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The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater finished 14th in the 2024-25 Learfield Directors’ Cup. A total of 323 Division III institutions are ranked in the Directors’ Cup standings. The Warhawks have finished among the top 20 for 16 consecutive seasons dating back to 2007-08.
UW-Whitewater compiled 737.25 points across three seasons of competition. UW-Whitewater added 360 points to the institutional total this spring behind a national title for Warhawk baseball that secured 100 points. Softball advanced to the super regional to garner 64 points while outdoor track and field combined for 72. Men’s tennis added 50 after advancing to the second round of regional action while the women secured 25 points this season. The women’s golf team rounded out the phenomenal spring with 49 points from their championship appearance.
The winter campaign saw four Warhawk programs combine for 207.25 points. Women’s basketball led the way with yet another Sweet 16 appearance for 64 points. The wrestling team finished 13th at nationals for 63 points. Men’s indoor track and field also finished 13th for 62.25 points while the women’s program added 18 to the UWW total. UW-Whitewater ranked 20th in the standings following winter competition.
The Warhawk volleyball team bolstered UWW in the fall with a national runner-up finish that claimed 90 Directors’ Cup points. The men’s cross country team added 80 after finishing fourth at the Division III championship for a total of 170 points in the fall.
Four Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference institutions are ranked among the top 30 in the final Learfield Directors’ Cup standings making the WIAC the most competitive public school conference in Division III. Only two conferences had more teams among the top 30 – the University Athletic Association (UAA) and the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).
More Information on the Learfield Directors’ Cup:
The Directors’ Cup measures the overall athletic success of collegiate institutions. Points are awarded based on each institution’s finish in up to 18 NCAA sports – nine women’s and nine men’s. Men’s and women’s basketball and men’s and women’s soccer must be counted among the total.
The Directors’ Cup did not take place during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2013-14, UW-Whitewater finished second in the Directors’ Cup standings, the school’s all-time best finish.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the UW-Whitewater Athletics Department. The following article is from the WIAC website.
All Eight WIAC Institutions Finish In Top 101 of Directors’ Cup Standings
CLEVELAND–All eight Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) institutions have finished in the top 101 of the 2024-25 Learfield Directors’ Cup NCAA Division III standings.
UW-La Crosse topped the conference entries, placing 10th with 856 points, while UW-Whitewater was 14th with 737.25, UW-Eau Claire 21st with 654.75, UW-Oshkosh 28th with 562.50, UW-Platteville 59th with 331, UW-Stout 73rd with 280, UW-Stevens Point 94th with 218.50 and UW-River Falls 101st with 194.60. A total of 324 institutions were represented in the final standings.
Emory University (Ga.) accumulated 1,198.75 points to claim the top spot in the standings that recognize the best NCAA Division III overall athletics programs in the country. Johns Hopkins University (Md.) finished second with 1,147, Tufts University (Mass.) third with 1,069, Washington University in St. Louis (Mo.) fourth with 1,044.75 and Middlebury College (Vt.) fifth with 971.75.
The WIAC secured five NCAA Division III titles during the 2024-25 academic year as UW-La Crosse won men’s cross country, men’s indoor track & field and men’s outdoor track & field, while UW-River Falls claimed the women’s ice hockey championship and UW-Whitewater posted a first-place finish in baseball. UW-La Crosse also captured the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association championship.
The Learfield Directors’ Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are awarded based on each institution’s finish in NCAA championships.
The virtual WeCope lunch and learn series will begin June 25th and is open to the public. University of Wisconsin Madison – Division of Extension educators will be offering an online six-session lunch and learn opportunity this summer designed specifically on finding the good. Beginning Wednesday, June 25 and meeting from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM through July 30, 2025, this Lunch and Learn Series will give people the tools they need to feel better every day.
WeCOPE is an evidence-based program that helps adults cope with life stress by connecting with positive emotions. This program has been shown to increase positive feelings, reduce stress, and improve health behaviors in randomized trials.
WeCOPE is based on the work of Dr. Judith Moskowitz, whose research shows that even in the context of serious life stress, positive emotions can and do occur and these emotions have positive adaptive consequences. The course includes an activity book with simple assignments for participants to complete between sessions as well as a journal. Materials and the class itself are currently free thanks to SAMHSA ROTA Grant #1H79TI083277-01; there may be a $10.00 fee to ship materials outside of the hosting counties.
Register for this team-taught series by using this link: go.wisc.edu/15kcue .Materials can be picked up in Barron County’s Extension Office, or several other Extension offices, by arrangement. Details, including the Zoom link, will be provided in an email before the class starts.
For more information, feel free to reach out to Extension Barron County Human Development and Relationships Educator, Missy Bablick via phone or email: 715-788-6217, missy.bablick@wisc.edu
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension–Walworth County.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Be Kind Whitewater and Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL).
Join Be Kind Whitewater and Whitewater Unites Lives in celebrating all that summer has to offer with a free community “Picnic in the Park and Food Drive” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 at Cravath Lakefront Park.
This fun, free, and family-friendly event will include live music by Idledaze, games, arts and crafts, food, and an opportunity to connect with people from our community. Bring your own picnic dinner or pick up something from one of Whitewater’s many wonderful restaurants and food trucks. Please bring your own chairs/blankets, and a nonperishable food donation for The Community Space. Let’s celebrate the beauty of Whitewater and the first night of summer!
In case of light rain, we will be under the stage and pavilion. If there are storms, the picnic will be canceled.
Be Kind Whitewater is a grassroots, community-based, non-partisan group that promotes kindness, connection, civility, and creative expression for the betterment of our community and region.
Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
For more information, email bekindwhitewater@gmail.com or go to our website at www.bekindwhitewater.weebly.com
The Safe Haven box, which is currently in the “testing phase.” After the ceremony it will be put in service. [Lynn Binnie photos except the third one]
The instructions that are mounted above the box.
This photo is not of the inside of Whitewater’s box but it may be somewhat similar.
The City of Whitewater and Whitewater Fire & EMS invite the public to attend a blessing and dedication ceremony for the city’s newly installed Safe Haven Baby Box on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The event will take place at 312 W. Whitewater Street, on the west side of the building.
According to State Statute 48.195, a parent can leave their unharmed newborn, under 72 hours old, anonymously and without fear of prosecution in a newborn infant safety device, or with a LEO, EMS provider, or hospital staff member. This life-saving resource allows a parent in crisis to legally accomplish this surrender anonymously. The Safe Haven Baby Box is equipped with alarm systems and climate control to ensure a rapid response from trained personnel and the health and safety of the surrendered infant.
The ceremony will include remarks from city and state officials, representatives from the Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization, and members of the Whitewater community who helped lead the initiative. A demonstration of how the box works will also be provided, followed by a blessing and officially placing the Safe Haven Baby Box in service.
The Whitewater Safe Haven Baby Box reflects the city’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable residents.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.
Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team, traveled to Sheboygan from June 13-14 for the inaugural Wisconsin State Robotics Championship. The team ended the qualification round ranked 8th out of the 31 teams at the event. They became the captain of the #6 seeded playoff alliance and ended the event in a tie for 5th place.
Each team played 6 qualification matches at the state championship with randomly assigned alliance partners. Ferradermis went 4-2 in these matches, earning a total of 24 out of 36 possible ranking points. This left them ranked 8th. The #1 ranked team, the Hilltoppers from Divine Savior-Holy Angels High School and Marquette University High School earned 29 of the possible 36 ranking points.
After qualifications, the top 8 teams are guaranteed the opportunity to select their own alliance for the playoffs. The #1 Hilltoppers requested that the #4 ranked team, Nicolet FEAR from Nicolet High School join their alliance. The #5 and #6 ranked teams also joined forces. This moved Ferradermis into the #6 alliance caption position, up from their initial 8th ranking. Ferradermis first invited Team 1306 BadgerBots from Middleton and then Team 6421 WarriorsBots from Muskego High School to join their alliance.
The Ferradermis led alliance lost a close first playoff match to the #3 seeded alliance 162-156, moving them to the lower half of the double-elimination bracket. The match was so close that the winner was not immediately apparent when time expired, and the teams needed to wait for a final point determination from the referees. The #3 seed, captained by RoundTable Robotics from Oak Creek High School would end up making it all of the way to the finals before falling to the eventual champion Hilltoppers alliance. In their second playoff match, the Ferradermis alliance defeated the #7 seed 165 – 123. They then fell to the #5 seeded alliance 205-141 and were eliminated.
Recent graduates Andrew O’Toole, Emerson Dunham, and Andrew Zimmermann traveled to the event to assist with training members for new roles. The drive team consisted of new driver Ace Hudec, and the in-season crew of Operator Erison Dreksler, Technician Nina Heim, and Human Player Jayden Kehrer. Rae Breisath continued to serve as scouting lead, representing the team for alliance selections along with Cyrus Hudec and drive team representative Erison Dreksler. Margaret Brown continued her role as team videographer, and Cooper Housel continued as team media representative. New business subteam lead Virginia Nelson worked alongside Emilie Bruns and Letty Trautman, visiting each team’s pit to learn about potential fundraising and sponsorship ideas. Asher Downs had the opportunity to volunteer to help with the production of event t-shirts and hats. Incoming freshmen Owen Taylor and Mason Genung, who were invited to attend based on their role on the middle school FTC team, spent a great deal of time in the pit learning about the robot.
Emerson Dunham and Cyrus Hudec were also given the opportunity to volunteer as judges for the FIRST Lego League Explore teams (grades 2-4) displaying their season’s work at the event. The duo was able to have a 15-minute conversation with the youngsters on each team to explore what they had learned during the season before determining awards.
The 2025 State Championship event was a test run of new equipment and a new venue for FIRST Wisconsin as they prepare for the future. Up until this point, Wisconsin teams have participated in the “regional” competition model. In this model, Ferradermis traveled annually to Duluth, Minnesota and sometimes into Illinois to compete with teams from around the country and world during the season. As more and more schools in Wisconsin have begun to start robotics teams, the state has been preparing to switch to the “district” model of competition. During the 2026 regular season, which kicks off on the first Saturday of January, Wisconsin teams will begin to compete in-state. Teams will accumulate points at two in-state district events, and the top point-earning teams will then be invited to compete at the state championship. Points are earned based on qualification rankings, alliance selection position, and success in the playoffs as well as awards won. Teams will advance to the FIRST World Championship in Houston only from the state championship. Teams will still have the option to compete out-of-state during the season, but those events will not count in the point standings. This means that out-of-state teams could still attend Wisconsin district events as well. The off-season (May – December) will continue to offer out-of-state competition opportunities, too.
Ferradermis will next be in action at MROC (the Mukwonago Robotics Offseason Competition) on July 26 and 27 at Mukwonago High School. They have two off-season competitions planned for October – TWIST at Muskego High School and Roboteer Rumble in Tremont, Illinois.
Ferradermis is open to new members beginning Thursday, June 19. Any student entering grades 9-12 at Whitewater High School this fall or any homeschooled student residing within the geographic boundaries of the Whitewater Unified School District is welcome to participate. Summer meetings are from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Room 306 at Whitewater High School. Students should enter the building through Door #38, which is between the rear of the auditorium wing and the overhead shop doors. Students may also choose to join in the fall once school starts. If you have questions about membership, please reach out to Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Payton Bunger received his State FFA Degree at the State FFA Convention held June 9-12 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Payton applied for and earned this award based on his involvement in FFA activities at the chapter, state, and national levels, community events, and a stellar SAE (Supervised Agriculture Experience). He accepted his degree on stage at the 2025 State Degree recipient session, from (now retired) State FFA President, Jescey Thompson.
Article and Photos Submitted by Allison Parsons
Whitewater High School Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor
paral01@wwusd.org
Pictured: volunteer Lisa Dawsey Smith for Downtown Whitewater, Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, and members of the Whitewater Team for Generac
Downtown Whitewater, Inc. is pleased to announce a generous $3,000 donation from Generac, a continued supporter of community-building efforts in Whitewater. This funding will directly support two highly anticipated 2025 events: the Annual Parade of Lights and Family Day at the Whitewater Area 4th of July Festival.
The Parade of Lights, scheduled annually for the first Friday in December, will take place this year on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Whitewater. This magical event draws families and visitors of all ages to experience illuminated floats, festive music, and a celebration of local creativity and holiday spirit.
The donation will also support Family Day, held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., as the kickoff to the Whitewater Area 4th of July Festival. Thanks to Generac’s continued support, families can enjoy a petting zoo complete with pony and camel rides — all free of charge to the public.
“Community traditions like the Parade of Lights and Family Day are cherished by Whitewater families and visitors alike,” said Lisa Dawsey Smith, volunteer for Downtown Whitewater, Inc. “Generac’s support helps make these events more accessible, engaging, and memorable for everyone who attends.”
Downtown Whitewater, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving downtown district through community partnerships, events, and placemaking efforts.
For more information about upcoming events or ways to get involved, visit www.downtownwhitewater.com.
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Downtown Whitewater, Inc. is a Connect Community through the Wisconsin Main Street
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
Obituaries
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
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