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By Broderick P. Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director
Mount Vernon, Iowa -The No. 4 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team opened the NCAA Regional in Mount Vernon, Iowa with a 3-1 (25-15, 20-25, 25-12, 25-20) win over Coe College Thursday afternoon.
The Warhawks advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament to face No. 14 Washington University-St. Louis Friday. That regional semifinal match is slated to start at 4:30 with the winner securing a spot in the regional final.
UWW won the battle of the Hawks for the second time this season. The Warhawks hit .204 in the match while holding the Kohawks to just .051.
After a back-and-forth start to the set, a huge 6-0 run with Jenna Weinfurt (Waukesha, Wis./Catholic Memorial) at the service line set up UWW with set point and Ally Warburton (St. Charles, Ill./North) registered the final point with a kill.
Coe turned the tables in set two and used a late run of their own to even the match 1-1.
UW-Whitewater cruised in set three with a 6-0 burst with Weinfurt at the service line once again. That run gave the Warhawks a 12-4 advantage and they cruised the rest of the way for a 25-12 win.
Three consecutive UWW kills in set four extended the Warhawk lead to 15-10, but the Kohawks battled back. With a one-point advantage, 20-19, UW-Whitewater ran off three in a row to build a cushion. The final two points came on Coe miscues to send the Warhawks into the second round.
Weinfurt led all players with 16 kills adding three aces and 15 digs. Warburton posted 13 kills and Kirsten Anderson (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) rounded out the double digit kills contingent with 11. Aurbrie Krzus dished out 45 assists in the four-setter.
Defensively, Morgan Jensen (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) tallied 27 digs while Ally Longden (Pewaukee, Wis./Pewaukee) added 18 and Krzus posted 14. Abbie Dix (Brodhead, Wis./Brodhead) led the UWW blocking effort with four assist blocks.
WashU advanced to the second round with a 3-0 sweep of St. Olaf in their opening match. The Warhawks defeated the Bears earlier this season in a four-set match played in Whitewater.
Posted by Stephanie Ann Goettl
Hi, Whitewater! I know many people have been asking about Hawk Bowl. I wanted to let you know we will be lighting the sign for one final time this evening until 9:00 p.m. if anyone is interested in getting a final photo. (Bowling alley will not be open.)
We are so appreciative of so many people sharing memories here and elsewhere and will miss hosting people from here for bowling nights, birthday parties, and leagues.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team will open the 2023 NCAA Football Playoffs at home in Perkins Stadium as the Bethel University Royals come to Whitewater for round one. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 18.
The winner advances to play the winner between Wheaton (IL) and Mount St. Joseph Saturday, November 25. Location of the round two contest will be announced following the completion of all round one games.
TICKETS/PARKING
Tickets are $14 for Adults, $10 Over 65 / Students and youth 5-18
Free kids under 5 (no ticket needed)
Advance Ticket Purchase: Click Here
Tickets will also be available for purchase on Saturday at Perkins Stadium.
Parking: All parking is cashless this season. To purchase in advance, click here. Fans can purchase on the day of but must go through the online purchasing portal to do so and will not be allowed into a lot until purchase is complete.
IN THE POLLS
UWW: #5 D3football.com (Prev: 5) / #5 American Football Coaches Association (Prev: 6)
BU: Receiving Votes / Receiving Votes
UWW’S PATH TO PLAYOFFS
The Warhawks wrapped up the regular season with a 9-1 record despite boasting one of the toughest schedules in Division III this season. UW-Whitewater’s lone loss came at the midway point of the season to then-No. 14 UW-La Crosse. UWW finished as the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference runner-up to the now-fourth ranked Eagles. That strength of schedule was a vital piece of the Warhawks receiving an at-large bid into the playoffs this season.
UW-Whitewater is making its 16th playoff appearance since 2005. UWW is 58-12 in postseason play with six national titles in program history.
UWW’s first six games of the 2023 campaign were against ranked opponents including contests against then-top five’s Saint Johns (week two) and UW-River Falls (week six). The Warhawks picked up back-to-back wins at home over UW-Stout and UW-Platteville before wrapping up the season with shutouts over UW-Stevens Point and UW-Eau Claire.
In the final two weeks of the regular season, UWW outscored their opponents 107-0 including a 59-0 route of the Blugolds last week.
HOW BETHEL GOT HERE
The Royals claimed their sixth MIAC Championship last week to secure the league’s automatic bid into the postseason. Bethel is making its third consecutive playoff appearance and 12th overall.
Bethel enters the postseason on a seven-game win streak – the longest for the Royals since 2013. BU made a run to the quarterfinals last season and is 13-11 in postseason play in program history.
ON THE AIR
Saturday’s game will air live online on the WIAC Network. The contest can be heard on 105.9 FM The Hog in the Whitewater area, or online at www.1059thehog.com.
SERIES
The Warhawks and Royals have met just one other time in the teams’ storied histories – and it was another postseason matchup. UW-Whitewater defeated Bethel 26-12 in the NCAA Quarterfinal at Perkins Stadium on December 1, 2018.
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Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
Best way to jump start the Holiday Season??? Easy answer: Taking in a performance of the Whitewater High School’s red-hot production of “Mean Girls, High School Version.”
Based on the Paramount Pictures film “Mean Girls,” performances will be held November 16-18 at 7 p.m. and November 19 at 2 p.m. in the newly named James Stewart Auditorium located in the Whitewater High School.
General Admission seating is $10 for adults and $7 for students. Call the box office at 262-472-8178 for more information.
“Mean Girls, The High School Version” tells the story of Cady Heron, a teenage girl who finds herself in a public high school after years of being home-schooled on the African savanna. Confronted with the animalistic social order of American teenagers, Cady devises a plan to topple the school’s queen bee Regina George and her cohorts: The Plastics.
Under the artistic direction of Jim McCulloch and musical direction of Liz Elliott, the cast and crew have been working very hard preparing for opening night.
Due to mature themes and language a rating of PG-13 is recommended for audiences.
Cast members include Brooke Mason, Alex Sullivan, Ayden Clark, Hayleigh Pond, Haley Keltesch, Lauren Rollette, Cosette Wildermuth-Breizman, Chacha Binag, Ava Van Daele, Alex Clarksen, David Enns, Jocelyn Alcala, Ian Agen, Hailee Ambrose, Deven Bawden, Kaci Beaver, Belle Cohen, Peyton Comfort, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Vivian Harris, Nina Heim, Jimmy Kinson, Ameera Lin, Ruth Lopez, Sam Nickelsburg, Sophia Noonan, Kai Peterson, Lia Ramirez, A’lani Ross, Josie Selby, Taylor Speerbrecher, Willow Vogelzang, Sophia Walenton, and Elora Wildermuth-Breizman.
Putting their talents to work as part of the Production Crew are Kara Long and Gabi Kirley (Stage Managers), Taytum Atkins (Choreography), Kat Dunham (Tech Director), Alexa Casino-Pena (Costumes), Matt Zingheim (Sound), Kerry Ramsden (Scenic Painter), Payton Bunger, Natalia Gallegos, Laken DePorter, Emerson Dunham, Ava Nygren, Lucy Troxel, Joshua Nygren, Rae Breisath, Ace Hudec, Miles Nickelsburg, Taiya Kolb, Payton Peacock, and Cora Schimming.
The Pit Band Members include Sam Averill (Conductor), Liz Elliott, Thayer Coburn, Isabelle Lavertu, Liz Ngabo, Jay Downs, Dante Baker, Justin Kamp, Maddie Blain, Samantha Van Daele, Kayla Mikos, and Adam Drefs.
Before each performance, Tom Ganser’s photos will be displayed from the Whitewater High School Players productions of “The Little Mermaid” (2019), “Footloose” (2021), and “Beauty and the Beast” (2022).
Put “See ‘Mean Girls, High School Version’ on your To Do List.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s volleyball team will head to Mount Vernon, Iowa for NCAA Regional action this week. The eight-team regional hosted by Cornell College will run Thursday through Saturday.
The Warhawks (26-4) will take on Coe College (21-11) to open their 34th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The first match of the day Thursday will feature Washington-St. Louis against St. Olaf at 11:30 followed by UWW and Coe at 2 p.m. At 4:30, Northwestern (MN) will face Edgewood with Cornell hosting Millikin in the final match of the evening at 7 p.m.
REGIONAL INFORMATION
Location: Mount Vernon, Iowa
Facility: Small Athletic & Wellness Center
Click here and select UWW Match Notes (PDF) for further details.
More information will be posted on the online preview story as it becomes available
UWW’S PATH TO REGIONALS
The Warhawks finished as the runner-up in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings but rolled through the league tournament to claim the WIAC’s automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. UWW swept UW-River Falls in the semifinal, beating the Falcons for the second time in less than a week. In the WIAC Tournament Championship, UW-Whitewater was phenomenal in handing UW-Oshkosh its first loss of 2023 on the Titans’ home court. The Warhawks won in straight sets to take down the No. 2 team in the nation and punch their ticket to regionals. UWW has won 18 WIAC Tournament titles.
HOW COE QUALIFIED
Coe, the number three seed in the American Rivers Conference Tournament, knocked off top-ranked Dubuque 3-1 in the title match to claim the ARC’s automatic bid into the postseason. The win is Coe’s second straight ARC tournament championship.
ALL-LEAGUE LEADERS
The Warhawks swept all major player awards in the WIAC this season. Outside hitter Jenna Weinfurt (Waukesha, Wis./Catholic Memorial) was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year while libero Morgan Jensen (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) secured Defensive Player of the Years honors for the second time in her career. Setter Aubrie Krzus (Wheaton, Ill./Warrenville South) was named the WIAC Newcomer of the Year. In addition, the nation’s top blocker, Kirsten Anderson (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie), garnered First Team All-WIAC recognition.
The Kohawks were represented by middle hitters Grace Lueken and Gracie Urbatsch, setter Maddy Maahs and pin Madi Parson on the ARC’s All-Conference listing this season.
BATTLE OF THE HAWKS
The Warhawks lead the all-time series against Coe 9-4 since 2006. UWW has won the last six and eight of the last 10. Five of the last six meetings have resulted in the Warhawk sweep. Coe has won the lone two five-setters since 2006. Thursday’s match will be the second meeting between the two squads this season – UWW won 3-0 on September 9 on the road.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Seven Warhawk runners have earned All-Region recognition from the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Honorees include Dan Anderson (Eau Claire, Wis./McDonell), Nick Hardin (Greenfield, Wis./Whitnall), Justin Krause (Ixonia, Wis./Pewaukee), Christian Patzka (Black Earth, Wis./Wisconsin Heights), Gunner Schlender (Brillion, Wis./Brillion), Ari De La Cerda (Milwaukee, Wis./Pewaukee) and Paige Fassbender (Slinger, Wis./Slinger).
Patzka claimed the North Region title for the second consecutive season last week. The junior posted a time of 24:02.0. Schlender added a top 10 finish crossing the line in 24:40.5 followed by Anderson in 13th with a time of 24:45.7. Krause was 17th in the regional meet with a time of 24:52.3 followed by Hardin’s 25:02.9 for 30th.
De La Cerda was the top finisher for the Warhawk women. Her time of 22:35.8 was good for 28th in the North Regional last week. Fassbender finished 35th with a time of 22:45.7.
Patzka, Schlender and Krause are now three-time All-Region honorees while Anderson picked up his second-straight honor. De La Cerda is also a two-time All-Region selection.
The Warhawk men finished as the North Region runner-up and received an at-large bid into the NCAA Division III Championships. Dickinson College will host the championship meet at Big Spring High School in Newville, Pennsylvania on Saturday, November 18. The 32-team race that includes an additional 70 individual entrants is slated to start at 10 a.m.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team defeated Ripon College 79-55 in the team’s home-opener in Kachel Gym Wednesday.
Box Score
In the Hoops for Hunger campaign put on by the Warhawk men’s and women’s basketball teams and sponsored by Ketterhagen Ford Wednesday, UW-Whitewater collected nonperishable food donations that will go to The Community Space in Whitewater to help those in need.
UW-Whitewater jumped out to a quick lead scoring the first ten points of the game. The UWW defense held Ripon off the board for more than five minutes to start the game.
The Warhawks extended the gap in the second quarter, doubling up the Red Hawks with a 22-11 second period. UWW held a 40-21 lead at the break and never looked back.
Five UWW players registered double digits in the scoring column led by Aleah Grundahl’s (DeForest, Wis./DeForest) 15. She was 7-14 from the field adding five rebounds and a game-high five assists.Maggie Trautsch (Sun Prairie, Wis./DeForest) added 13 points on 6-10 from the floor.Katie Hildebrandt (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) also registered 13 points and led the Warhawks with eight rebounds.Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) andMallory Oloffson (Normal, Ill./Normal Community) rounded out the double figure scorers with 11 each as Carollo hauled in seven boards.
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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