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Women’s Basketball: UWW 78, Carroll 64

November 19, 2023

By Broderick Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team exploded in the first quarter after a slower start and kept their lead for the rest of the game off of efficient shooting. As a team, the Warhawks shot 61.2% from the floor, a Warhawk single-game record, breaking their 61.0% mark (happened 3 times: 1986 against Rust College, 1990 against UW-La Crosse, and 1991 against Wisconsin Lutheran).

Box Score

Only four minutes into the game, Carroll only led 6-3 as both teams struggled to get anything going offensively. At the first media timeout, the Warhawks regained the lead after Maggie Trautsch (Sun Prairie, Wis./DeForest) hit a step-back three-pointer to put them up 7-6. That three-ball kick-started the offense and UW-Whitewater put together a 14-0 run to enter the first break up 18-6. The Warhawks held the Pioneers to 2-for-16 from the floor in the first quarter. 

The Warhawks maintained their lead in the second quarter, bringing it up to eight to end the first half. The second quarter was fueled by three-point shooting from both teams, with UW-Whitewater nailing four out of their eight three-pointers in the quarter. Carroll went 2-for-5 from deep in the second quarter but was unable to overcome the first quarter deficit.

After the halftime break, both teams traded baskets evenly, but UW-Whitewater pulled ahead a little bit more, going up 58-44 at the third quarter buzzer.

Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater)found the holes in the defense in the third, recording three of her seven assists. 

The Warhawks opened up the fourth quarter going 8-for-8 and not missing a shot from the floor until there was only two minutes left in the game. The Pioneers put together a 7-point scoring run as time expired but were unable to overcome the Warhawks.

Aleah Grundahl (DeForest, Wis./DeForest) led all scorers with 21 points. Grundahl also pulled down 7 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, and recorded 3 steals for an impressive all-around stat line. Carollo added 16 points of her own, with 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Traustch rounded out the scoring with 12 points of her own and was stellar on defense, rejecting 3 Pioneer shots. 

The Warhawks will head out on a two-game road stretch, facing off against Illinois Wesleyan on Tuesday, Nov. 21 and Calvin on Saturday, Nov. 25.

Girls’ Basketball Falls to Elkhorn

November 19, 2023

Whitewater Girls’ Basketball lost 66-27 Friday night, November 17, to a very talented Elkhorn team.

Although the result was less than desired, there was a huge improvement with ball movement and spacing on offense. In addition, a much more aggressive mentality on defense led to many deflections and steals.

Calli Grosinske

The Whippets return to action on Tuesday, November 21, against Delavan-Darien in the conference opener. The tip is 7:15 at Delavan-Darien High School.

Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Photo courtesy of Bob Mischka

UW-W to Host 2nd Round of NCAA Football Playoffs

November 19, 2023

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Whitewater, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host Wheaton (IL) in the second round of the NCAA Division III Football Playoffs Saturday, November 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. at Perkins Stadium.  The Banner’s article on the Warhawk’s 42-14 first round win on Saturday, November 18 over Bethel (MN) may be viewed here.

More information will be announced this week including links to purchase tickets and parking in advance. 

Curbside Leaf Pickup is Concluded – Dumpsters Are Provided till Dec. 1

November 18, 2023

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The city’s curbside leaf pickup ended on Friday, November 17. Some black bags have still been observed at the curbside; as has been previously announced, the city can only pick up biobags or clear bags.

Leaf bags that are left outside for the winter will not be picked up by the city crew in the spring. Residents who still have leaves which they still wish to be composted have the option of bringing their leaves to the city garage, 150 E. Starin Rd., where one or more dumpsters will be provided, Monday through Friday, between November 20 and December 1. The facility will be closed for the holiday on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24.

The dumpsters are for leaves and other yard waste only. Yard waste is defined as leaves, weeds, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. The only bags that may be placed in the dumpster are the biobags or transparent bags. Black bags must be emptied into the dumpster. Brush is not to be placed in the dumpster.

Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 by 5 a.m. on Tuesday to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays.

UW-W’s Christian Patzka Registers Second Consecutive National Runner-Up Performance

November 18, 2023

Christian Patzka comes in to the finish line at the 2023 NCAA Championships (d3photo)

By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information

Newville, Penn. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s cross country team finished tenth at the 2023 NCAA Division III Championships Saturday led by a national runner-up performance by Christian Patzka (Black Earth, Wis./Wisconsin Heights). The championships were held in Newville, Pennsylvania on the most difficult course the Warhawks have been on this season. 

The Warhawks have now finished among the top 10 as a team at the NCAA championship three consecutive seasons and six times overall in program history. A total of 32 team competed in the national championship meet. 

Patzka finished second for the second consecutive season crossing the line in 24:20.7 on the tough course. He is now a two-time All-American after finishing second a year ago and 23rd in 2021.

Gunner Schlender (Brillion, Wis./Brillion) picked up his third All-America honor with a time of 24:41.5 to finish 11th – his best finish in three career national meets.

The runner-up and eleventh-place finishes are the best for the Warhawks’ top two runners at the championship in program history. The previous best was Jeremy Burks (7th) and Pat Frascone (15th) in 2000. 

Dan Anderson (Eau Claire, Wis./McDonell) finished among the top half of the nearly-300 runner field in the men’s race. His time of 25:34.6 was 78th – his best career finish at nationals. Chris Allen (Downers Grove, Ill./North) posted a time of 25:54.2 for 131st followed by Craig Hundley’s (Grayslake, IL/North) 26:07.4 for 163rd.Justin Krause (Ixonia, Wis./Pewaukee) crossed the line in 26:54.4 with Nick Hardin (Greenfield, Wis./Whitnall) wrapping up the Warhawk contingent with a clocking of 26:42.2. Hardin had a valiant performance running over four miles with just one shoe after his was pulled off early in the race. 

This Week’s City Meetings

November 18, 2023

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees Meeting – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding formation of a Library Expansion Building
Committee and Library Building Project update.
Library Community Room, 431 West Center,
In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89517915506?pwd=YjljajBUM2dON0hscVVKWENqKzdQUT09
Telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 895 1791 5506
Passcode: 43811038

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Public Hearing regarding 2024/2025 City of Whitewater Budget, lakes update, Aquatic Center update, immigration roundtable, police staffing 2024, Middle School Parking Update, andVon Briesen & Roper Resumes for three Labor and Employment Specialty attorneys.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86211599507?pwd=1BNBKU4Z8uPLnc0Wuwuhw4pLr1yNlQ.ecMzgb0Gl0kdc
EuN

Or Telephone: 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 862 1159 9507
Passcode: 776051

WHS Players Mean Girls, High School Version Final Show Sunday

November 18, 2023
Photos taken at Friday, November 17 performance from the catwalk by 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,” the last performance will be held on Sunday, 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.

UW-W Volleyball Falls in Regional Final

November 18, 2023
Warhawks huddle during a timeout (Caleb Williams, d3photo)

Mount Vernon, Iowa — The No. 4 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team fell to Northwestern (MN) in a five-set heartbreaker 25-20, 25-21, 28-30, 26-28, 11-15 Saturday evening in Mount Vernon, Iowa. The Warhawks end the 2023 campaign in the NCAA Regional final with a record of 28-5. 

Box Score

Senior Jenna Weinfurt (Waukesha, Wis./Catholic Memorial) and freshman Aubrie Krzus (Wheaton, Ill./Warrenville South) were named to the All-Tournament Team for their performances over the course of the weekend. Weinfurt hammered down 47 kills averaging 4.27 per set while Krzus dished out 126 assists – an average of 11.45 assists per set. 

UW-Whitewater used a 7-2 midset run to grow a 17-12 advantage in set one. The Eagles battled back to within one, 19-18 but the Warhawks scored five of the next seven to secure the win. Payton Kuepers (Madison, Wis./Lakeside Lutheran) pounded down the final point with a kill to give UWW a 1-0 lead in the match. 

UWW jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in set two taking advantage of Eagle miscues. UNW worked their way back to make it a one-point set, 6-5 when Krzus tallied back-to-back aces. A few points later Weinfurt added another ace to push the Warhawk advantage back to four, 10-6. Moments later, Ally Warburton (St. Charles, Ill./North) sparked another UWW run with a kill. Kirsten Anderson (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) added a tally in the ace column with Warburton hammering down another as the Warhawks took their largest lead of the set 14-8. UW-Whitewater held a multi-point advantage the rest of the way as Weinfurt capped the set with a kill.

The Warhawks had four aces in the set. Warburton and Weinfurt were efficient on the outside combining for 10 kills in 17 attempts with just a single error. 

Weinfurt tallied the first point of set three with a kill and the Warhawks didn’t trail until late in the set although the score was tied 12 times along the way. With the score knotted 22-22, UNW took its first lead on an ace and then followed with a kill for set point. Abbie Dix (Brodhead, Wis./Brodhead) forced a second set point and a bad set by the Eagles re-tied the set 24-24. 

Ally Longden’s (Pewaukee, Wis./Pewaukee) serve was too much to handle to give the Warhawks set point before the teeter-totter swung back in favor of UNW. The Eagles had the next two set points before UWW took advantage of a UNW error and Weinfurt followed with a kill to make it 28-27 in favor of the Warhawks but the Eagles were able to tally the next three to extend the match winning 30-28. 

Set four was a battle through and through. The score was tied five times and there were four lead changes by the 13-13 mark in the contest. From there, the Warhawks put together a 6-2 run to take a four-point lead, 19-15. UWW ended up leading 24-21 in the set but the Eagles fought through three set points to knot the set 24-24. The teams traded set points once again with a Anderson Kill giving UWW a 26-25 advantage. It was deja vu all over again as the Eagles tallied the next three to force a decisive fifth set. 

With all of the momentum from two late-set comebacks, UNW jumped out to a 6-3 lead. The Warhawks battled back late, pulling to within one, 11-10, on back-to-back kills from Weinfurt. The Eagles responded with three straight to force match point. Anderson held it off with a kill but Northwestern converted on the next point to win. 

Weinfurt tallied a career-high 26 kills in the match. Her 73 attack attempts is the most in program history in a single match. She added 14 digs and three blocks. Warburton and Anderson joined her in double figures with 12 and 10 kills respectively. Krzus posted 51 assists with three aces, ten digs and five assist blocks in the contest. 

Defensively, Anderson turned away 11 attack attempts – a mark that ranks second in the program record book for blocks in a match and one that she has accomplished twice this season. Morgan Jensen (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) registered 22 digs followed by Longden’s 19. 

Despite a tough schedule – over half of the team’s opponents this season are ranked or receiving votes in the latest national poll – the UW-Whitewater registered the most wins (28) since 2016. The Warhawks made their 34th appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament this season. UWW claimed the league’s automatic bid after sweeping No. 2 and then-undefeated UW-Oshkosh on their home court in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship. Four Warhawks were selected First Team All-WIAC including Weinfurt, Anderson, Jensen and Krzus. Weinfurt (Offensive), Jensen (Defensive) and Krzus (Newcomer) were tabbed WIAC Players of the Year. Anderson, Weinfurt and Jensen also earned All-Region recognition from the American Volleyball Coaches Association. All-America Teams have yet to be announced. 

Obituaries

Obituary: Marion Jauch Burrows, 96

Marion Jauch Burrows (Feb. 2, 1930 – June 5, 2026) Her sparkling eyes, warm laugh, and generous ways were gifts Marion brought into this world, touching family members and friends alike over the ninety-six years of her life. She was born and raised in Lombard, IL, and in the course of her life lived with her husband and growing family in Abilene, TX, St. David’s, PA, Arkadelphia, AR, Ada, OK, and Colorado Springs, CO, before settling in Whitewater, WI, in 1965. Generosity of heart, compassion toward those in need in and beyond her community, and an unwavering commitment to fairness … Read more

Obituary: Patricia “Pat” Bailey, 70, of Woodbury, MN

Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more

Obituary: Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83

Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more

Obituary: Mary Ann Warner, 86, of Dodgeville

Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more

Obituary: Patricia Jacobson, 81

Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more

Obituary: Lois Lauritzen, 92, of Brookfield

In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more

Obituary: Donald Walter Triebold, 91

Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more

Obituary: William Kincaid Davis, 84, of Evansville

William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more

Obituary: Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79

Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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