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The Whippet CC teams absolutely crushed their races on Thursday, October 13, in cold, windy, and sometimes rainy conditions at the Rock Valley Conference Meet at UW-Whitewater. It was certainly memorable as so many athletes showed such poise and grit throughout their 5000m races to achieve incredible results. All levels and genders finished 3rd or higher across the board.
To kick things off, the girls’ varsity was first and set the tone for what would amount to be a thunderous day. Mady Hefty went for it and put herself into position early with the front runners and showed no fear. It was inspirational to see Mady do her thing as soon Sophomore Athena Soto ran the race of her life and caught her teammate in the last moment to finish 9th and 10th overall and earn 2nd team all-conference honors. This was Athena’s first time assuming the number one spot, and she did so with a new lifetime best of 22:05. Mady finished a few ticks behind in 22:08. Nola Coburn had an incredible day herself and was seconds behind the top two girls placing 13th to also earn second-team all-conference honors. Nola’s time was 22:19. Senior Caelyn Caputo battled a cold throughout the week and poured her heart into the race to come home in 34th with a time of 24:37. Great pack running from junior Lauren Buehler, Sophomore Jackie Franco and Senior Emma Weigel proved to be very helpful all throughout the course as they finished 37th, 38th, and 39th with times of 24:51, 24:52, and 24:54. It was with this group of runners’ collective efforts that they catapulted themselves to 3rd place overall as a team, a significant improvement from the program’s 6th place finish one year ago.
The boys were on the docket next, and they created some fireworks of their own. Sophomore Jack Hefty rubbed elbows with the leaders for half the race before the eventual winner gapped him a bit. McFarland’s Spencer Alf set a new course and conference record with a time of 16:23. Hefty cruised to a solid runner-up finish with a time of 17:11. Meanwhile Junior Nate Holden was writing his own history as he absolutely slaughtered what he thought was possible and finished 5th overall with a time of 17:50. Both of these guys earned 1st team all-conference honors for finishing in the top 8 overall. Sophomore Miles Nickelsburg wasn’t going to let his two teammates gather all the honors as he flourished in his own right to take 20th and earn honorable mention all-conference honors with a time of 19:22. Senior CJ Tomomitsu missed some school early this week due to a tough cold but he didn’t let it hold him back from reppin’ the W one last time and giving it his all to finish as the team’s 4th runner position in 40th with a time of 21:01. Sophomore Andrew O’Toole nearly ran his lifetime best on this grueling course to be the team’s 5th runner and place 43rd with a time of 21:39. Sophomores Onyx Thompson and Xavier Zei gutted their way around the course to finish in 47th and 59th with times of 21:53 and 22:51. It was with their collective efforts that the varsity team claimed 3rd overall, also a significant improvement from last year when the team finished 7th overall.
In the JV girls’ race, the girls repeated as JV Conference champs as they bested Jefferson by 5 points, even with Sami Van Daele, finishing as the team’s 2nd runner, not counting in the results due to a timing bib issue. Isabella Aranda was the top finisher in 3rd place overall, Sami in 4th, Danielle DePorter in 7th, Silvia Harris 12th, Lucy Troxel in 13th, Adalynn Frye in 15th, Elisa Albertini in 17th, Stephanie Wence in 20th, Payton Brautigam in 22nd, Evie Troxel in 24th, and Taiya Kolb in 26th. This is the second straight RVC JV title for the girls’ program!
The boys’ JV team also did very well with this group taking 3rd overall, just like their varsity teammates. Ben McCulloch took the top spot for the Whippets in 12th overall, Yovanni Rojas-Reyes finished in 14th, Gavin LaFlash ran in 16th with a near full minute personal best, Sterling Truesdale placed 20th, Quinton O’Toole finished 35th, Payton Lyon, who also ran his personal best, placed in 37th, Keith Cameron came in 40th, Alex Clarksen with a huge personal best took 44th, and Sam Nickelsburg placed 47th.
Overall the teams all finished in 3rd place or higher on all levels, and earned 6 all-conference awards and memories that will last a lifetime. It was a great day!
The team will now look toward the WIAA Sectional CC meet next Saturday, October 22nd at UW-Parkside where the top two teams will earn a trip to the state meet, and the top five individuals not on those qualifying teams will earn a spot as well.
FULL RESULTS: https://my.raceresult.com/222789/
Article and Photos Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
The WHS Players will kick off their season with ”Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” Join Belle, Beast, Mrs Potts, and the rest of the beloved characters as this Broadway classic comes to life at the Whitewater High School auditorium on November 17-20. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
This “tale as old as time” tells the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
In addition to the regular performances, there will be a very special “Be our Guest “ Tea Party on November 19th at 12:30 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite Disney character, enjoy some sweets and treats in the enchanted castle, get your picture taken with some of the cast, and take home a souvenir tea cup. Tickets are $10 per child. Adult chaperones are free. Seating is limited, and reservations for this event are required.
Performances of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” will be held on November 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. and November 19-20 at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $7 for students and $10 for adults. Tickets for all of the shows and tea party are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 262-472-8178 or in person at the Book Teller in downtown Whitewater.
Under the Direction of Jim McCulloch and Liz Elliott, members of the cast include Skylar Staebler, Ben McCulloch, Payton Bunger, Matt Zingsheim, Alex Clarksen, Anderson Waelchli, Alex Sullivan, Brooke Mason, A’lani Rogers, Anders Clarksen, Xavier Zei, Josh Kirley, Ayden Clark, Marina Linos, Belle Cohen, Zel Scherer, Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman, Willow Vogelzang, Georgia Esch, Mel Prince, Adalynn Frye, Deven Wheeler-Bawden, Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, Nina Heim, Taylor Speerbrecher, Alex Breisath, Sam Nickelsburg, Lauren Rolette, Haley Keltesch, Cain Gonzales. Ava Van Daele, Jimmy Kinson, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, and Hayleigh Pond. The backstage crew is made up of Gabby Kirley, Sami Van Daele, Emma Weigel, Angela Hudec, Ava Nygren, Karime Velazquez, London Altreuter, Evie Troxel, Miles Nickelsberg, Jazmin Cederberg, Ian Long, Kara Long, Alexandra Cansino-Pena, Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos, Claire Tourdot, Abby Olson, and Ellie Green.
Article and Photo Submitted by Jim McCulloch
WUSD Theatre Director
jmcculloch@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following was providing by the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
The Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club is selling red poinsettia plants, in 6-inch pots with plants for $15 and 8-inch pots with plants for $30, and the beautiful red blossoms will be available for distribution after November 18. Anyone interested in ordering the plants should contact Jerry Grant at 262-473-2214 or any Kiwanian. Plants can be picked up starting at 9 a.m. on November 18 at Wisconsin Dairy Supply on 440 W, Ann Street in Whitewater.
Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club President Patrick Taylor said, “We are delighted to be able to sell poinsettias this year, with the funds helping children in our community and the world as well as brightening your holidays.”
Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world. Over the past five years the club raised funds to make possible the recent installation of the city’s first piece of inclusive playground equipment, a We-Go-Round, in Starin Park. Annual donations are also made to provide shoes and winter clothes for students, as well as support for organizations such as the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space, and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club.
If you have an interest in helping youth in Whitewater, you can check out Whitewater Kiwanis on Facebook and join our Club by contacting Patrick Taylor at Petaylor.law@gmail.com.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
The Whippet Swim Team competed against the Delavan-Darien Comets Tuesday night, October 11, and we celebrated our Seniors at their last home meet with a win!
Here’s our senior highlights of the night:
☀Brooke Bazeley had a spectacular senior night with two new personal best times – in the 50 Freestyle going a time of 27.58 and the 500 Freestyle by breaking that 6-minute mark with a time of 5:57.19!
☀Grace Foucault had an extravagant senior night with two great swims and 1st place finishes in the 100 Butterfly and the 100 Backstroke!
☀Josie Treder had a tremendous senior night with a 2nd place finish in the 200 IM and a best time in the 100 Freestyle with a time of 1:10.58!
☀Karime Velazquez had a marvelous senior night with a 2nd place finish in the 100 Butterfly and a best time in the 50 Freestyle with a time of 33.62!
☀Ashly Xochipa had a stupendous senior night with a best time in the 50 Freestyle with a time of 30.11 and a strong performance in the 100 Backstroke!
Some other sensational swims of the night include:
✔Lucy Davis had best times in the 50 and the 100 Freestyle. She dropped 11 seconds in the 100 Freestyle.
✔Emerson Dunham had a best time in the 100 Breaststroke where she dropped 5 seconds.
✔Atreya Wilson had a best time in the 200 Freestyle with a time of 3:04.16. That is a 25 second drop from her previous 200 Freestyle time!
✔Sanibel Fox-Simes had a best time in the 50 and 100 Freestyle. She dropped 4 seconds in both events.
✔Andrea Alcala had a best time in the 100 Freestyle with a 24 second drop in time!
✔Lucy Troxel competed in the 100 Breaststroke for the first time!
We are so proud of our Whippet athletes, and we still have a lot of our season left! The Whippets are back in the pool on Tuesday (10/18) against Jefferson/Cambridge at 5:30 p.m. for the last dual meet of the season.
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
On a cold, rainy, and some would say miserable night, your Whitewater Varsity Boys’ Soccer team lost 1-0 to Jefferson on Tuesday, October 11.
Once again plagued by absences of varsity starters, our team played a tough game of soccer where almost nothing went right. A game that was dominated (possessionally) by the Whippets saw a missed penalty kick, two goal line clearances, three free kicks sailing over the crossbar, and numerous saves from the Jefferson keeper. A decent free kick early in the second half saw Jefferson score the game’s only goal.
Overall, it must be said that although there was a poor performance in all aspects of the game, Chris Cortes did a wonderful job reading balls and marking players in the 25 MPH wind.
Our last game before regionals will be on Thursday (10/13) at Big Foot.
Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
In recognition of the outstanding support that the community of Whitewater provides to the school, each year the WHS Student Council selects two community members to serve as Grandma & Grandpa Whippet. Grandma and Grandpa Whippet exhibit the kind of support for academics, athletics, and arts that Whitewater High School is known for. This year’s Grandma and Grandpa Whippet are Eileen Jaskolski (also known as Grandma J) and Mike Stutzman.
Grandma J spent so much time in Whitewater that she decided to move here three years ago. In that short amount of time, she has already made such an impact on the Whitewater community! Grandma J worked as a registered nurse and went on to become the Vice President of mission services for Columbia St. Mary’s in Milwaukee. Grandma J has volunteered many hours at Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Hospital, at her church in Milwaukee, and, now, at St. Patrick’s in Whitewater. She also volunteers her time for all of the Play for Trey events. Grandma J is also known for her yummy, sweet treats that she makes for the students in Whitewater. And, she is Triple A proud. You can find her at athletic, arts, and academic events. Grandma J is appreciated throughout the Whitewater Community. She exemplifies the #TheWhippetWay.
Mike Stutzman could be considered a Lifelong Whippet. He was a Whitewater Unified School District employee for over 35 years, spending all of his years at Whitewater High School and Whitewater Middle School as a Computer Science teacher and then moving on to teach 7th grade science. He was the driving force that started the 8th grade trip to Disney World and was a big part of the 7th grade Washington DC trips. Mike has over 30 years of coaching experience in volleyball and was also the Athletic Director at the middle school. Mike’s colleagues said he is a team player, has a huge heart, and gives out great advice. He is also a huge supporter of the Academics, Arts, and Athletics of the Whitewater Community. He, too, is Triple A Proud and is 1Family. Congratulations Grandma J and Mike!
Article and Photo Submitted by Amy Houwers
Whitewater High School Student Council Advisor
ahouwers@wwusd.org
Emilia Houwers advanced to the WIAA State Tournament next week with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Rachel Winters of Lodi High School in the opening match of the Edgewood Sectional on Thursday, October 6.
Information Submitted by Greg Stewart
The Whitewater volleyball program traveled to East Troy for their last conference game on Thursday, October 6. The JV1 and JV2 teams continued their solid efforts as they fought hard against the Trojans. The teams will finish their seasons this Thursday against Johnson Creek at our Dig Pink home finish.
The Whippet Varsity squad (8-1 conference, and 19-6 overall) continued their win streak against East Troy, beating them in four sets, 25-16, 25-15, 20-25, 25-17. And with a little help from Brodhead beating McFarland tonight, we are tied for 1st overall in the conference!
This team is so well deserving of the honor. They have worked so hard, stayed consistent and have a true desire to get better every single day. To finish on the top of the RVC is an accomplishment, and a goal we had, but we are not done yet. We now set our sights on Johnson Creek to end regular season play on Thursday for Dig Pink, and then we will be laser-focused on playoff time!
“I think we are starting to really believe. We can battle with great teams, and we are finding success. Success comes in the grind. When we face adversity, when we have setbacks, we keep grinding and believing; that is success! That is exactly what I love about this team this year. They believe in each other and even in the face of adversity, they still believe. We hope to use this mentality and momentum to take us deep in the playoff battle.”
Statistical leaders on the night included a big blocking night from Junior Aidyn Amundson with 3 blocks, Caleigh Yang with 23 digs and 3 aces, Calli Grosinske with 38 assists and 3 aces, Cali Kopecky with 13 digs, and Kindyl Kilar with 26 kills and 10 digs.
Statistical leaders for East Troy included Jillian Pergande with 16 kills, Julia Aleckson with 32 assists, Olivia Grayse with 2 aces, and Amaya Pluess with 26 digs.
Next up, the Whippets are at home on Thursday (10/13) to host Johnson Creek for our annual Dig Pink event. We will honor our Manager Cristal Verduzco’s late mother who lost her battle to breast cancer this past September. We also hope to honor all those who have fought, who have won, and who are currently fighting cancer. Let’s pack the gym to dig for a cure!
Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Obituaries
Bradford L. “Brad” Tuttle, 75, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Brad was born on November 4, 1949 in Ohio to Charles and Jean (Homstad) Tuttle. Brad graduated from Warren G. Harding High School. After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force. On August 3rd, 1974 he married the love of his life, Beth. They were happily married for 50 years. Brad was also employed by the City of Whitewater for over 30 years. He enjoyed rooting for his Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns with his family. He was also an … Read more
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In Loving Memory of Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)Beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kandi Lynn Kincaid, daughter of Eunice and Richard Kincaid, on December 28th at 7 PM. Kandi passed away peacefully in bed, enjoying one of her favorite pastimes—watching crime shows. Kandi was a woman of many passions. She was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, found joy in listening to 2Pac, and had an unwavering love for animals, always standing against cruelty of any kind. Her smile could light up a room, and her warmth … Read more
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Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Lilac Springs Assisted Living in Lake Mills. George was born on July 20, 1935 in Phillips, Wisconsin to George and Nellie (Knight) Seeburger. He graduated from Phillips High School and received an undergraduate degree from UW Stevens Point and went on to earn his PhD from the University of Georgia Athens. He was a biology professor at UW Whitewater up until his retirement. George married Nancy Carole Skalitzky on November 6, 1959 in Waukegan, Illinois. Nancy passed on November 13, 2021. They enjoyed traveling … Read more
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William J. “Bill” West, 75, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson. Bill was born on September 8, 1949 to John and Bessie (Sutherland) West in Fort Atkinson. He worked at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for twelve years. Bill enjoyed watching the Packers and NASCAR. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sandy Hahn; and many friends and family. A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Inurnment will take … Read more
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David Harold Baker Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, son, and brother, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born on August 10, 1963, in Beaufort, South Carolina, David was the firstborn child of David Baker Sr. and the late Betty Jean Baker (née Wickham) while his father served in the United States Marine Corps. David spent his early years in Wyoming, where the family lived until his parents divorced. In 1976, David moved to Oregon with his father, and he graduated from high school in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Wisconsin to … Read more
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Allen C. Hicks, 85 of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Huntington Memory Care in Janesville. Al, the oldest of seven boys, was born on July 5th, 1939, in Belvidere, Illinois to Walt and Laura (Keller) Hicks. A few years later, the family bought a dairy farm in Whitewater and became very active in the Whitewater community. There was always work to be done or something to be repaired on the farm which led to Al’s lifelong love of tinkering. He was very active in high school sports which continued on into his adult years playing in … Read more
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Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91, Whitewater passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, having lived independently almost all her later life. Jeanette was born on May 12, 1933 in Whitewater, WI to Alvin and Maybell (Maasz) Cox. She married Norman Hansen on November 2, 1950 and they were married for 59 years. Jeanette enjoyed fishing, reading, indoor gardening, collecting dolls, and cooking; and she made many beautiful items with crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She was generous and seemed to have a good word to say about almost everyone she met. She especially loved … Read more
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Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting … Read more
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John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024. John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater. John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates. As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas … Read more
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Clifford Maynard Witte, age 103, of Whitewater, WI completed his earthly journey on December 24, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Clifford was born on September 13, 1921 on a farm in Mount Horeb, WI, and was the third child of Ella and Eli Witte. Clifford served his country by joining the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and served alongside his two brothers. Later he used the GI bill to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. There he met the love of his life, Beulah (Billie) Ohrberg, and they married on Nov 7, 1946. Shortly after … Read more
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