time of 2:08.17 and in the 500 Freestyle he recorded a time of 5:38.94.
Senior Miles Nickelsburg went a lifetime best in both of his events. Miles won the 50 Freestyle with a time of 26.62 and put up a great swim in the 500 Freestyle where he dropped 16 seconds to go a time of 5:51.05
Senior Andrew O’Toole went a lifetime best in the 50 Freestyle going a time of 27.07. Andrew also continues to swim a strong 100 Backstroke and recorded a time of 1:24.17.
Senior Isaac Straight dropped 2 seconds in his 50 Freestyle going a time of 37.19 and dropped 6 seconds in his 100 Breaststroke going a time of 1:32.35.
Other highlights from the night included Cruz Aranda going 2/2 in best times in the 100 Fly going a time of 58.98 putting him 6th on the Whippet Top 10 List. Langdon Coburn also had a stellar 100 Fly going a time of 59.26 where he now sits 7th on the Whippet Top 10 List! Wyatt Esch and Xavier Ortiz tried out new events for the first time and both absolutely crushed them! Caleb Kluck dropped 7 seconds and Sam Nickelsburg dropped 13 seconds in the 200 Freestyle. David Enns dropped 3 seconds in the 100 FR going a time of 1:03.98.
The Whippets close out their regular season on Thursday, January 30th at home against Delavan-Darien. Swimming starts at 5:30 pm; come cheer on the Whippets at their last home meet!
Article and Photos Courtesy of Sarah Reynolds Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
On Saturday, January 25th the Whippet Boys’ Swim Team traveled to Jefferson to compete in the EagleJay Invite. The boys took 2nd overall and had some really good swims!
Whippet Boys’ Swim Team
Top 16 Finishes Include:
200 Medley Relay
Relay A (6th – 2:04.59) Miles Nickelsburg, David Enns, Myles Morse, Caleb Kluck
Relay B (10th – 2:17.09) Wyatt Esch, Isaac Straight, Sam Nickelsburg, Xavier Ortiz
200 Freestyle:
Cruz Aranda – 1st (1:55.75)
Miles Nickelsburg – 6th (2:15.29)
200 IM:
Myles Morse – 5th (2:34.64)
50 Freestyle
Mateo Bazeley – 2nd (24.29) Now 10th on the Whippet Top 10 List tied with his brother Devin; Jack Hefty – 3rd (24.69) Caleb Kluck – 13th (27.28) Wyatt Esch – 14th (27.32)
David Enns – 15th (27.92)
100 Butterfly
Langdon Coburn – 4th (1:00.06) Now 7th on the Whippet Top 10 List
Sam Nickelsburg – 9th (1:10.67)
100 Freestyle
Cruz Aranda – 1st (51.69) Now 6th on the Whippet Top 10 List
Mateo Bazeley – 2nd (54.53)
500 Freestyle
Myles Morse – 1st (5:42.67)
200 Freestyle Relay
Relay A (1st – 1:38.23) Jack Hefty, Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley, Cruz Aranda
Relay B (8th – 2:02.71) Xavier Ortiz, David Enns, Angel Kilar, Sam Nickelsburg
The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball Team fell to Evansville 48-36 on Thursday, January 23, in a game played at Whitewater High School.
Whitewater took an early 12-8 lead, but Evansville went on a 15-0 run to close the first half. The second half was evenly matched as Evansville never led by more than 15, but Whitewater never got within eight points.
Emery Kachel led the Whippet scorers with 10, followed by Zoe Kohl with 9.
Article Courtesy of Mike Dowden Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach dowmi01@wwusd.org
UW-Whitewater gymnastics named their meet in Kris Russell Volleyball Arena in Williams Center against Simpson College on January 18 in honor of Kara Welsh. An incoming senior from Plainfield, Illinois, Welsh was allegedly killed on August 30 in a shooting in a downtown apartment by another student with whom she had a relationship. Welsh was the 2023 national champion in the vault. She was also a two-time WIAC Champion in the vault, tying the program record in 2024.
In advance of the meet, Jennifer Regan, head coach said, “As Warhawk gymnastics begins a new season, Kara Welsh is in our hearts and minds. She was a positive light and a source of inspiration for everyone who knew her. We plan to honor Kara and her legacy inside the gym and out, by supporting one another and pursuing excellence in a sport that we love. This season is for her.”
According to a report on WMTV, “during the meet members of the Whitewater team and fans wore customized t-shirts with the words ‘for her,’ in honor of Kara.” The video from WMTV may be viewed here.
Previous articles on The Whitewater Banner regarding Welsh and the shooting may be found here and here.
Get ready to hit the field! The Quad County League is excited to announce the 2025 Youth Baseball and Softball Recreation Program. This program provides a fantastic opportunity for kids to stay active, learn new skills, and build friendships while enjoying America’s favorite pastime.
Program Details: The Quad County League includes teams from surrounding communities, offering opportunities for players at the following grade levels:
2nd Grade Softball (participating in the Windmill League, based in Lake Mills)
3rd & 4th Grade Baseball
5th & 6th Grade Baseball
7th & 8th Grade Baseball
Key Information:
Practices: Held twice a week in April and at least once a week during the May season.
Games: Approximately 12 regular-season games, culminating in an end-of-season league tournament (typically the third week of July).
Sessions: Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM (based on availability).
Baseball & Softball:
Included Gear: Players receive a hat/visor, jersey, and drawstring bag.
What to Bring: Players must purchase their own pants, and baseball cleats are recommended (no metal spikes allowed).
Teamwork and Development: Kids will develop social skills, learn to work as a team, and compete in a supportive environment.
Focus on Fun and Learning: Young players will learn the basics of the game, improve their skills, and have fun working with teammates.
Included Gear: Players receive a shirt (baseball cleats are optional).
Registration Deadline: May 16, 2025 How to Register: Visit www.wwparks.org to sign up today!
Volunteers Needed: A successful season depends on the support of volunteer coaches. If you’re passionate about helping kids learn and grow, consider becoming a coach for the season!
Don’t miss this opportunity to get your child involved in a fun and enriching program. Let’s make this season a home run!
Uecker throwing out a pitch in 2011 – By Steve Paluch – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19924016
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today released the following statement regarding the passing of Bob Uecker: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of one of Wisconsin’s own, Mr. Baseball himself, the great Bob Uecker. For more than 50 years, Bob brought the magic of the ballpark to life for so many, and I am sure I speak for Brewers fans everywhere when I say we gladly would have had him for 50 more.
“He wasn’t just a comedian and a great announcer—Bob was a man of character and integrity. Throughout his career, he made countless contributions to the history and culture of Major League Baseball, and he was active in giving back to our communities and our state. Boy, we’re going to miss him.
“He was beloved, not just in Wisconsin but across the country. He was a giant, and I—like so many other lifelong Brewers fans—will miss hearing his enthusiasm and love for the game and our Brewers on the airwaves. It’s a sad day. Kathy and I are thinking of his family, friends, the Brew Crew, and all those who knew and loved Ueck. He will always be remembered.”
The following statement was released by Uecker’s family:
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Bob. To many, he was an announcer and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended the game, but to us he was so much more. Bob faced a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023, which he met with the same strength and resilience that defined him. Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter. He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma, and love for baseball, Milwaukee, and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy that will forever be cherished. While his contributions to the game are noteworthy, it is his kindness, humility, and love for family and friends that we will hold closest to our hearts. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time as we grieve and celebrate the man we were so lucky to call ours.” — The family of Bob Uecker
In a statement released by the club, Uecker’s family said he had battled small cell lung cancer since early 2023. “Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter,” the family said.
This statement was released by the Milwaukee Brewers:
“Today, we take on the heaviest of burdens. Today, we say goodbye to our beloved friend, Bob Uecker. Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss. He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; his presence warmed every room and he had a way of welcoming all of us into his world as if we were lifelong friends. Saying goodbye to Bob shakes us all. He was so much more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He was a national treasure. Bob entertained us with his words and storytelling, so it is no surprise that his passing now leaves us at a loss for our own words There is no describing the impact Ueck had on so many, and no words for how much he was loved. We are left with a giant void in our hearts, but also remember the laughter and joy he brought to our lives throughout the years.” — Milwaukee Brewers
After retiring, Uecker started a broadcasting career and served as a play-by-play announcer for Milwaukee Brewersradio broadcasts from 1971. Uecker became known for his self-deprecating wit and became a regular fixture on late night talk shows in the 1970s and 1980s, facetiously dubbed “Mr. Baseball” by TV talk show host Johnny Carson. He hosted several sports blooper shows and had an acting career that included his role as George Owens on the television program Mr. Belvedere and as play-by-play announcer Harry Doyle in the film Major League and its two sequels.
….Prior to the 2021 season, Uecker had never signed an official written contract with the Brewers to do the team’s play-by-play, instead agreeing to do so via an undisclosed number of handshake agreements with either Bud Selig or Mark Attanasio, the owners of the team. He signed a contract in 2021, in order to be covered under the Brewers’ health insurance plan after cuts to his SAG-AFTRA benefits for acting work.[14][15]
From 2022 to 2024, Uecker teamed with Jeff Levering and Lane Grindle to call Brewers home games on WTMJ in Milwaukee and the Brewers Radio Network throughout Wisconsin.[16] He was well known for saying his catchphrase “Get up! Get up! Get outta here! Gone!” when a Brewers player hit a home run.[1
