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It was a great weekend of wrestling for the Whippets! The girls won the team conference championship, and the varsity boys finished only one point behind 2nd place Monroe. The JV team also wrestled well on Friday night.
Girls’ Conference Tournament:
On Saturday, February 8, the Lady Whippets had an opportunity to compete in the first ever Girls’ Rock Valley Conference Wrestling Tournament held at East Troy High School. The girls wrestled extremely well throughout the day, filling 10 of the 12 weight classes, bringing home 4 championships, 4 runner-up finishers, and the team title!
Isabelle Cantu started things off reaching the championship securing a pin in the semi-finals to advance to the finals. In the finals she had a very strong girl, dropping the match and bringing home the silver medal.
Due the tournament being new, teams were allowed to enter more than one girl per weight class. The 107-pound weight class found an all Whitewater Final with both girls securing pins in the semifinals. In the finals, Senior Adalynn Frye was able to take Ema Aranda down to her back and secure the first period pin, bringing home Whitewater’s first Girls’ Conference Champion.
Winning the title at 126 pounds was A’Lani Ross, who had a strong girl from Turner. She was able to build a big lead and then secured a second period pin to bring home the 2nd title for Whitewater.
Following A’Lani was Atreya Wilson at 132. She had a girl from Jefferson who had defeated her a week and a half ago. Atreya came out with a game plan for herself, getting the first takedown, and controlled the match from there forward. She was able to secure a pin in the second period after leading 9-2 and claimed the 3rd conference title of the day.
Coming in runner up at 138 pounds was Vivian Harris who found herself against a returning state place winner from Monroe. She is a very strong girl who has excellent technique, pinning Harris in the first period.
With a move to help the team battle for the team title, Payton Taylor wrestled up a weight class and did a great job against a strong girl from East Troy. Payton had great movement when she was on the bottom and was able to get the reversal and did a great job putting in a half nelson to the girls’ back. Payton was slow close to the pin but got just a little high on the girl and got rolled to her back in a tight hold. It was great work by Payton making adjustments. This is Payton’s first year, so just a little more mat time experience would have put her into a better position in the attempt for the pin.
Closing out the finals was Marianna Kubicz who also moved up a weight to help the team contend for the team title. Marianna was able to bring home a championship for the Whippets.
Also doing a great job after a tough semifinal loss was Silvia Harris. She came back strong in her Bronze Medal match, building a lead and then securing a 16-4 major decision to earn herself a conference medal.
Also wrestling well and helping the team in the team race was Alexa Arredondo who had a tough weight class but secured a 4th place finish. Aubrey Fuoco also wrestled tough in both the semifinals and in her 3rd place match but fell short in each of them coming home with a 4th place finish.
When the final tally came in for the team scores, the Whippet Girls found themselves on top of the conference and brought home the first ever Rock Valley Conference Team Championship. This was truly a team effort with all girls contributing to the title.
The girls are next in action when they move on to the individual portion of the season as they travel to Mukwonago for the Individual Regional Tournament on Friday, February 14, starting at 3:30. The top four wrestlers in each weight class from Friday advance to the individual sectional to be held at Whitewater High School.
Boys’ Conference Tournament:
On Saturday, February 8, the Boys’ Wrestling Team traveled to East Troy to compete in the Rock Valley Conference Wrestling Tournament. Overall, the team did very well, wrestling potentially the best they have as a team during the season to this point. When the dust settled after lots of great wrestling, the Whippets found themselves in 3rd place in the team standings behind Evansville and Monroe. The coaching staff was happy with this placement as they really competed well overall as each student competed their heart out and found themselves just outside of the top two losing to Monroe by 1 point!
Jarvis Porcaro and Connor Friend each closed out their Conference Tournament careers improving on last year’s Runner-Up finish by bringing home the championship for themselves. Jarvis had a very strong day defeating three opponents. In the finals he had great positioning over a strong student from Evansville.
Connor had found himself in the finals the last three seasons but each year just missed out on his title. He changed that today with three dominating performances, securing a 2nd period Technical Fall 18-3 in the championship.
Dropping matches early in the tournament but showing grit and true character were Jasen Porras, Traysen Thomason. and Junior Soto, each bringing home the Bronze Medal. All three of these seniors improved on their placement from last season to bring home the medal this year. Jasen had a tough semifinal loss and showed grit by coming back, getting a technical fall. Then, in the 3rd place match, he wrestled a great match against a tough competitor from Evansville winning the match in overtime, causing the Whippet crowd to erupt.
Traysen Thomason had a tough loss in the semifinals against a young man from Monroe that he has often had battles with the last two years. Traysen came back to secure a technical fall in the wrestle back and then brought home the bronze medal with a 9-3 victory.
Closing out our medalists was Junior Soto. Junior lost a tough first round match but kept his head up and battled back. He pinned his opponent from Turner and then followed that with a great match against a young man from Edgerton who had defeated him earlier in the season. He built a big lead and was able to battle through a scramble to end up pinning his opponent to reach the bronze match. In this match Junior wrestled extremely well, winning the match 6-4.
Bringing home 5th place for the Whippets were Richi Kalra and Austin Retzlaff. Richi went 4-2 on the day, getting some nice wins along the way. Austin defeated a student from Edgerton two times at the tournament, avenging an earlier season loss.
The Whippets are next in action next Saturday, February 15 when they travel to Delavan-Darien to participate in the Regional Wrestling tournament. The top four place winners at that event will advance to the Sectional Tournament the following weekend.
Articles and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Wisconsin has a rich U.S. Naval history. There have been more than 65 U.S. Navy ships named after the cities, people, and places of Wisconsin. General William “Billy” Mitchell was considered “The Father of the U.S. Air Force” and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We cannot wait to see the lasting impact these Whitewater High School students will have on the U.S. military.
Whitewater High School is proud to announce that Andrew O’Toole and Jackson Hefty were nominated for appointment to serve at a U.S. military academy by Congressman Bryan Steil.
Andrew O’Toole received a nomination for an appointment to both the US. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Jackson Hefty received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy.
The process to become admitted to any of the military academies is quite rigorous. Part of the U.S. Military Academy application process includes obtaining a nomination from an authorized nomination source, such as a member of Congress.
Acceptance to an Academy is a highly competitive process, and the nomination by Congressman Bryan Steil is the first step.
Andrew has received an appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy, which he will accept. Jackson recently accepted the appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy where will also be a member of the U.S. Naval Academy cross-country team.
Other WHS seniors aiming for a career in the military include Miles Nickelsburg (Army ROTC) and Isaac Straight (Marines).
Article Submitted by Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School Social Studies Teacher
gstewart@wwusd.org
UW-Whitewater and its alumni contribute more than $1.4 billion to Wisconsin’s economy each year
Findings of two new studies show the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Warhawk alumni have a significant impact on Wisconsin’s economy, to the tune of more than $1.4 billion annually.
The studies, published last month by the Fiscal and Economic Research Center (FERC), explore and quantify how UW-Whitewater’s operations — and the more than 38,000 UW-Whitewater alumni currently in the state’s workforce — affect economic activity in Wisconsin.
“It is part of our mission at UW-Whitewater to serve as an economic driver of our region and to boldly champion education, opportunity and prosperity for all,” said Corey A. King, chancellor. “We’re proud — but not surprised — by this research that shows the Warhawk family has a considerable effect on Wisconsin’s economy.”
Operational impact
Just by carrying out its day-to-day academic mission and auxiliary operations, the university attracts money, employment and volunteerism into Walworth, Rock and Jefferson counties, said Russ Kashian, director of FERC. “University and student spending together account for the largest impact on the region, followed by art and entertainment events, athletics competitions, and youth camps,” he said.
All of this leads to $514,750,000 in annual economic activity and the creation of 2,680 jobs, according to the report. In addition to this regional impact, the university generates $24,465,000 in annual tax revenue for the state, including sales, income, and property tax.
Alumni impact + value of a UW-Whitewater degree
When UW-Whitewater’s alumni are considered, the benefit to Wisconsin’s financial picture is even more impactful. The 38,000 alumni currently living and working in the state have a collective economic output of $890 million. In addition, they pay $145 million more in sales and income tax than those without a college degree.
“UW-Whitewater graduates are crucial to strengthening Wisconsin’s job market,” Kashian said. “Our research revealed the average alum is earning $97,500 per year. In comparison, the average annual income of a 25- to 54-year-old high school graduate is $46,208.”
Kashian noted that every discipline at UW-Whitewater is represented in high earner categories, from arts and education to business and the social sciences.
“At a time when there is a lot of conversation about whether a college degree is a wise financial decision, it’s absolutely clear from the data that UW-Whitewater graduates are thriving in their careers. A UW-Whitewater degree is an exceptional investment, and it’s paying off faster than ever,” Kashian said.
For the UW-Whitewater class of 1995, the rate of return on their college investment took 10.3 years. For graduates in 2015, that had decreased to just 8.4 years, much faster than the national average of 13 years.
“Our alumni are our legacy, and this study confirms our Warhawk graduates are enjoying successful careers and making positive contributions to the State of Wisconsin,” said Chancellor King.
About the research
To determine the university’s economic impact, FERC used institutional spending data combined with student and visitor surveys. Respondents were asked to calculate the total amount they spend each month across various categories such as food, housing, and transportation within the local economy.
To determine the alumni economic impact, FERC used alumni survey data from the Classes of 1982-2023 combined with data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey.
The full reports are available at the Fiscal and Economic Research Center website.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
CHILDREN’S STORY TIME WITH A POLICE OFFICER
Families are invited to a Community Helpers story time series that will be presented with the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library and members of the local community. This monthly story time will explore a different career each session and will offer children opportunities to play and learn with hands-on activities. The next session will feature a Whitewater Police officer and will be held on Wednesday, February 12 at 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Note that due to library construction, story time will be held at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center located at 341 S. Fremont Street. Children will enjoy books, songs, and early learning stations just right for preschool learning. Everyone is welcome to attend this fun, free story time, which is best for ages 2-6 but all ages are welcome. Registration is not required.
The Community Helpers story time series will continue every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the same time and location through May. March’s story time will feature a local farmer. Contact Sarah French with questions or accommodation requests at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782. For a full listing of library events, visit whitewaterlibrary.org.
Superintendent of the School District Dr. Caroline-Pate-Hefty and School Board Member Lisa Huempfner, City Manager John Weidl, and Police Chief Dan Meyer are set to be speakers at the public civic event to discuss their respective referendums for the April Ballot
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) will be hosting a public event for the community. The GWC has asked the Superintendent of the School District, Dr. Caroline-Pate-Hefty, school board member Lisa Huempfner, City Manager John Weidl, and Police Chief Dan Meyer to present their respective referendums for the April Ballot.
This event will take place on Thursday, February 13th at 5:00 p.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St., Whitewater, WI 53190, banquet hall in Whitewater, WI.
The city will be presenting their referendum on an increase in the City’s annual tax levy to fund five additional police officers, a dispatcher, two cross-trained firefighters/EMTs, and necessary equipment they may need to help meet the growing needs of Whitewater. The school district will be presenting their referendums on what improvements the school needs. This includes replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, repairing roofs, upgrading electrical and plumbing systems, replacing windows, increasing safety and security throughout the schools, updating the high school auditorium, and expanding the Career and Technical Education space.
Both the city and the school have prepared informative presentations that are not only beneficial to understand the April ballot better, but to connect with the community through prominent issues.
“I am looking forward to hearing what the city and school district have to say about their respective referendums for the April ballot,” said GWC President Jeffery Knight.
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
Whitewater Lions Club 49th Annual Fish-A-Ree
Attention all ice fishing anglers: the Fish-A-Ree is back. 2025 marks the 49th year that the Whitewater Lion’s club has hosted this popular February fishing derby in their backyard. Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 9th. Back again is the Eat-In/Carry-Out Pancake Breakfast serving hot pancakes, eggs and sausages. The Lions are also hosting an Online Auction, Bucket Raffles and 50/50 Cash Raffle. Another innovation is a live streaming of the action on the ice on Facebook. “Whether sitting in an ice fishing tent or the comfort of their home, everyone could feel involved,” says the Lion’s press release.
Pancake Breakfast:6 am-11 am
Hourly Fish Prizes: 6 am-2 pm
Online Auction from February 9th Through February 16th – Click here.
The following individuals from your area have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for the Fall 2024 semester. UWM is the second largest university in the State of Wisconsin, with more than 24,000 associate, undergraduate and graduate students.
Whitewater, WI
Ghati Binagi, Letters & Science Undergrad
Myialynn Cobbs, Nursing Undergraduate
Kymora Kimbrough, Letters & Science Undergrad
Skylar Staebler, School of the Arts-Undergrad
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Milwaukee.
“Conclave”
Tuesday, February 11, 1 PM
(Drama/Mystery/Thriller) Rated PG; 2 hours. (2024).
After the unexpected death of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with managing the covert and ancient ritual of electing a new one. Sequestered in the Vatican with the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders until the process is complete, he learns of a conspiracy that could lead to the fall of the Church. Also featuring John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini. Nominated for six Golden Globes; it’s also on the Oscars Short List.
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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