The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball Team traveled to Cambridge for a non-conference game on Monday, January 31. It was a defensive first half, and by the end we were down 15-22. Cali Kopecky dominated the court scoring 10 of our 15 points.
In the second half, we came out strong, closing the gap to 23-27. After a Cambridge time out, we struggled to connect offensively; the Blue Jays dominated in the paint, and we lost 26-60.
Cali Kopecky led the Whippets, scoring half of our total points, with 13, going 3 for 3 from 3-point range. Gwen Truesdale followed with 4. Kindyl Kilar and Danielle DePorter both contributed 3. Mayte Navejas had 2, and Cali Grosinske added 1.
We travel to Jefferson* for a conference game Thursday, February 3.
*Masks will be required for players, coaches, and fans.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach klippens@wwusd.org File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whitewater Boys Basketball earned a split of their last two games by defeating Delavan-Darien, 49-41, on Saturday, January 29th, after losing to East Troy, Thursday, January 27th, 57-40.
Wyatt Nickels and David Rubio driving for scores
Wyatt Nickels led Whitewater with 14 points and 9 rebounds against Delavan, while sophomore David Rubio chipped in 12 points, hitting four three-pointers. Playing a more deliberate style of offense and deploying an aggressive zone defense, Whitewater gradually pulled away from a 27-all tie with nine minutes left in the game. The Whippets hit nine free throws in the last three and a half minutes to ice the game. Sam Brown added 9 points, Jon Aron scored 8, and Ramon Wence had 6 points to round out the scoring.
The East Troy game was much closer than the final score indicates. Wyatt Nickels scored 16 points to lead Whitewater to a 25-23 halftime lead. Unfortunately, the Whippets had a hard time scoring to begin the second half, as East Troy went on a 10 -0 run in the first three minutes. They maintained that lead throughout the second half, before making free throws at the end to get to the final score. Nickels’ 16 points and Jon Aron’s 10 points led Whitewater in scoring.
Whitewater’s next game is Tuesday, February 1st, at Walworth Big Foot. The next home game is Friday, February 4th, against Brodhead.
Article Submitted by Dwayne Lange Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Saturday, January 29, 2022, is a day that will go down in sports history for the WIAA and Whitewater’s Ashly Xochipa had the opportunity to be a part of this historic day! For the first time ever, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, the Governing Body of Wisconsin High School Sports, sponsored the Women’s State Wrestling Championships in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Twelve weight classes, with over 220 girls, participated in this first ever sanctioned state tournament, with our first 12 ladies being able to say they were the first Woman State Champion in Wisconsin.
Ashly after her second pin at State
Ashly Xochipa participated in the 132-pound weight class that had 27 ladies looking to be named the first 132-pound state champion. Ashly represented her family, school, and community very well throughout the day. She started off the tournament with a quick first period pin of a young lady from Holmen. This pitted her against a very good freshman from Bonduel. She came up on the short side of this match. This girl did advance to the state championship match only to come in runner-up against a young girl who travels worldwide to compete.
Ashly did not let the loss get her down as she came back and secured two more pins in the consolation bracket. Both of these matches were extremely well wrestled and she used excellent technique to come out on top in each of these matches. Ashly saw her first state tournament come to an end with a tough loss to a very strong girl from West Salem. Once in the consolation bracket each match is a must win scenario to reach the podium, and Ashly did well for herself, placing in the top 12 in her weight class.
Whitewater is proud of the performance on the day going 3-2 in our first Women’s State Wrestling Tournament. This is just the first of what we are hoping will be many trips to this tournament for our ladies in Whitewater. The atmosphere was outstanding all day, and the excitement was excellent throughout the day watching some very good young ladies display their hard work in the sport of wrestling. We should all be thankful that the WIAA has joined others in providing these opportunities to the young women in our state.
Ashly and the rest of the Whippet Wrestling team will be in action on Tuesday night, February 1, when they host Janesville Craig in their final dual meet of the season. Wrestling with JV begins at 6 and Varsity begins at 7:00.
Article and Photo Submitted by John Schimming Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach jschimming@wwusd.org
The past week was a busy week for the Whippet wrestlers as they had two dual meets in one week for the first time all season, and both were on the road.
On Tuesday, January 25, the Whippets traveled to Beloit Turner to close out the Rock Valley Conference duals. Turner and Whitewater have historically had great dual meets with each other, and it has become an exciting event for both teams. Due to illness, the Whippets knew they were going to have to step up in some areas of competition and go after the bonus points at weight classes. The team did a great job throughout the night and was able to secure a 39-31 victory. Coming up with wins for the Whippets included Jarvis Porcaro, Connor Friend, Traysen Thomason, Marcus DePorter, Aaron Porras, Carter Friend, Mason DePorter, and Leo Ortiz.
Connor Friend
Next on the schedule, the Whippets traveled to Oregon to battle the Panthers in a non-conference dual meet. The evening was full of wrestling as young Whippets and young Panthers in the clubs were paired up and participated in 21 matches mixed in with the junior varsity before the varsity teams participated. This was an exciting night for the young wrestlers as there were some great match ups, and for Whitewater, it was the first time many of them had competed in front of people. Feedback said a great time was had by both sides.
Onto the varsity event! Yet again, the Whippets had to make up some ground due to continued illness, so yet again, guys had to step up and get after bonus points. The meet was very exciting from the very first match to the very last, with great competition between the teams. Whitewater got the ball rolling and was able to secure the victory 41-33. Coming up with wins for the Whippets included Jarvis Porcaro, CJ Tomomitsu, Connor Friend, Traysen Thomason, Marcus DePorter, Aaron Porras, Carter Friend, and Leo Ortiz. CJ Tomomitsu showed much more control of the match from the previous week at a tournament when he defeated his opponent 2-0. This week he came up with the victory 8-1, in a very well wrestled match. Also putting in excellent matches were Connor Friend and Traysen Thomason. These three weight classes in a row helped get the needed snowball rolling for the Whippets. The two wins on the week improved the Whippets to 8-1 on the season.
Whitewater closes out their regular season with a busy week. On Tuesday night, February 1, they host another Non-Conference dual meet against Janesville Craig. JV begins at 6:00 and Varsity at 7:00. Thursday, February 3, the JV team will have the opportunity to hit the mat against Badger High School, with wrestling starting at 6:00. Saturday, February 5, the Whippet Varsity will travel to participate in the Rock Valley Individual Conference Tournament. Wrestling begins at 10:00 in Brodhead.
Article Submitted by John Schimming Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach jschimming@wwusd.org File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball Team travelled to Beloit Turner for a conference match up Friday, January 28th.
Calli Grosinske
After losing to Turner by 2 points earlier in the season, the Whippets were ready for a win. The first half was a low scoring, defensive battle. We were up by only 1 at half after Danielle DePorter hit Mayte Navejas for a layup right before the buzzer.
The Whippets tightened up their defense, moved the ball well, and connected on their shots in the second half, to secure the win, 51-28.
Freshman Calli Grosinske led the Whippets, scoring all of her 14 points in the second half (2 for 2 for 3 pointers) and adding 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 assists. Kindyl Kilar had her second double-double in a row, with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. Mayte Navejas added 8 points and 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal. Cali Kopecky contributed 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. Gwen Truesdale also added 6 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 assists. Danielle DePorter contributed 3 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds.
The Whippets travel to Cambridge for a non-conference game Monday, January 31st. JV starts at 6:00 pm and Varsity at 7:30 pm.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach klippens@wwusd.org File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whitewater Whippet Boys’ Swim Team swam in their last regular season dual meet at home against a tough Badger Co-op. But the Whippets did not disappoint; we had multiple bests from all of our swimmers!
In the 200 Medley Relay, Tyler Arnett had a season best split in the 50 Backstroke going a 31.93, and Jack Hefty also had a season best split in the 50 Butterfly going a 28.31.
Tyler Arnett racing to a 2nd place finish against Badger in the 500
In the 200 Freestyle, Tyler Arnett improved his season best time, going a 2:06.60
In the 200 IM, Jack Hefty improved his overall time by 4 seconds, going a 2:32.80
In the 50 Freestyle, both Miles Nickelsburg (31.18) and Andrew O’Toole (32.15) went best times!
In the 100 Freestyle, Zach Tomomitsu improved his time by going a 1:23.29.
In the 500 Freestyle, Tyler Arnett put on a great race, getting a 2nd place finish and a season best time of 5:31.30.
In the 100 Backstroke, Miles Nickelsburg had a 14 second drop and went a 1:24.90. Zach Tomomitsu also had an impressive drop of 8 seconds!
In the 100 Breaststroke, Andrew O’Toole continued to drop his time, going 16 seconds faster than his previous time.
In the 400 Freestyle Relay, Jack Hefty was able to go a best time in the 100 Freestyle with a 59.13. Miles Nickelsburg also had an impressive split, going a 1:12.14
The Whippets are now entering championship season and will compete in the Conference Championship Meet at Delavan-Darien on Saturday, February 5th, beginning at 11 a.m.!
Article Submitted by Sarah Reynolds Whitewater High School Co-Head Swim Coach sreynolds@wwusd.org Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whitewater High School Gymnastics Team competed in a triangular on Tuesday, January 26, against Janesville Parker and Milton High Schools.
Our very own Halee Peters placed 2nd in All-Around, with a 31.75. She had a solid performance in all 4 rotations and maintained her place on the 8.0 club for 2 events. Halee had a career best on the Vault, scoring an 8.4, and contributing to the highest team score of the season for Vault. She also had a career best score on Floor with an 8.25 – captivating the crowd with her amazing performance. On Beam she landed her dismount – a gainer off the end of the beam – a new move she just learned the day prior! It’s always fun to watch her passion for this sport.
Izzy Dieter had a great night with two career best scores, a 7.7 on the Vault and a no fall routine on the Beam. Izzy competed in three out of four varsity events for this meet and contributed to the team scores – she is proving she is a true competitor and solidifies how hard she is working in the gym to rise up to the challenge.
Nola Coburn flew through the air, scoring a season best on the Vault, while Makayla Bazeley hit a season best on her amazing Bars routine. Both freshmen were All-Around competitors and did their part in contributing to team scores across the board.
Estephany Reyes-Saldana and Myia Cobbs showed their skills on the Beam – both earning season best scores, with Estephany having a no fall beam routine. Lexi Kunke and Maritza Vidales both impressed the judges and improved their season best scores on their respective Floor routines.
Come out and support your gymnastics team as they compete in their last home meet of the season next Tuesday, February 1st, against Badger and Union Grove High Schools.
Article and Photos Submitted by Shawnda Peters Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach speters@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Whippets Girls’ Basketball Team played a conference game at home against the East Troy Trojans on Tuesday, January 25. It was a tight game in the first half with the Whippets leading 31-28.
The first part of the second half remained tight, and we were down by one with about 10 minutes left in the game. Gwen Truesdale connected for two to give us the lead, which we were able to maintain until the end.
Kindyl Kilar led the Whippets with a double-double scoring 15 points (2 for 2 from 3-point range), pulling down 11 rebounds, and adding 2 assists and 1 block. Danielle DePorter scored 12 points, going 5 for 5 from the free throw line. Cali Kopecky added 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal. Mayte Navejas also added 7 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. Gwen Truesdale contributed 7 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 assist. Calli Grosinske added 5 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Aidyn Amundson contributed 4 points, going 2 for 2 from the free throw line.
Kindyl Kilar
Kindyl Kilar
The Whippets will travel to Beloit Turner on Friday, January 28.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach klippens@wwusd.org Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whitewater Gymnastics Team traveled to Southwestern High School on Saturday, January 22, for an invitational. The girls really pushed themselves against a very competitive lineup of teams and gymnasts with 16 season best scores, 2 career bests, and our highest team score of the season, along with a couple first time competitors.
Whitewater started out strong on the beam scoring our highest season team score. We had five no fall beam routines by Myia Cobbs, Lexi Kuhnke, Miyu Tekeda, Brooke Bazeley, and Makayla Bazeley. Scoring season personal bests were Jackie Franco, Brooklyn Griswold (by 2 points), Nola Coburn, Myia, Miyu (1st time competing on beam), Brooke Bazeley, and Makayla Bazeley.
Up next, we took on gloor where Brooke Bazeley scored a career personal best, and Myia Cobbs introduced her round off back handspring that she has been working so hard on.
Vault proved to be a very strong rotation with four out of five season personal best scores and the highest season team score. Halee Peters, Izzy Dieter, Myia Cobbs, and Nola Coburn all had solid performances to score their highest scores of the season.
The team’s last rotation was on bars where Izzy Dieter competed for the first time of the season. Nola Coburn had a season best score, while Halee Peters had her best ever bars routine with a career high.
You don’t have to wait long to watch these girls bring their best, as they compete in Janesville on Tuesday, January 25th, against Janesville Parker and Milton.
Article and Photos Submitted by Shawnda Peters Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach speters@wwusd.org
On Saturday, January 22, the Whitewater Wrestling Team traveled to Monroe, Wisconsin, to participate in the 39th annual Monroe Invitational. This is an outstanding event as the personnel in Monroe do a great job, and there is some great competition from the Western part of Wisconsin.
Whitewater wrestled very well throughout the day. After the semi-final round, the team found themselves in 2nd place, but the consolation semi-finals are very important in team races, as it determines who goes for 3rd and who goes for 5th. The Whippets rose to the occasion and won many of the matches contested in that round. In the final round of the tournament, Whitewater had 3 in the finals, 6 in the bronze medal match, and 3 in the 5th place match. Whitewater also claimed the team championship over the other 10 participating schools.
Medalists
Team Champions
Bringing home championships for Whitewater were Carter Friend and Mason DePorter. Each of them wrestled very well throughout the day. Mason ended the day having pinned all three of his opponents. Aaron Porras came up just short in the championship in a hard-fought match against his opponent from Darlington.
Bringing home bronze medals for Whitewater were Jarvis Porcaro, Jason Villegas, Marcus DePorter, and Payton Lyon. All four of these gentlemen wrestled well. Jason Villegas wrestled the best that I have seen him wrestle in his career, and he is starting to put things together very well. He started off the day with a nice pin and then had a very hard-fought victory to win the bronze medal. Payton Lyon was able to avenge his first round loss by defeating the same opponent in an excellent match for 3rd place. DePorter battled back after a tough semi-final loss to have two dominating wins in the consolations to claim 3rd, as did Jarvis Porcaro. Jarvis had three really nice wins on the day on the way to his bronze medal.
The coaching staff was very pleased with a job well done on the victory. It was truly a team effort. No matter where they placed on the podium, all points were a premium for the team.
This week the team travels to Beloit Turner on Tuesday to close out Conference duals, and on Thursday, the team travels to Oregon to take on the Panthers of the Badger Conference.
The JV Wrestlers also had a great weekend! Qualifiers for the State JV Challenge Series Finals in Wausau included Ashly Xochipa, Traysen Thomason, Hector Arnodo (3rd place,) Yovanni Royas-Reyes, Sebastian Cuellar (5th place), and Armando Villarreal (5th place). Whitewater has had the opportunity to have students qualify for this event in years past, but this is the first year we have brought home medal winners. The competitors are in brackets with 24 competitors for their weight class so bringing home a medal is a great accomplishment.
Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming, Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach jschimming@wwusd.org File Photo on Main Page Courtesy of Bob Mischka
