Sports

Wally & Rod’s Annual Warhawk Auction/Raffle

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Wally & Rod’s Warhawk Auction Raffle.

The 26th Annual Wally & Rod’s Warhawk Auction/Raffle is back IN PERSON this Saturday, November 6 in the Hamilton Room at the University Center on the UW-Whitewater Campus. Beverages and food are included with your $20 ticket, along with your chance to win the grand prize of $2000. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the live auction beginning at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds go to Warhawk Basketball, Baseball, and Football. There is something for everyone! We have golf packages, original furniture, autographed sports memorabilia, Brewers tickets, Bucks tickets, Badger tickets, and Warhawk camps along with gift cards/certificates from local businesses and restaurants!

Hefty Runs at State Cross Country

What a journey! Jack Hefty has certainly made a name for himself wearing a Whippet jersey this season. Today, he was the first Whippet freshman to run in the state meet as an individual since Brett Harms who did the same feat in 2010. Surrounded by seventeen of his teammates that rode up on the bus to cheer him on, he gained tremendous experience as he crossed the line in his race. Jack was able to battle his way to a 117th place finish out of 151 finishers, with a time of 18:50.4. Although not the finish he was looking for, he was able to collect some medals, earn second team all-conference honors, and grab an individual state meet birth this season. Even though a race I’m sure he’d like to re-run, competing at state is always better than not competing at state at all. A wealth of experience and knowledge was gained in just his first 11 weeks as a high schooler.

Adding to the rich tradition of academic excellence as a Whippet runner, Jack will finish his first semester well above the 3.5 GPA standard set to earn Academic All-State status. Once the paperwork is filed and processed, he will receive this award in January.

Please congratulate Jack on a fine freshman season!

Article and Photos Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org

No. 3 UW-W Football Moves to 8-0

By Chris Lindeke
Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding, UW-W

Saturday, October 30, 2021

Statistics: https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/uwwsports.com/documents/2021/10/30/27597.pdf

The No. 3 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team swung the momentum early Saturday with a big defensive play and piled up 517 yards of total offense in a 48-6 victory against UW-Eau Claire in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference contest in front of 11,248 fans at Perkins Stadium.

The Warhawks (8-0 overall, 5-0 WIAC) rushed for 204 yards and added 313 yards through the air, while the defense forced four turnovers and held the Blugolds to 319 total yards, including 75 on the ground.

Alex Peete posted 116 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries. Max Meylor threw for 303 yards and four touchdowns, and Ryan Wisniewski tallied eight receptions for 120 yards and three scores.

Mark McGrath paced the defense with nine tackles, while Kyle Koelblinger contributed six stops, one forced fumble and one pass breakup.

UW-Eau Claire (3-5, 1-4) drove deep into UW-W territory on the first drive of the game, but Koelblinger stripped the ball carrier at the 25-yard line, and Thomas Wojnowski picked it up and ran 75 yards for a touchdown with 13:47 on the clock.

Meylor pinned the Blugolds at their own 1-yard line with a 44-yard punt midway through the quarter, and after UW-Eau Claire was forced to punt, Meylor hit Wisniewski on a shovel pass from 7 yards out to make it 14-0 with 2:51 remaining in the first quarter.

Tegan Christiansen posted an interception on the next drive on a long pass attempt by the Blugolds, and UW-Whitewater turned it around for a nine-play, 95-yard drive, capped by a 15-yard pass from Meylor to Tyler Holte that made it 21-0 with 10:46 to play in the second quarter.

The defense forced a three-and-out on the ensuing drive, and the Warhawks pushed their lead to 28 thanks to a 14-yard pass from Meylor to Wisniewski with 4:44 remaining.

UW-Eau Claire drove to the UW-W 12-yard line late in the half, but Wojnowski picked off Harry Roubidoux at the goal line to keep the UW-Whitewater lead at 28-0 into halftime.

Holte started the second half with a 72-yard kickoff return to the Blugolds’ 23-yard line, and Matt Maldonado kicked a 24-yard field goal to increase the lead to 31-0 with 12:06 to go in the third quarter.

After UW-Eau Claire got on the board with a touchdown, Meylor hit Wisniewski deep down the middle of the field for a 64-yard score and a 38-6 advantage at the 9:01 mark.

The Warhawks added to their lead later in the quarter as Peete bounced a run to the outside for a 24-yard touchdown with 51 seconds left in the period.

Maldonado capped the scoring with a career-long 45-yard field goal with 4:51 on the clock.

On the next drive, Nehemiah Lomax recovered a UW-Eau Claire fumble, and the Warhawks ran out the clock on the final possession.

UW-Whitewater hosts nationally-ranked UW-La Crosse for a showdown of the league’s unbeatens next Saturday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. at Perkins Stadium.

UW-W vs. Wisconsin Basketball Exhibition Game this Friday (Updated with fan policies & COVID protocols)

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

UW-Whitewater plays Wisconsin basketball in an exhibition game this Friday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m. in the Kohl Center, Madison. The only remaining tickets are in the “nosebleed” section for $29 including ticket fee. Click here for tickets.

Know Before You Go: Basketball at the Kohl Center

Fan policies and COVID protocols in place at Kohl Center

It’s been over 18 months since the Wisconsin basketball team has played a game in front of a crowd at the Kohl Center, and we can’t wait to have fans back!

To prepare for our return to the Kohl Center this season, we wanted to share our latest gameday information regarding a safe fan experience and digital ticketing. For more information on carry-in policy and further details, visit our fan policies page.

As a reminder, gates open 90 minutes prior to opening tip and we encourage fans to arrive early!

COVID-19 MASKS
In accordance with UW-Madison Covid-19 guidelines, all fans attending UW men’s basketball games, and all Kohl Center events, will be required to wear masks at all times when inside the Kohl Center regardless of vaccination status, unless actively eating or drinking.

For your safety and the safety of others, Wisconsin Athletics asks fans to please stay home if you aren’t feeling well.

The health and safety of our fans remains our top priority. We will continue to work closely with local and campus health officials to ensure a safe game day experience.

CASHLESS CONCESSIONS
Cash will not be accepted at any concession stands. Patrons may pay with Apple Pay/Google Pay, credit or debit card.

TOUCHLESS RESTROOMS
The Kohl Center restrooms are equipped with touchless toilets, sinks, soap and towel dispensers.

DIGITAL TICKETING (Digital Ticketing FAQ)The fastest and most convenient way to access your mobile season tickets is by using the Badgers app. Fans who need to download the app for the first time can search “Wisconsin Badgers” in the App Store or Google Play Store. To learn more about mobile tickets, please visit UWBadgers.com/digitalticketing. Once you download the Badgers app, please follow these simple steps on your smartphone: Mobile tickets must be downloaded to your mobile wallet in advance of arrival to the Kohl Center. Mobile tickets may also be accessed by logging onto your Wisconsin Athletics ticket account on UWBadgers.com using a web browser on your smartphone, or by clicking on the individual game tickets in your season ticket delivery email on your smartphone.

  • Open your Badgers app.
  • Click on Tickets at the bottom right of the screen.
  • Choose Manage Tickets.
  • Enter the email address and password associated with your Wisconsin Athletics ticket account.
  • Select the match under My Tickets.
  • Tap the Apple Wallet or Google Pay App icon to add the tickets to your mobile wallet.

Your tickets are now saved in your mobile wallet for use on game day.

PRINT-AT-HOME TICKETS
Fans choosing print-at-home tickets will also enjoy easy, contactless entrance to Badgers events. Fans will have their digital tickets emailed to the email address on record with the Athletic Ticket Office. Each ticket must be printed off separately on a standard 8.5×11 sheet of white paper. Print-at-home tickets displayed on a mobile device will not be accepted at the gates.

TICKET SCANNERS
There will be a mix of pedestal and handheld ticket scanners for entry into the Kohl Center. For tickets displayed on a smartphone, we recommend have the screen brightness all the way up for optimal scanning. 

TICKET TRANSFER
Cannot attend a game and want to send your mobile tickets to a friend or family member? Arriving separately from the rest of your party? Use our newly enhanced Ticket Transfer service. Ticket Transfer works well with the Badgers app and allows you to send your mobile tickets via text message or email for free. For more information, please visit UWBadgers.com/digitalticketing.

KOHL CENTER ENTRY/CARRY-IN POLICY
Doors open 90 minutes before each game. Fans are encouraged to review the carry-in policy.

ARRIVE EARLY (Approx. Entry Times)
• 90-45 minutes before: No delays (less than 1 minute to enter)
• 45-25 minutes before: Moderate delays (5-10 minutes to enter)
• 25 minutes – opening tip: Longer delays (15-25 minutes to enter)

Metal detectors will continue to be used as part of the security screening at the Kohl Center, but fans will no longer need to remove cell phones, keys or other personal items as they walk through the detectors. All bags will still be subject to search upon entry.

STUBHUB
Wisconsin Athletics is proud to partner with StubHub, the ‘Official Fan to Fan Ticket Marketplace’ of the Wisconsin Badgers. This exciting partnership with StubHub allows you more freedom in pricing, number of ticket listings and lets you reach more ticket buyers than ever before. Unable to attend a match and want to sell your tickets? Or, looking to purchase tickets to a match? Be sure to visit StubHub as all purchases are fully supported by the UW Ticket Office. Only purchase tickets from a trusted source.

VET TIX
Wisconsin Athletics is proud to partner with the Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), a nonprofit organization founded by veterans dedicated to support and honor the US. military community, veterans and their families. By partnering with Vet Tix, Wisconsin Athletics supports the mission of Vet Tix of providing tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life. Vet Tix supports our troops by honoring their service and providing positive family and life experiences, during and after their years of service to our country. Vet Tix provides tickets to all branches of currently serving military and veterans. Vet Tix secures tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, educational and family activities across the nation. Since 2008, Vet Tix has given out over 7.5 million tickets and are active in all 50 states! For more information about Vet Tix, click here.

Donating tickets to Vet Tix is a FREE electronic service for volleyball, football, women’s hockey, men’s hockey, women’s basketball, wrestling and men’s basketball.

Hefty Headed to State Cross Country Meet

What a day to be a Whippet! Both the boys’ and girls’ CC teams dished out incredible efforts on Saturday, October 23 on the challenging terrain that the course at UW-Parkside offers. A combination of three things contributed to their strong day. First was their mental toughness, secondly, the culmination of the season’s work, and lastly, favorable weather conditions for runners. 

Jack Hefty

The boys were up first, and fans were treated to strong races from top to bottom. Freshman Jack Hefty was able to turn around what was a tough day at the conference meet last week and absolutely throttled the competition to finish 6th overall in 17:16, just 10 seconds off his season best on a much tougher course. He nabbed the fourth individual qualifier spot (the top 5 individuals not on the top two qualifying teams also go to state) and looked the best he has all season. Jack knew what was possible, didn’t shy away from the opportunity, and trusted his legs to do the work that they were prepared to do. Senior Cooper Hammond put together a great race and finished in 26th place with a time of 18:41. Sophomore Nate Holden and Junior CJ Tomomitsu raced together and finished in 54th and 56th, respectively with times of 19:50 and 19:53. Freshman Miles Nickelsburg had a great race compared to the last few as did Junior Ben McCulloch. They came across the line in 78th and 79th with times of 21:21 and 21:27. Senior Andrew Rollette made the most of his final race in a Whippet uniform by running close to a lifetime personal best, running 22:32 and finishing in 90th place. The boys’ team had a solid team showing and earned a 7th place finish overall out of 15 teams. 

The girls’ team continued their steady racing that they displayed a week ago at the conference meet and were led by Junior Caelyn Caputo who has modeled solid consistency in the back half of the race season. It doesn’t matter how challenging the conditions are, or how difficult the course, she has been so steady. Caelyn finished in 35th with a time of 23:15. Junior Emma Weigel and freshman Nola Coburn found each other early in the race and it paid off in spades as Emma ran her second best time of the year, and Nola ran her season best, as they finished in 39th and 40th place with times of 23:40 and 23:42. Senior Sophie Walton was seconds off her season best time by running a 23:55 and took 45th place. Senior Gwen Truesdale had been working through some quad pain lately but was able to run her final race in a Whippet jersey to place 49th with a time of 24:29. Senior Olive Coburn ran her season best as well, placing 52nd in 25:03. Senior Jenni Villarreal ran her season best time when it mattered most, her final race as a Whippet, in 26:13 to place 60th. The girls’ team earned a 7th place finish out of 13 teams. 

The last team race is always a bittersweet day as we say goodbye to the seniors that have contributed an immeasurable amount to the program. Their work ethic, leadership skills, grit, guidance, steadiness, and humor are just a small glimpse of the things that will be missed most as they have concluded their days in a Whippet CC uniform. The staff is already eager to hear from them as they enter “the real world” and come back to visit or compete in the Dirk Seibold Alumni Meet in the future.

Full Results: http://wisconsinrunner.com/results/2021/2021stcatssectional/

Jack Hefty will be racing in the WIAA Division 2 State CC Meet on Saturday, October 30th, in Wisconsin Rapids, at the Ridges Golf Course. His race will begin at noon. Please congratulate the Whippets on tremendous races if you see them, and also wish Jack well in his first ever state race!

State Meet information can be found here: https://www.wiaawi.org/Sports/Fall/Boys-Cross-Country/Tournament#50481249-state-tournament-meet-information

Article and Photo Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org

Women’s Tennis Earns 15th Straight WIAC Championship

By Chris Lindeke, Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding, UW-Whitewater

Sunday, October 24, 2021

Women’s Tennis Earns 15th Straight WIAC Championship

WIAC Championship Web Page/Results: https://wiacsports.com/sports/2021/9/16/WTEN_0916212159.aspx

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s tennis team claimed its 15th consecutive conference title Sunday on the second and final day of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship (Presented by Culver’s) at Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison.

The Warhawks totaled a league-best 55 points at the tournament, which counts for two-thirds of the criteria for the championship. UW-W combined that with its conference-high seven points from the dual meets in the fall to earn the program’s 22nd conference title all time.

UW-Whitewater will now host the four-team WIAC Team Tournament this spring to determine the league’s automatic qualifier for the NCAA Tournament, which begins in May.

Olivia Kraft led the Warhawks with titles at No. 3 singles and No. 1 doubles. She topped UW-Stevens Point and UW-La Crosse in straight sets Sunday on the way to her first career singles title.

Kraft then paired with Autumn Bruno at No. 1 doubles for an 8-6 victory against top-seeded UW-Eau Claire for Kraft’s second career doubles championship.

Bruno and Gianna Nikoleit finished as runners-up at the Nos. 1 and 2 singles positions, respectively. Other second-place finishes included Kellie Ha at No. 4, Courtney Day at No. 5 and Molly Rueth at No. 6. Day took the first set in her final before being edged in a third-set super tiebreaker.

Ha combined with Madalyn Bigelow to place second at No. 3 doubles. Rueth and Day defeated UW-Stevens Point to finish third at No. 2 doubles.

Following play, Ha was selected as the team’s representative on the WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team. Kraft was named WIAC Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete. (A complete announcement will be released soon.)

The Warhawks’ spring season is scheduled to begin March 4 with a dual meet at Division I Northern Illinois.

See below for UW-Whitewater’s individual results from Saturday and Sunday.

Singles

Autumn Bruno – No. 1

First Round: d. Kailey Courteau (UW-River Falls) 6-0, 6-0

Semifinal: d. Elaine Franta (UW-Eau Claire) 6-0, 6-0

Final: lost to Kimberly Steinert (UW-La Crosse) 6-3, 6-2

Gianna Nikoleit – No. 2

First Round: Bye

Semifinal: d. Faith Leithold (UW-Stevens Point) 6-3, 6-2

Final: lost to Tasha Bailey (UW-La Crosse) 6-1, 6-2

Olivia Kraft – No. 3

First Round: Bye

Semifinal: d. Jenna Koepp (UW-Stevens Point) 6-3, 6-3

Final: d. Kellie Hierl (UW-La Crosse) 6-3, 6-2

Kellie Ha – No. 4

First Round: d. Hannah Stitt (UW-Oshkosh) 6-0, 6-0

Semifinal: d. Hannah Riegle (UW-La Crosse) 6-1, 6-2

Final: lost to Samantha Fuchs (UW-Eau Claire) 6-1, 6-4

Courtney Day – No. 5

First Round: Bye

Semifinal: d. Chloe Leithold (UW-Stevens Point) 3-6, 6-0, 1-0 (12-10)

Final: lost to Alexa Brooks (UW-Eau Claire) 0-6, 6-2, 1-0 (10-8)

Molly Rueth – No. 6

First Round: Bye

Semifinal: d. Kaylee Woelfel (UW-Stevens Point) 6-1, 6-2

Final: lost to Kaitlyn Kalinka (UW-La Crosse) 6-4, 7-5

Doubles

Autumn Bruno/Olivia Kraft – No. 1

First Round: d. Michelle Spicer/Jenna Nolde (UW-Oshkosh) 8-1

Semifinal: d. Kimberly Steinert/Kellie Hierl (UW-La Crosse) 8-7 (7)

Final: d. Lindsey Henderson/Elaine Franta (UW-Eau Claire) 8-6

Molly Rueth/Courtney Day – No. 2

First Round: d. Alysa Pattee/Hannah Stitt (UW-Oshkosh) 8-0

Semifinal: lost to Tasha Bailey/Kaitlyn Kalinka (UW-La Crosse) 8-0

Third Place: d. Faith Leithold/Kaitlyn Hess (UW-Stevens Point) 8-4

Madalyn Bigelow/Kellie Ha – No. 3

First Round: Bye

Semifinal: d. Grace Henes/Chloe Leithold (UW-Stevens Point) 8-2

Final: lost to Alexa Brooks/Morgan Nelson (UW-Eau Claire) 8-1

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Hamilton Gym & Field

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Historical Society.

Its time once again for #flashbackfriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Football is in full swing on college campuses, including the UW-Whitewater. This week’s view is the Hamilton Gym and Hamilton Field, the center of the university’s sports life prior to 1966 and 1970. Built in 1915, the Hamilton Gym was used for indoor sports until 1966, when the Williams Center opened. Hamilton Field was the location of college football until 1970, when the new Warhawk Stadium (Perkins Stadium) was completed. Hamilton Gym lived on for recreation and other purposes until 1983, when it was demolished.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society collections.

(5513PC Whitewater Historical Society)

No. 3 Warhawk Football Edges UW-River Falls

No. 3 Warhawk Football Edges UW-River Falls

Chris Lindeke, Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
October 23, 2021

Box Score: https://uwwsports.com/sports/football/stats/2021/uw-river-falls/boxscore/15414

The No. 3 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team took the lead with just under three minutes to play Saturday and held on late for a 34-28 victory at UW-River Falls in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference contest.

After the Falcons (5-2 overall, 2-2 WIAC) tied the game with 5:41 left in the fourth quarter, Jaylon Edmonson returned the ensuing short kickoff 46 yards to the UW-RF 19-yard line.

From there, Matt Maldonado put his 28-yard kick through the uprights to give the Warhawks (7-0, 4-0) a 31-28 advantage.

On the ensuing kickoff return, Daniel Baggett forced a fumble that was recovered by Kyle Koelblinger at the Falcons’ 14-yard line.

Three plays later, Maldonado hit a 31-yard field goal to double the UW-W lead to six with 1:51 on the clock.

On the first play from scrimmage on the next drive, Koelblinger picked off Kole Hinrichsen at midfield, and UW-Whitewater ran out the clock for the win.

Quarterback Max Meylor threw for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Tamir Thomas and Alex Peete led the Warhawks’ rushing attack with 83 and 74 yards, respectively. Derek Kumerow posted five receptions for 64 yards to lead all receivers.

Koelblinger led the defense with four tackles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery. Linebackers Shane McGrail and Aaron Sturdevant tied for the team high with six tackles apiece.

UW-Whitewater scored touchdowns on its first two offensive possessions and forced three-and-outs defensively on UW-River Falls’ first two possessions.

After a 41-yard punt return by Dain Hudson that was moved back to the Falcons’ 40-yard line on a penalty, the Warhawks took six plays to find the end zone. After a third-and-12 completion from Meylor to Ryan Wisniewski, Tyler Holte caught a 6-yard touchdown from Meylor at the 10:34 mark of the first quarter.

Thomas set up UW-Whitewater’s next touchdown with runs of 22 and nine yards, respectively. Meylor hit Wisniewski for a 23-yard score to make it 14-0 with 6:33 to play in the period.

UW-River Falls tallied 21 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a 21-14 advantage into halftime.

After a UW-W punt, the Falcons drove near midfield. On third down, Niko Lemke recovered a UW-RF fumble to give the Warhawks the ball at the Falcons’ 44-yard line.

From there, UW-Whitewater tied the game at 21-21 on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Meylor to Sam DeLany with 10:16 remaining in the third quarter.

Following a UW-River Falls punt, the Warhawks took the lead on a 10-play, 70-yard drive that included a 16-yard pass from Meylor to Kumerow on fourth-and-4 from the Falcons’ 33-yard line. Edmonson ran for 11 yards, and Peete completed the drive with a six-yard scoring run with 2:51 to go in the frame.

A turnover deep in UW-W territory set up UW-River Falls’ game-tying touchdown and set the stage for the final six minutes of action.

UW-Whitewater hosts UW-Eau Claire during Homecoming next Saturday, Oct. 30, at 1 p.m. at Perkins Stadium.

Volleyball Season Ends with Loss to #1 McFarland

The Whippet Volleyball Season came to an end Thursday night when they lost (7-25, 12-25, 10-25) to McFarland that is the #1 seed in the region and the #3 seed in the state for Division 2.

Caleigh Yang

Whitewater finished the 2021 season 14-16 overall and 5-4 in the Rock Valley Conference for a 4th place finish.  

Stats Leaders for the night:
Kills: Kindyl Kilar-7
Assists: Avery Hintz-7
Digs: Caleigh Yang-8

Article Submitted by Kathy Bullis
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
kbullis@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob and Peter Mischka