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Whippet Swimmers Open with SLC Conference Relays

September 2, 2022

The 2022 Whippet Girls Swim season started out with Conference Relays on 9/1! 

Ashly Xochipa, Josie Treder, Charlotte Hajewski, and Karime Velazquez competed in the 200 Medley and the 200 Freestyle Relay where they swam some impressive splits. We are looking forward to them swimming even faster times this season! 

We had some new Whippet swimmers compete in their first ever high school swim meet. We were excited to see Georgia Esch, Atreya Wilson, Sanibel Fox-Simes, and Lucy Davis compete in the 200 and 100 Freestyle Relay. It was awesome to see them swim best times since the start of our practices! 

The Whippets took on the 1000 Freestyle Crescendo with a lineup of Emerson Dunham, Brooke Bazeley, Grace Foucault, and Makayla Bazeley. They took home some new hardware with a 2nd place finish! The same group placed 1st in the 100 Freestyle Relay with a time of 51.84. Now that’s some fast swimming! 

In the 400 Breaststroke Relay, Grace Foucault as the lead off swimmer was able to get a best time in the 100 Breaststroke. That time landed her a spot on the Whitewater High School Top 10 list at #9! 

We are so excited to see what the rest of the season holds for each of our Whippet swimmers!

Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

Soccer Falls to Milton, 7-1

September 2, 2022

It was tough going on Thursday night, September 1, for the Whitewater Whippets Boys’ Soccer Team, falling to Milton by a score of 7-1.

Victor Hernandez scores the lone Whippet goal.

The boys started off incredibly strong by controlling possession, pressing high, and scoring a goal in the 3’ minute. Placing the ball in the lower left-hand corner of the net and giving Whitewater the lead was Victor Hernandez with a beautiful assist from Avery Janovec. Milton then proceeded to score 5 goals in the next 13 minutes. After the 5-0 run from Milton, the Whippets responded well and kept the score at 5-1 until the break.

The second half was much stronger, and the Whippets only allowed 2 goals.

The team has a week break until our next game and we are hoping for some more hard-fought competition. 

Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Assistant Varsity Boys’ Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Brantmeier Doubles Team Scores Round 1 Victory at US Open

August 31, 2022

Congratulations to WHS Class of 2022 graduate Reese Brantmeier and her doubles partner Clervie Ngounoue for their first-round straight-set win (6-3,6-4) at the 2022 U.S. Open over Allison Van Uytvanck and Rosalie Van Der Hoek on August 31.

Reese Brantmeier and her doubles partner Clervie Ngounoue sign autographs after their first round victory.

The doubles team of Brantmeier/Ngounoue will now move on to the second round to play Nicole Melichar-Martinez (USA) and Ellen Perez (AUS). For more information about the second-round match go to the 2022 US Open official website.

Match Highlight Video

Article Submitted by Greg Stewart
Photo Courtesy of Becky Brantmeier

Volleyball Downs Wilmot, Plans for Youth and Educator Celebration September 8

August 30, 2022

The Whitewater volleyball program traveled to Wilmot for a contest on Tuesday night, August 30.

The JV2 team played a hard-fought battle but fell to Wilmot. Despite the loss, the team is doing some great things. We are seeing athletes begin to understand the game of volleyball, working hard on both offense and defense.

The JV1 team came out and played hard, putting some nice things together, and won the first set, lost the second set, and came back and won the third set to win the match. The JV team is finding their balance, and we’re seeing some great plays defensively and offensively. They’re learning new plays every day, and we’re proud of the growth they have made so far this season!

Capping off the night, our varsity team swept Wilmot in three straight sets. It was definitely a team effort; everyone saw playing time, and I was proud of the way we came together and finished the match. Stat leaders included Kindyl Kilar with 12 kills, Caleigh Yang and Ella Spear each with nine digs, Cali Grosinske with 15 assists and Jenna Pope with four aces and two blocks.

We will now kick off our conference play with our first home match on Thursday, September 8. This is our special event night, with our youth night and educator appreciation night. We invite everyone out to the Whitewater High School gym to help us kick off our conference season! We will face Big Foot- let’s pack the gym! JV teams start at 5 p.m. and Varsity follows at 6:30 p.m. Hope to see you all there as we honor our youth and educators who have impacted our lives!

Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org

Whippet Soccer Plays to 3-3 Tie with Fort

August 30, 2022

The Whitewater Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team played a competitive back and forth game against Fort Atkinson that ended in a 3-3 draw on August 29.

The Whippets started out strong with an early goal from Victor Hernandez giving us a 1-0 lead until the half time interval. Shortly after the half, our midfield collapsed allowing Fort Atkinson a clear-cut path to goal, and they tied the game. Heavy contact in the box led to a Fort Atkinson penalty that was converted. Minutes later, following some great build up play from the Whippets, Zoheb Rakhangi played an amazing through ball to Sebastian Cuellar that was beautifully converted. Following a questionable call, Fort Atkinson was awarded another penalty that beat keeper Henry Mortimer, who had 11 saves on the day, bottom left corner. Whitewater fought back aggressively and through a defensive mistake, and high soccer IQ play from Sebastian Cuellar, the game was all tied at 3-3.

Henry Mortimer (File Photo)

Chris Cortez played the full 80 minutes at center back and was the driving force defensively for the Whippets. Leading the midfield was Ethan Dugan who, with his teammates, was able to help dictate the pace of the game.

We look forward to more great performances at our game on Thursday vs Milton. 

Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Assistant Varsity Boys’ Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Brantmeier Wins USTA National Doubles Championship, Earns Spot in US Open

August 28, 2022

Reese Brantmeier, WHS class of 2022, punched her ticket to the 2022 U.S. Open with her doubles partner Clervie Ngounoue of Washington with a 6-3,4-6,6-2 win over Natalie Block of Florida and Charney Piper of South Carolina to win the Girls 18 2022 the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Championship.

Brantmeier (second from left) is also making USTA tennis history in Wisconsin. The last players from Wisconsin to win the USTA doubles title were Tami and Teri Whitlinger of Neenah, Wisconsin, in 1986. 

Brantmeier, a native of Whitewater, Wisconsin, was the No. 1 ranked player in the class of 2022, according to tennisrecruiting.net. She will be playing tennis at the University of North Carolina this fall. 

This USTA tournament appearance will not be Brantmeier’s first appearance at a major. Brantmeier competed at the U.S. Open Women’s Singles in 2019 and 2021 and mixed doubles in 2021 with Nick Monroe.

You can follow the U.S. Open Women’s double tournament using ESPN plus- and this U.S. Open website. While the draw is currently found on the website, the date and time of the match have not been released. Venus and Serena Williams are also in the U.S. Open doubles as a wild card entry.

Reese Brantmeier is the daughter of Scott and Becky Brantmeier and has two older brothers, Justin and Zach. All three attended Whitewater High School.

Article and Photos Submitted by Greg Stewart

Editor’s note: Revised on 8/29 @ noon to add that Brantmeier is a WHS 2022 graduate.

Whippet Volleyball Wins Silver Bracket at UWW; Kilar Named to All-Tournament Team

August 28, 2022

The Whippet Volleyball Team battled in the two-day UWW Warhawk tournament this past weekend, which included 25 teams from around Wisconsin. The first night the Whippets faced a tough schedule with playing three matches right in a row in an extremely hot field house. That being said, they beat Lodi in the first match of the night and fell to Shorewood Lutheran and Heritage Christian in a tight three-set match, finally losing to Bloomer who finished third overall.

After a tough Friday night schedule, the Whippets bounced back to be undefeated on Saturday, winning the top silver division to place 11th.

Coach Kilar commented, “I was so proud of our determination and perseverance to come back from a tough schedule and matchups on Friday night, battling in two hard-fought three-set matches. But this team would not quit! They came back Saturday and did not drop a set, beating Bradford, Merrill, Monona Grove, and Evansville to take the silver bracket.” Kilar further commented, “I cannot say this enough, I am incredibly proud of how this team is coming together, battling for each other, committing to running a faster offense and willing to dig in on defense. They are a true team, working together and battling! To say I am proud of them is an understatement.”

The Whippet stat leaders from the tournament included a well-rounded attack and defensive line. Kindyl Kilar dominated offensively and defensively, ending the tournament with 90 kills, 18 aces, and 64 digs. However, she was not alone. Senior Jenna Pope put up huge blocking numbers and led with 14 total blocks. Sophomore Calli Grosinske dished out 118 assists, and senior Cali Kopecky tallied 7 aces on the tournament. Finally, the Whippet libero, Caleigh Yang was a force defensively, recording 60 digs on the weekend.

“Everything we do this season is about our team. We have far more weapons this year, and the athletes are embracing their potential to contribute to this team.  It has been so fun to be part of their growth, and I count myself blessed to be called their coach.”

Kindyl Kilar

Kindyl Kilar, a Florida International University commit was also named to the 9-player All-Tournament Team. “I am so proud of the way Kindyl is leading this season, and she always gives 110%. What is so incredible though, is that I can say that about every one of our 13-person roster. They are all in this season, and I look forward to what our future holds!”

Article and Group Photo Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Action Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka

20th Annual Dirk Seibold Alumni Cross Country Meet Held Saturday

August 27, 2022

The Whippet Cross Country Teams kicked their race schedule off Saturday, August 27, on the campus of UW-Whitewater. It was the 20th edition of the Dirk Seibold Alumni Meet. The weather was terrific for August and the course is challenging – a great combination! It’s the first rust buster of the year for the kids as they embark on their 2022 season.

The boys kicked things off first with many runners already showing nice improvement over last season. Jack Hefty led the race wire to wire and cruised to a comfortable win in 18:29. Nate Holden came in third behind Assistant Coach Quinn McKenzie with a time of 20:19. Miles Nickelsburg, CJ Tomomitsu, and Xavier Zei ran as a nice trio for much of the race with only 19 seconds separating them running in the mid 21’s. Onyx Thompson and Ben McCulloch rounded out the top 7 boys, finishing in 8th and 9th with times of 24:48 and 24:56. Jack, Nate, Miles, and Xavier all ran faster today than they did last year at the conference meet which is held on the exact same course. Xavier cut over six minutes off last year’s conference meet time! Alumni Adam Triebold, Ben Holden, Kris Kirkland, and Mark Schroeder all competed hard in the event and repped the team very well! 

The girls’ race was next and featured a much different look as the team lost many seniors from last year’s group. Freshman Mady Hefty ran a nice first effort to lead the team with a third place finish overall with a time of 24:00. Athena Soto came in fourth in 24:49. Nola Coburn was the team’s third runner and placed 5th with a time of 26:02. Running together for nearly all of the race were Emma Weigel and Lauren Buehler. They finished with times of 27:17 and 27:32. Isabella Aranda ran faster than she did last year at the conference meet by placing 8th with a time of 28:04. Rounding out the top seven varsity scorers was Danielle DePorter who placed 10th in 28:34. Alumni Kristin Anderson and Teresa Stanley showed their veteran dominance by placing first and second with times of 23:17 and 23:59. 

Many other athletes wore the Whippet name on their chest for the first time and did well! Many other alumni were in attendance but did not race. Coach Carstens would like to thank all those that came out for attending the 20th edition of the Alumni Meet, regardless of whether you competed or not. Mark your calendars for 2023 as we will conduct the meet on August 26th. See you then!

Article and Group Photos Courtesy of Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Individual Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Obituaries

Obituary: Bradford L. “Brad” Tuttle, 75

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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Obituary: Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)

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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Obituary: Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills

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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Obituary: William J. “Bill” West, 75

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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Obituary: David Harold Baker Jr., 61, of Portland, OR

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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Obituary: Allen C. Hicks, 85

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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Obituary: Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91

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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Obituary: Isaac Richard Unger, 31

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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Obituary: John George Mack, 61

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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Obituary: Clifford Maynard Witte, 103

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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