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Last Saturday, January 7, the Whitewater Wrestling team hosted a huge wrestling tournament at Whitewater High School called the WWCA JV Challenge Series Regional. This is a tournament sponsored by the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association and provides the junior varsity wrestlers an opportunity to compete for a state championship through the coaches’ association. It is a great opportunity for the JV wrestlers around the state to get some extremely great competition.
Whitewater was the host for 28 schools traveling from as far away as River Valley to Oconomowoc. The tournament is all one division, so students from division 3 to division 1 all descended into Whitewater on Saturday. These 28 schools brought 277 wrestlers to compete in this event with as many as 34-person brackets to work through in an attempt to place in the top 3 and earn the right to advance to the state finals in Wausau.
The Whitewater team did very well all weekend, from Friday evening with setting up 6 mats, Saturday competition, and then finally the cleanup of the entire area on Saturday evening. On the mat, Whitewater wrestlers did very well. There were not any disappointments as far as how the team competed. Sure, there were disappointments in not qualifying for the top 3, but there was outstanding competition to work through, and nearly everyone secured at least one win on the day. Whitewater placed 9 of their 14 wrestlers in the top 5 at their weights.
Highlights of the day included the Whippets having two bring home a Championship, one Runner-Up, and two 3rd place finishes, all qualifying for Wausau. There were two more members of the team who took 4th and were named alternates. Prior to writing this article Coach Schimming got a phone call from Wausau asking for those two students to also come, so Whitewater will have 7 students participating on Saturday, January 21, at Wausau West High School.
Bringing home championships for the Whippets were JJ Gonzalez at 160 and Jesus Barajas at 170 lbs. Both of these athletes wrestled very well throughout the day on their way to the championship.
Coming in runner up for the Whippets was Richi Kalra at 170. Richi wrestled very well all day before falling to teammate Barajas in the finals.
Two students won their final match of the day to come in 3rd place and earn their automatic bid. Curtis Rossmiller at 126 lbs and Nate Black at 152 both wrestled very well losing tough matches in the semi-finals before securing their spot at Wausau with their win at 3rd.
Reaching the semi-finals before suffering their first lost were Keenan Sheffield at 145 and Christian Minett at 152. Keenan lost his 3rd place match to finish in fourth. Christian defaulted his match to teammate Nate Black due to a recurring injury. Fortunately for each of them they will still qualify based on a competitor ahead of them not going.
Finishing in 5th place on the day with a record of 5-1 included Max Babcock and Avi Kalra. Each of them lost early in the day, and based on the design of the bracket the best they could do was 5th place. Each did the best they could after the early loss which was great to see.
Closing out placements was Kane Obregon who took 7th. Kane is in his first year ever wrestling and has done very well losing a couple of close matches over the course of the day.
As an entire program the coaches could not be prouder of the effort given by the team, wrestlers and managers, putting this event on. The group not competing had the daunting task of working tables, which can get to be a very long day for them. They did absolutely outstanding with their job, and when the tournament was over did an outstanding job with the cleanup of the 6 mats that were used and picking up garbage in the stands. The wrestlers and managers should be commended for giving up an entire Saturday so Junior Varsity wrestlers around our area had this opportunity.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whippets hosted McFarland in girls’ basketball on Friday, January 13. In the first half, McFarland came out on fire, hitting nearly every shot they took. That put the Whippets in a deficit early in the game. We fought back and connected on some 3-point shots to give us a spark. We went into half down 23-49.
In the second half, we inched back little by little and went on a scoring run midway through, closing the gap to within 14, but McFarland fired back beating us 82-49.
Calli Grosinske led the team with 11 points, followed by Mayte Navejas with 9. Danielle DePorter and Katie Gillette both added 8.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whitewater Boys’ Swim Team competed against Platteville/Lancaster & PSC on Tuesday, January 10th.
Best Times on the night include:
200 Medley Relay (some notable splits):
- Andrew O’Toole – 29.25 (50 FR)
- Onyx Thompson – 41.17 (50 BA)
- Xavier Zei – 41.43 (50 BR)
- Myles Morse – 37.40 (50 Fly)
200 Freestyle
- Tyler Arnett went a 2:00.83 which puts him 8th overall on the Whippet Top 10 List.
- Myles Morse dropped 9 seconds going a 2:39.45
200 IM
- Miles Nickelsburg went a best time of 2:56.65
- Andrew O’Toole dropped 10 seconds to go a time of 3:02.09
50 Freestyle
- Cruz Aranda goes a new best time of 26.10
- Xavier Zei drops 6 seconds going a time of 33.86
100 Fly
- Jack Hefty drops 3 seconds going a time of 1:07.92
100 Freestyle
- Cruz Aranda drops 3 seconds going a time of 58.86
- Onyx Thompson drops 5 seconds going a time of 1:17.82
500 Freestyle
- David Enns tried out the 500 Freestyle for the first time this season and had a great swim!
- Tyler Arnett continues to swim right on his season best time!
200 Freestyle Relay (notable splits)
- Myles Morse – 30.68 (50 FR)
- Andrew O’Toole – 28.37 (50 FR)
100 Backstroke
- Miles Nickelsburg goes a new best time of 1:16.15
- Onyx Thompson continues to drop time going a 1:33.21
100 Breaststroke
- Jack Hefty continues to drop time going a time of 1:16.22
- Xavier Zei drops 12 seconds going a time of 1:34.26
- Andrew O’Toole goes a new best time of 1:40.14
400 Freestyle Relay (notable splits)
- Cruz Aranda – 1:00.24 (100 FR)
- Miles Nickelsburg – 1:05.10 (100 FR)
- Jack Hefty – 59.49 (100 FR)
The Boys are back in action at home on Tuesday, January 17th at 5:30 p.m. against Delavan-Darien.
Article Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Co-Head Boys’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week we feature another of the Henry Scholl glass plate images from c.1900. This winter image shows the north side of the 600 block of Main Street. It must have been after a recent snowfall because the sidewalk is snow covered but looks like it was shoveled in the past. I wonder if the city had snow shoveling ordinances in c.1900?
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3572GP, Whitewater Historical Society)
Tuesday evening, January 11, was an exciting evening at Whitewater High School. Senior Anderson Waelchli presented a voice recital in the WHS auditorium. Dr. Sarah Read Gehrenbeck served as the collaborative keyboard artist.
Some of the pieces performed included art songs such as Die Forelle and I’ll Sail Upon the Dog Star as well as musical theatre selections “Heaven on Their Minds” from Jesus Christ Superstar and “Sadder but Wiser Girl” from The Music Man. Contemporary pieces included “Just the Two of Us” and the jazz standard, “I Thought About You.”
Waelchli’s performance was presented in partial fulfillment of his Independent Study in Vocal Performance with WHS Music Educator, Karen Tordera. The recital was well-attended and included a reception following the performance.
Article Submitted by Karen Tordera
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Teacher
ktordera@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Tom Ganser
Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia
Thursday Evenings 2/3-3/30/23 – 6-7:30 p.m.
Reserve Your Spot Today
The Aging & Disability Resource Centers of Rock and Marquette Counties are offering the 9-week Stress-
Busting for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia virtual class as developed at the University of
Texas Health Science Center by Sharon Lewis and the WellMed Charitable Foundation on Thursday
evenings beginning February 2nd and running through March 30th, 2023 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Who is SBP for? Anyone caring for someone with a form of dementia will benefit from the program.
What is SBP? The Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia is a proven
curriculum developed by Sharon L. Lewis, RN, PhD, FAAN in conjunction with the University of Texas
Health Science Center and the WellMed Charitable Foundation which teaches stress management,
relaxation tools, coping strategies and problem-solving skills with a support group component.
Participants view the program as a source of strength and support for their caregiving role.
“Caregivers of someone with dementia experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
Dealing with those issues in a healthy way is vital to a caregiver’s well-being. Consequently, to care for
the person with dementia, the caregiver must first learn how to care for themselves,” said Karen
Tennyson dementia care specialist at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Rock County.
Reserve your spot today for the Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia
by contacting Karen Tennyson at 608-741-3615 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us.
Editor’s note: The Banner inquired as to whether enrollment in this program is limited to residents of Rock (and Marquette) counties. Karen told us that she would be happy to speak with residents of other counties.
The gymnastics team had a dual meet against Jefferson/Cambridge on January 10, 2023. Once again, the girls faced some tough competition but held their own and came out of the meet with some great scores and showcased some of their new skills.
Stephanie Walters had her season best score of 5.1 on Floor as well as season best of 4.0 on Uneven Bars where she did a flyaway for the first time in a meet. Grace Coleman had a season high on bars as well with a 4.3. She also had a no fall Beam routine, which is always the goal. Payton Brautigam had a great performance on Floor and earned herself a season high score of 5.3. Alexa Wildenberg improved her score on the Beam with a season best of 4.9. Lexi Kuhnke performed her Floor routine for the first time this season and scored a 5.65. It’s great to see her back at it. The JV team had season high team scores on Floor and on Bars!
Mady Hefty had a strong performance on Floor where she tied her season best of 6.85 and did a back tuck in her routine for the first time this season! Her teammates erupted into loud cheers to show their excitement for her. She then went on to Vault where she had a season best score of 7.85. Nola Coburn did a back tuck in her Floor routine for the first time this year which everyone was super excited to watch. Nola went on to score her best on the Uneven Bars with a 5.15. Makayla Bazeley had a stellar performance on the Uneven Bars where she had a lifetime best score of 7.425 and took 3rd place. Brooke Bazeley had another no fall Beam routine. Brenda Aguilar was very close to her season best on the Vault. Halee Peters improved her score on 3 out of 4 rotations. She had a lifetime best on Vault with an 8.50, took 2nd on bars with a 7.55, had a no fall Beam routine and a season best score of 8.35 and then another lifetime best on the Floor with an 8.9. Halee’s all-around score was the highest she has ever had with a 33.3. The varsity team had their highest bars score of the season.
Many of the girls are working towards more new skills they hope to debut in the upcoming weeks. They all have goals they are working toward and I know they will achieve everything they hope. They will compete again on Monday, January 16th in a triangular vs Janesville Parker and Milton in Janesville. And then will compete again on Saturday, January 21st in the Southwest Invite. Thank you to all that come out and support the girls!
Article Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
The Whippet Girls’ Basketball Team travelled to Clinton for a conference game on Tuesday, January 10.
This game was a true nail-biter and a great matchup. We were outsized at times but our guards played a very physical game with confidence that their teammates were in help defense. Solid defense and grit from both ends of the court made this game so exciting. We were either up or down by a few points to the very end of the game. Unfortunately, we came up short by one, 56-57.
Danielle DePorter had a break-out game with 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals. Mayte Navejas followed with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals (also a season high). Calli Grosinske added 8 points, 4 assists, multiple rebounds, and 5 steals.
The Whippets take on McFarland at home Friday night.
Congratulations to Clinton Cougar, Jayden Nortier, for scoring her 1000th point!
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Obituaries
Becca Piper, 65, of Sedona, AZ died on November 21, 2024 as a result of complications of antibiotic toxicity. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael and her parents Reg and Maydean Nash. She is survived by her dear husband of almost 40 years, Ken Piper, along with her children Joe, ^^Michael^^, Selena and Larry, granddaughter Maelyn and Becca’s siblings David and Janet (Nash) Schenck. She is also survived by extraordinary friends, extended family and much loved colleagues. Being a mother was especially important to Becca. She and Ken adopted all of their 4 children. Becca’s life … Read more
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In Loving Memory of Will Daniel Ensslin Whitewater, WI – Will Daniel Ensslin, 77, passed away peacefully on 11-26-2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a brave and long battle with cancer. He was born on February 5, 1947 in West Allis, WI to Willy and Ellen Ensslin. Will was a devoted husband, proud and loving father, cherished brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend to many. He was also a proud Vietnam veteran, serving his country with courage and honor as a Huey helicopter mechanic from 1966 – 1967 — a dedication to service that remained a cornerstone of his life. He married the love of his life and best friend, Susan Bilkovich, in 1971 in Milwaukee, WI. Shortly after their wedding, … Read more
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Richard Allen Splitter, age 80, of Blue Eye, Missouri, passed away November 12, 2024. He entered this life on June 16, 1944, the son of Edward and Berniece (Craig) Splitter in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Richard proudly served our country in the United States Navy for two terms. During his time in the service, he was able to get his master’s degree in engineering from California State University of Long Beach. During his working years, Richard was an engineer for different aerospace companies. He retired to Blue Eye, Missouri, and thoroughly enjoyed lake life. Richard appreciated the outdoors and loved hiking, fishing, … Read more
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Edward W. HamiltonApril 3,1941 – October 26, 2024 Edward “Edjo” Wickman Hamilton, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at home. Ed was born in Evanston, Illinois and moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin with his family when he was eight years old. He attended Whitewater High School and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a bachelor of science degree. He also served two years in the army. He moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1971 and worked at John Deere Davenport Works until he retired in 2001. Then he followed a dream, moved back to Whitewater and … Read more
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Verne Paul Schrank was born on March 9, 1930 at home on the family farm in Lima Township, Rock County, to Arthur and Marie (Witte) Schrank. He attended the Sturtevant one room school which closed when he graduated in 1944. He attended Whitewater High School and graduated in 1948. Verne farmed with his parents until 1967 when he moved to Whitewater and worked for the Whitewater Unified School District as a custodian – courier for 27 years. Verne served on various boards at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, as well as playing on the dartball team for many years. Verne … Read more
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After a long full life, Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss was called home to the Lord. Janine was born on April Fool’s Day, 1930 in Milwaukee. She grew up enjoying Trolleys, dancing and school with her sisters, Donna Domagalski, Marcyl Howel, Karen Moczynski and her parents, Glenn and Lucille Dickerson. In 1950, she married Frederic Weiss in a little church in Three Lakes WI. Shortly after, the first of 5 kids was born with the next 2 shortly after. Denice Lucille (Edward DeGroot), David Arthur, and Dana Lynn (Stephen Lind). After a breather Debra Beth (Alyn Jones) and Donna Raye (Dale … Read more
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Raymond Miles, 96, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Our House Senior Living in Whitewater. Raymond was born on February 10, 1928, in Elkhorn, WI to Rueben and Norma Miles. He served in the US Army. On June 18, 1955, Raymond married Waverly Sutherland in Whitewater, WI. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a Livestock Dealer. In retirement, he cherished time spent with his family and remained informed on the farming community. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Waverly of Whitewater, sons Eddie of Madison and Todd (Barbara) Miles of Sarasota FL, … Read more
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Connie Jean Sukowski embarked on her next big adventure on the evening of Friday, November 8, 2024. Connie enjoyed decades of adventures with friends and family. She spent 36 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students in the Palmyra Eagle School District, working alongside many cherished colleagues and friends. Connie and her husband, Patrick Theodore Sukowski, shared 55 and a half years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Peter, Allan, Ann and Kevin Sukowski. She took great joy in watching her five grandchildren grow into amazing adults: Sonora Sukowski, Brianne Hebbe, Jared Gundrum-Sukowski, Nolan Causey, and Lore Lai Schimmel. … Read more
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Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper passed away November 8, 2024 due to complications of lungcancer. Nancy was born on April 20, 1936 in Springfield, MA to Howard and Barbara (Corliss) Hallock. As a child, Nancy spent every summer in her beloved Piermont, NH where she and her brothers “helped” the local farmer with his chores, including riding in the truck with the milk cans every morning. She enjoyed swimming in the local brooks, picking berries, going to the nearby library, visiting with cousins, and playing croquet every evening. As she grew older, she spent time as a camper and then a camp … Read more
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James Robert Trier (Jimbo), passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on December 22, 1934, in New Holstein, WI, to George and Frances Trier. He spent his later years residing in Whitewater, WI. Jim began his teaching career as a high school mathematics teacher and then dedicated 55 years of his life to education as a mathematics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was the chairman of the faculty senate as well. He had a passion for math and an engaging teaching style, which made him a student favorite. He was known for telling … Read more
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