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By Kristine Zaballos
Asst. Director of University Marketing & Communications
UW Whitewater at Rock County is offering 10 scholarships worth $1,000 each to encourage both current and prospective students to enroll full-time or part-time (at least 6 credits) for fall 2025 classes at URock. For students enrolled by June 16, 2025, five scholarship recipients will be selected at random and the winners notified by June 20. For students enrolled by July 28, another five will be selected at random and notified by Aug. 1.
“Enrollment for this fall is already strong, and it’s important that students who have already enrolled know they are also eligible for these scholarships,” said Tricia Clasen, assistant vice chancellor of the Rock County campus and dean of the College of Integrated Studies. “With our affordable tuition and 100% acceptance rate, URock is a great option, and we hope this incentive just sweetens the pot.”
UW-Whitewater at Rock County, with an enrollment of more than 700 students, has a 100% acceptance rate for all new freshman and transfer students with official transcripts, and no application fee is required. Students at URock campus find a friendly, welcoming campus, located in Janesville, that embraces a wide range of students, including 61% of our new students — and 73% of our transfer students — who are first-generation. The college offers small class sizes, an affordable tuition and flexible scheduling options for their academic programs.
The Rock County campus continues to grow its academic programs with the introduction of the collaborative nursing BSN program in 2023 and, just this spring, the new Bachelor of Science in medical sciences program, with an emphasis in diagnostic sonography or radiologic technology.
Also recently added to the list of academic offerings are two new emphases in the online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) program: education (FoTE to K-9) and operations and supply chain management. Designed for working adults, the BAAS program offers a flexible degree completion pathway for students who hold an applied associate degree from a technical college.
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions and enrollment website.
Danny Hopper After 3-Run Homer in 3rd inning Photo credit Molly DeNucci
By Broderick Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team defeated Denison 11-4 to advance to the Pod Final at the NCAA Division III World Series. With their 46th win of the season, the Warhawks set a new record for wins in a season.
The Warhawks got on the board quickly, capitalizing on some misplays by the Denison defense. Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) brought in the first runner to give the Warhawks a quick 1-0 lead in the first.
Denison kept the Warhawks off the base in the next inning, but UWW didn’t stay quiet for long with a four-run third inning.
Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) hit his 20th home run of the season to start the inning. The senior broke the single season Warhawk record, held since 2008 by Kevin Zalnis. Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) added the next three runs with his own jack, putting the Warhawks up 5-0 over Denison.
The Big Red connected on their own solo homer, scoring their first run of the game. The Warhawks reclaimed the run, with Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) hitting a sacrifice fly. Cootway added another run with an RBI single.
The Warhawks pitching kept working through the Denison hitters, but another solo home run added to the board for the Big Red in the bottom of the 5th. Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) cancelled it out the next inning with a RBI double forcing a change on the mound.
In the Top of 7, Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) led the inning off with a double to spark another rally for the Warhawks. Four consecutive hits added a run and loaded the bases. Holland hit his second sacrifice fly of the day, with Scolan adding another RBI single to break the double-digit mark on the scoreboard.
Denison added two more runs in the final three innings, but the Warhawks pitching and defense closed the door on the Big Red leading to the 11-4 victory.
The Warhawks are next out to the field in the Pod Final against the winner of Sunday’s night cap of Rowan/Denison. First pitch is set for 1:15 PM (ET)/12:15 PM (CT) on Monday, June 2nd. Now scheduled for 12:30. Link for livestream Sportshttps://www.ncaa.com/game/6449675
The Whippets competed in the Track and Field Sectional Friday evening, May 30, and will be sending two athletes to the State Meet!
The boys’ 4x800m relay started things off on the track and ran to a 7th place finish overall from the first heat, easily winning their heat, after they were seeded 12th going into the meet. The all-senior relay of Onyx Thompson, Miles Nickelsburg, Luc Pomazak and Xavier Zei stopped the clock in 8:40.80 and earned 2 points for the team.
Traysen Thomason then ran a solid 100m prelim in 10.97 to earn his spot into the final. After a short break, he came back and placed third in the final in 10.80, his second-best time of his career, to earn a return trip to state in this event.
While the track was heating up, so were the field events as sophomore pole vaulter Langdon Coburn was soaring to new heights. He entered the meet with a personal best of 11′ 6″ from regionals and continued to go over that bar again and set a new personal best of clearing 12′! His new personal best helped him finish in fifth place, one spot short of qualifying for state. Although close to adding another meet to his schedule, he has a lot to be proud of as he has made tremendous gains in such a short time and picked up on the event quickly. He is eager to work hard in the off season to continue learning as much as he can to go even higher next year.
Ty Bucholtz competed in his second 110 high hurdle event of the season as he returned from an injury that held him out of competition for nearly the entire season. His first hurdle race was at regionals when he qualified for the sectional meet. He placed fourth in his preliminary heat and was 8th seed in the final. Unfortunately, in the final Ty false started and was unable to run his 110H final. Also a sophomore, we are eager to see what a full healthy season will look like as he continues to grow as an athlete on the team next season.
Jack Hefty was up next in the 1600 as he looked to qualify in his signature event, and his fourth trip to the state track and field meet. The winds picked up as the flag stood straight out but that wouldn’t stop Jack from controlling the race after the first 250m. He cruised to a victory by running nearly even splits for all 4 laps and won the sectional title in 4:27.24.
The boys 4×200 quartet of Kennan Sheffield, Ty Hagedorn, Christian Minett and Vinnie Juette competed in heat one and had smooth exchanges and powered their way around the track to run their best time of the season by far. They finished 8th overall and scored one point for the team in the meet. Their time of 1:33.94 was significantly faster than this group had run before, which was 1:36.14.
Makayla Bazeley was now underway in her pole vault competition. She entered the competition with a personal best of 9′ 6″ from regionals. She had some good attempts but was unable to match her best from regionals and went out at 9′. Makayla is an athlete that joined late in her HS career but picked up a very technical event quickly and made a strong attempt to vault her way to state in limited time. She leaves her mark in the program as she is in the top 10 in this event in WHS history.
Miles Nickelsburg competed in heat one of the 800 and took control of his final race in a Whippet uniform in dominant fashion. He led from the gun and ran a new lifetime best in the event in his solo effort as the rest of the field couldn’t keep up. He stopped the clock in 2:06.99 and placed 7th overall in the event.
Traysen Thomason once again eased himself into the blocks for one final time in heat 2 in the 200m final (there are no prelims for this event at sectionals). Running a great curve and giving the crowd something to cheer about, he finished second with a new lifetime best of 22.15 and a second event to add to his state meet itinerary. His new personal best also moved him to #4 all time in Whippet history in this event.
Freshman Virginia Nelson got her first taste of sectional track competition in the 3200m event. By far the strongest field she had competed in all year, she rode the back of the train for as long as she could before some separation occurred. She gained valuable experience running in this field and gave it her all and placed 14th with a time of 13:50.11.
The 3200m proved to be an exciting race as three senior Whippets competed in this event. Jack Hefty rode the shoulder of New Berlin West’s Isaac Kryzaniak for much of the race while Xavier Zei made a strong push in the later stages of the race. Xavier injected some pace into the field and he got within 5 meters of Jack and Isaac as the field began to stretch out. Meanwhile, Luc Pomazak continued to grind out a strong effort as he passed through the mile faster than he had ever before. With less than two laps to go, Hefty took the pole position and never relinquished it as he earned his second sectional title on the night and punched his ticket to state in this event as well. His time was 9:41.24. Xavier ran a gutsy race and finished ninth overall in 10:13.75, his second-best time of his career. Luc also mirrored Xavier and gutted out a tough second mile and finished 14th, just missing his lifetime personal best and stopped the clock in 10:30.82
Traysen and Jack will now prepare to compete at the WIAA State Track and Field meet which is held at UW-La Crosse on Friday June 6th and Saturday June 7th.
Boys’ Results: https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Results/Track/2025/bigfootsectionalb.pdf
Girls’ Results: https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Results/Track/2025/bigfootsectionalg.pdf
State Meet Information:
https://www.wiaawi.org/Tournaments/State-Tourney-Central
Article and Photo Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Assistant Track and Field Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Be Kind and Whitewater Unites Lives.
Steve Watson writes, “By the skate park.
Northern flicker lapping up water.
Their tongue is about 2″ long,
past the tip of its bill.
It’s a woodpecker.
They eat mostly ants, so a long
tongue that’s sticky and barbed.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing another beautiful photo together with the interesting description.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
On Saturday, May 17th Studio 84 opened its doors to the community with a night of kindness and sharing and had its annual Gala event. Studio 84 is a non-profit Art Studio, Gallery and Gift Shop in downtown Whitewater that provides fully accessible opportunities in the arts. There were artists proud to share their work, themed raffle baskets, and the room was filled with laughter and the telling of wonderful stories. Even though it was chilly outside it was nice and toasty warm inside listening to the delightful sounds of the Vox Quartet playing a whimsical medley of light-hearted tunes. The Co-Directors Ben Kelly and Lynnette Gmur were introduced, along with the board members in attendance. Karina Pittro, the Artistic Mentor, even made it there after appearing at her own graduation ceremony. She graduated with a BFA (Bachelors of Fine Arts) earlier in the day from UW-Whitewater. Another notable attendee was the recently retired founder of Studio 84, Deborah Blackwell. She was honored and appreciated for her innovation and many years of dedication to the studio and its artists. Everyone was sad to see her go, but excited for the continued success and growth of Studio 84.
Studio 84
121 W Center Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
Studio, Gallery and Gift Shop Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Friday 10-5
Thursday 10-2
262-473-9845
www.studio84inc.org
info@studio84inc.org
facebook.com/Studio 84, Inc.
Photo credit: Tom Ganser
BLOOMINGTON, IL — Brooke Mason, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, was named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2024-25 academic year at Illinois Wesleyan University. Mason is a first-year majoring in Music Theatre.
Mason was among 812 students from 29 states and 27 countries named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List.
To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a GPA of 3.50 or better during the semester, based on 4.0 for straight As.
Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan is a nationally recognized, highly selective liberal arts university. The University is exclusively undergraduate and enrolls approximately 1,700 students from across the nation and around the globe. Illinois Wesleyan prides itself on producing graduates who are well-rounded, broadly educated individuals with a spirit of inquiry who can successfully adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing, complex world.
Updated on 6/1/25 with link for the livestream of the game on Sunday, 6/1 @ 12:15 CDT. = GAME POSTPONED UNTIL 12:30
Cootway 3-for-3 with Solo Homer in 6th
By Broderick Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater defeated Trinity University (TX) 7-3 in the opening game of the NCAA Division III World Series. The game began on Friday, May 30th & went through five and a half innings before being suspended due to weather. When play resumed on Saturday, the Warhawks held onto their lead and opened the tournament with the victory.
The Warhawks got off to a hot start, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first. The Warhawks drew two walks, loading up the bases for Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine). Hopper lit the scoreboard up first in the Division III World Series with a 2-RBI single. Darryl Jackson (Milwaukee, Wis./Rufus King) and Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) each had an RBI single to cap off the four run inning.
UW-Whitewater kept Trinity from moving on the bases, with only one hit per inning through three. The top of the third ended with a 463 double play stranding another runner on.
Trinity was able to get the Warhawks with two outs. But Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) got on with a double to center. Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) joined him on base with a four-pitch walk. Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) cleaned them off with a triple to put the Warhawks up 6-0.
In the Top of 5, the Tigers rallied two singles with two outs, but a groundout ended the inning to leave two more stranded.
After the flip, the rain started to come down substantially, causing for the tarp to come out and a delay to follow. The decision was made to suspend the game at the bottom of the fifth.
After play resumed on Saturday, UWW wasted no time getting back on the base path. Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) started the day, reaching on the single. An inning later, Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) hit a homer over to right field, putting the Warhawks up 7-0 after six innings.
Trinity answered back in the 7th, grabbing 2 runs to end the shutout. The Warhawks got out of the jam to keep the lead at five heading into the stretch.
The Warhawks kept making good contact, but defense plays by Trinity didn’t allow anything to go through. Trinity put a would-be two-run double into play, but the relay to home was in time for the out. The Warhawks maintained a 7-3 lead heading into the final three outs.
Two fly-outs & a strikeout later, the Warhawks clinched the victory in the weather delayed game.
Cade Hansen (New Braunfels, Texas/Smithson Valley) was the pitcher of record, pitching the first 5.0 innings on Friday night. Hansen notched five strikeouts and five hits with no earned runs.
The Warhawks will return to action on Sunday, June 1st at 12:15 PM CDT against Denison. The link for the livestream may be found here.
Revised schedule due to Friday’s weather is shown below. #1 seed John Hopkins was eliminated by #5 Kean.
- Saturday, May 31
- Sunday, June 1
- Game 7: No. 7 Rowan vs. No. 6 Trinity (TX), 10 a.m. (Elimination game)
- Game 8: No. 2 Denison vs. No. 3 Wisconsin-Whitewater, 1:15 p.m. [EDT]
- Game 9: No. 5 Kean vs. Loser of Game 6, 4:45 p.m.
- Game 10: Loser of Game 8 vs. Winner of Game 7, 8 p.m.
- Monday, June 2
- Game 11: Winner of Game 6 vs. Winner of Game 9, 10 a.m.
- Game 13: If necessary, 4:45 p.m.
- Game 12: Winner of Game 8 vs. Winner of Game 10, 1:15 p.m.
- Game 14: If necessary, 8 p.m.
- Game 11: Winner of Game 6 vs. Winner of Game 9, 10 a.m.
- Championship Series
- Game 1: 12 p.m. Wednesday, June 4
- Game 2: 11 a.m. Thursday, June 5
- Game 3: If necessary, 45 minutes after Game 2
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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