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The Whitewater Whippets travelled to Delavan for a non-conference girls’ basketball game against the Delavan-Darien Comets Tuesday night, January 17. It was another close game right up until the end.
Hitting our shots from outside gave us the edge as Delavan collapsed on us around the rim. We went into halftime leading by 4, 20-16. In the second half, Delavan played a more aggressive defensive game, but we rallied and picked up the tempo on offense getting a 10-point lead. Delavan forced some turnovers with a full court press to close the gap and went on a scoring run to tie the game up. We made some adjustments and were able to break the press. In the final minutes of the game, Delavan connected on their free throws giving them the edge with a final score of 44-40.
Danielle DePorter led the Whippets with 17 points, shooting 85% from the field, and 4 for 4 from 3-point range. Kindyl Kilar added 13 points and 8 rebounds.
The Whippets take on Big Foot at home on Thursday, January 19.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob and Peter Mischka
The Whippet Boys’ Swim Team finished out their last home meet of the season with a win against the Delavan-Darien Comets Tuesday night, January 17.
Tyler Arnett continues to swim strong in the 200 and 500 Freestyle, going right on his season best times and winning both events.
Miles Nickelsburg had an impressive night taking a 2nd place finish in the 200 Freestyle and 100 Freestyle. Miles dropped 10 seconds in his 100 Freestyle going a 1:03.80.
Jack Hefty won the 200 IM going a new best time of 2:30.72. Jack continues to swim fast and went on to win the 100 Freestyle with a new best time of 57.43. He also had a new 50 Butterfly split of 28.92.
Andrew O’Toole went a best time in 50 FR of 28.35 and then went on to lead off the 200 FR relay and dropped more time in his 50 going a 28.23. Andrew also dropped 8 seconds in the 100 Backstroke with a new time of 1:21.98.
Xavier Zei continues to drop more time in the 100 Breaststroke going a new best time of 1:31.97. That’s a 3 second drop from just last week! He also improved his 50 FR relay split by 4 seconds!
Myles Morse brought home the win in the 50 Freestyle going a best time of 28.25. Myles also swam the 500 Freestyle for the first time this season going a time of 6:50.83.
Cruz Aranda had strong races in the 100 Butterfly and 100 Backstroke winning and going best times in both events! He dropped 2 seconds in his 100 Butterfly with a new time of 1:08.21.
David Enns continues to improve his technique in the 100 Backstroke. He went a solid time of 1:37.40.
Onyx Thompson swam a great race in the 100 Freestyle and 200 Freestyle going right on his season best times.
The Whippets are up again next week Tuesday, January 24th, at 5:30 p.m. against Jefferson/Cambridge in Jefferson. Hope to see you there!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Co-Head Boys’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Over the last week, from January 10 through the 13th, the Whitewater Wrestling Team had the opportunity to continue to see success on the mat, going 3-0 in dual meets.
On Tuesday night, the Whippets hosted the Oregon Panthers. Whippet Alum Brian Hookstead brought his team to his old stomping grounds. Coach Hookstead has a very nice team this year with some hardnosed wrestlers. It was truly a night of wrestling as the youth club from Oregon also came down, setting up 18 matches showing their skills. Overall each team won about half their matches so it was a good experience for the 3rd – 7th grade students. The JV wrestled very well, winning 48-30 in their contested matches with Oregon.
Coming up with nice wins for the Whippets on Varsity included Jasen Porras (Decision), CJ Tomomitsu (pin), Traysen Thomason (pin), Sebastian Cuellar (pin), Hector Arnodo (pin), and Richard Franco (decision). Also winning by forfeits included Connor Friend, Aaron Porras, and Jesus Barajas to help the Whippets win the dual 48-30.
On Friday night, the team traveled to Evansville to participate in the Rock Valley Conference Duals. This included three rounds of wrestling with Whitewater competing in two of those rounds. In their first dual the Whippets had Brodhead/Juda. Although Brodhead does not field a full team, their students are very tough. Whitewater did very well, including those matches that were not in our favor. Whitewater won this dual 54-30.
In round 3 of the RVC Duals, Whitewater defeated Big Foot 63-16. Going 2-0 on the night were Jasen Porras, Jason Villegas, CJ Tomomitsu, Connor Friend, Sebastian Cuellar, Aaron Porras, and Payton Lyon. Going 1-1 included Jarvis Porcaro, Traysen Thomason, Odair Porras, Avi Kalra, Hector Arnodo, and Deavion Olson.
Sprinkled in throughout the night the JV team also had the opportunity to compete. They did extremely well as it is proof that if you do the basics really well you will see success.
The varsity wrestling team is now 8-0 overall, 7-0 in the RVC. The team is next in action when they travel to the highly competitive Monroe Invitational on Saturday, January 21. On Tuesday, January 24, they host Evansville with each team being 7-0 in the conference.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Last Saturday, January 7, the Women’s Wrestling Team traveled to Kenosha Bradford to participate in the program’s first ever women’s tournament. The team wrestled very well with them coming home with a 2nd place team finish.
Leading the way for the ladies were Lauren Buehler and Ashly Xochipa. Each of these ladies took runner up in their weight classes. Both of them had two very nice wins on the day with their only losses coming to very good girls from Whitefish Bay. Ashly improved to 12-2 on the season and Lauren improved to 8-6.
Taking third place for the Lady Whippets were Khloe Meyer and Odeling Gonzales. This was the first time each of these ladies has medaled in a tournament, and they are really starting to put things together on the mat.
Finishing out placement for the Whippets was Athena Soto taking fourth place in her first tournament ever, as well as Stephanie Wence also taking fourth place.
Besides Ashly, wrestling is very new for our ladies as they have never competed before. The coaches are very impressed with the growth they are all making each day in practice, and it shows when they compete. Whitewater is fortunate to have enough ladies on the team so they have enough to have practice partners in the room. The goal is to keep those numbers growing.
The ladies are next in action when they all travel to Wausau West High School on January 21 to complete in the WWCA Women’s State Finals.
Article and Photo Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
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)
Obituaries
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
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … Read more
Entered God’s Kingdom on Friday, April 3, 2026, age 65. Donna is survived by her cousins, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents James and Lois (Michels) Lyons. Donna was raised in the Church of Nazarene, with her father being the assistant pastor. Religion was very important to Donna. Donna enjoyed working with the students of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, where she resided. Donna also loved to travel, visiting France, Italy, and all around the United States. She also loved to paint, cross-stitch, knit, and crochet. She also loved collecting recipes and trying … Read more
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