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
This past Friday evening, Jack Hefty was recognized as the Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association Division 2 Cross Country Runner of the Year. The following script was written and read aloud by the WCCCA Vice President Andy Lelinski:
“Jack Hefty notched wins in two of his three invitationals this year, at McCarty Park at the Bulldog Invitational to start the season, winning by 26 seconds, and under the lights at the Lake Mills Nightfall Classic, winning by 13 seconds and breaking 16 for the third consecutive time this season. Even his lone loss of the season is impressive–another sub 16 effort at the Midwest Invitational. His championship season consisted of nothing but victories: a 48 second victory at the Rock Valley Conference Championship, a 22 second victory at the Whitewater Sectional, and a five second victory at the state championship. Congratulations Jack, on capping your high school career with an impressive season, and on being the Division Two Boys Runner of the Year.”
Jack Hefty
Congratulations, Jack!
Article and Photo Submittted by Chad Carstens Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach ccarstens@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling Team had a busy week starting off with a trip to Lodi on Monday night, January 6, and closed it out with a 39-team tournament at Muskego on Saturday, January 11. Both of these events were very good for the girls as they had the opportunity to see some teams that they will be training to compete against in the tournament series which is a month away.
Ema Aranda – 2nd Place at Muskego
The girls wrestled well at Lodi coming in 3rd place out of the 8 teams competing. A’Lani Ross led the way for the Whippets going 3-0 on the night with two pins. Ema Aranda followed by going 2-1 on the night with 2 pins as well. Also going 2-1 was Payton Taylor who had a couple of very good matches that forced her to stay in good position in the closing moments to maintain her lead. She showed good shot defense which was nice to see as it is something we as a team have worked on for the girls.
On Saturday our girls then traveled to Muskego to compete in the 2025 Warrior Cup Girls’ Invitational. The tournament featured 39 teams from both large and small schools. Going into this event, our girls recognized that it would be a challenging day. Eleven girls participated, and they all agreed that their goals were to maintain a positive attitude and put in their best effort. With this focus, they knew they would wrestle well.
Leading the team was sophomore Ema Aranda, who achieved four impressive victories, propelling her to the championship match, where she fought hard but ultimately finished in second place. A’Lani Ross secured fourth place, gaining positive experiences that will help her improve her wrestling skills. Marianna Kubicz also finished in fourth place. As a team, the girls ended up in eighth place out of 39 teams.
This tournament was an excellent opportunity for the girls to identify areas for improvement both as individuals and as a team. They understand that some of their competitors that day will likely be the same ones they face at the end of the season. The girls are eager to rise to the challenge, work hard, and enhance their wrestling skills as the season progresses.
Article by John Schimming Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach jschimming@wwusd.org
During the recent Wisconsin Cross Country Coach Association Clinic in Brookfield, the Academic All-State Teams were announced.
The 2024 team of Jack Hefty, Xavier Zei, Miles Nickelsburg, Luc Pomazak, Andrew O’Toole, Onyx Thompson, and Isaac Straight was not only outstanding on race day but also in the classroom. They were so good that they finished third overall across the entire state in division two! Their team GPA of 3.89 is simply outstanding and the epitome of student-athletes.
Andrew O’Toole, Xavier Zei, Luc Pomazak, Onyx Thompson, Isaac Straight, Miles Nickelsburg, Jack Hefty
Congratulations, guys!
Final standings 1. University School of Milwaukee 3.98 2. West Salem 3.92 3. Whitewater 3.89 4. Rhinelander 3.83 5. Monroe 3.80 6. New London 3.80 7. Dodgeville/Mineral Point 3.78 8. New Berlin Eisenhower 3.71 9. Port Washington 3.70 10. Chilton 3.68 11. Osceola 3.68 12. Watertown Luther Prep 3.67 13. Mauston 3.52
Article and Photo Submitted by Chad Carstens Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach ccarstens@wwusd.org
The following, and the image on the homepage, is from an article that was published on January 3 on Pittsburghsportsnow.com
“Jake Frantl spent four seasons at Pitt, and while he never saw the field with the Panthers, he’ll have a chance to see the field a whole lot more back home.
Frantl — 6-foot, 205-pound redshirt junior walk-on quarterback from Erin, Wisc. — transferred to Wisconsin-Whitewater (D-III) for his final season of college eligibility, he announced on social media. He entered the transfer portal last month.
It’s a big opportunity for Frantl to finish his college career on a high note after serving as a key practice quarterback for the Panthers over the last few seasons.
Wisconsin-Whitewater is coming off a 6-4 (4-3 WIAC) season, failing to qualify for the Division III playoffs. But there’s a history of major success, and the Warhawks are looking for a quarterback.
Frantl initially committed to Pitt as a preferred walk-on in 2021, arriving for the ACC title-winning season as the newest quarterback.
He didn’t see the field during his four seasons in Pittsburgh, but Frantl played an important and often unrecognized role with the team. He often served as the quarterback, spending time during practice with the position players and throwing up balls to the wide receivers and tight ends.
It can be hard for a walk-on to make an impact at his school, but Frantl is someone who made an impact with the program — and will have a chance to make an impact on the field elsewhere…..”
On Thursday night, January 9, the Whippet Wrestlers were back in action after some time off from hosting the 46th annual Mid-States Tournament and recovering over Winter Break by hosting neighboring Delavan-Darien.
Coming into the evening Coach Schimming knew without a doubt that this was going to be a competitive dual meet with quality wrestlers at both ends setting the tone for a great night for fans. The Whippet JV team did not disappoint, coming out and winning 9 out of the 10 matches and looking much improved in the process.
132 Pounds – Brady Friend285 Pounds – Junior Soto
In Varsity action, the Whippets got things started strong with two first period pins at 144 and 150 pounds by Connor Friend and Traysen Thomason. Ironically both used the exact same technique on their way to their pins. A fan mentioned to Coach Schimming afterward, “Well, can see what was drilled over break!”
The Whippets dropped the next four matches in a row, all by pins, putting the team in a hole that would require the team to really dig their heals in down the homestretch. Junior Soto stopped the Comets in their trajectory toward a victory by getting a first period pin over his opponent at heavyweight. The teams traded forfeits at 106 and 113. To Jarvis Porcaro and Jasen Porras’s displeasure they each received a forfeit, bringing the team score to a deadlock at 36-36. Brady Friend came out with a lot of confidence and was able to secure a big pin to put the Whippets up 42-36. Adding to the excitement, the Comets were able to get the pin in the final match to tie up the dual meet.
After the excitement of the dual meet for fans, students, and coaches, it was determined by criteria letter F that Whitewater would win based on having filled more of the weight classes. This pushed the Whippets to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Rock Valley Conference “Valley” Standings.
The team is next in action on Tuesday night, January 14, when they travel to Edgerton to take on the Tiders of Edgerton and the Trojans of Beloit Turner. Both duals look to be good competitive matches for the Whippets as well to help prepare them for the upcoming tournament series less than one month away. Wrestling at Edgerton High School will begin at 5:00.
Article Submitted by John Schimming Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach jschimming@wwusd.org Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
