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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)
Tuesday evening, January 11, was an exciting evening at Whitewater High School. Senior Anderson Waelchli presented a voice recital in the WHS auditorium. Dr. Sarah Read Gehrenbeck served as the collaborative keyboard artist.
Some of the pieces performed included art songs such as Die Forelle and I’ll Sail Upon the Dog Star as well as musical theatre selections “Heaven on Their Minds” from Jesus Christ Superstar and “Sadder but Wiser Girl” from The Music Man. Contemporary pieces included “Just the Two of Us” and the jazz standard, “I Thought About You.”
Waelchli’s performance was presented in partial fulfillment of his Independent Study in Vocal Performance with WHS Music Educator, Karen Tordera. The recital was well-attended and included a reception following the performance.
Article Submitted by Karen Tordera
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Teacher
ktordera@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Tom Ganser
Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia
Thursday Evenings 2/3-3/30/23 – 6-7:30 p.m.
Reserve Your Spot Today
The Aging & Disability Resource Centers of Rock and Marquette Counties are offering the 9-week Stress-
Busting for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia virtual class as developed at the University of
Texas Health Science Center by Sharon Lewis and the WellMed Charitable Foundation on Thursday
evenings beginning February 2nd and running through March 30th, 2023 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Who is SBP for? Anyone caring for someone with a form of dementia will benefit from the program.
What is SBP? The Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia is a proven
curriculum developed by Sharon L. Lewis, RN, PhD, FAAN in conjunction with the University of Texas
Health Science Center and the WellMed Charitable Foundation which teaches stress management,
relaxation tools, coping strategies and problem-solving skills with a support group component.
Participants view the program as a source of strength and support for their caregiving role.
“Caregivers of someone with dementia experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
Dealing with those issues in a healthy way is vital to a caregiver’s well-being. Consequently, to care for
the person with dementia, the caregiver must first learn how to care for themselves,” said Karen
Tennyson dementia care specialist at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Rock County.
Reserve your spot today for the Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia
by contacting Karen Tennyson at 608-741-3615 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us.
Editor’s note: The Banner inquired as to whether enrollment in this program is limited to residents of Rock (and Marquette) counties. Karen told us that she would be happy to speak with residents of other counties.
The gymnastics team had a dual meet against Jefferson/Cambridge on January 10, 2023. Once again, the girls faced some tough competition but held their own and came out of the meet with some great scores and showcased some of their new skills.
Stephanie Walters had her season best score of 5.1 on Floor as well as season best of 4.0 on Uneven Bars where she did a flyaway for the first time in a meet. Grace Coleman had a season high on bars as well with a 4.3. She also had a no fall Beam routine, which is always the goal. Payton Brautigam had a great performance on Floor and earned herself a season high score of 5.3. Alexa Wildenberg improved her score on the Beam with a season best of 4.9. Lexi Kuhnke performed her Floor routine for the first time this season and scored a 5.65. It’s great to see her back at it. The JV team had season high team scores on Floor and on Bars!
Mady Hefty had a strong performance on Floor where she tied her season best of 6.85 and did a back tuck in her routine for the first time this season! Her teammates erupted into loud cheers to show their excitement for her. She then went on to Vault where she had a season best score of 7.85. Nola Coburn did a back tuck in her Floor routine for the first time this year which everyone was super excited to watch. Nola went on to score her best on the Uneven Bars with a 5.15. Makayla Bazeley had a stellar performance on the Uneven Bars where she had a lifetime best score of 7.425 and took 3rd place. Brooke Bazeley had another no fall Beam routine. Brenda Aguilar was very close to her season best on the Vault. Halee Peters improved her score on 3 out of 4 rotations. She had a lifetime best on Vault with an 8.50, took 2nd on bars with a 7.55, had a no fall Beam routine and a season best score of 8.35 and then another lifetime best on the Floor with an 8.9. Halee’s all-around score was the highest she has ever had with a 33.3. The varsity team had their highest bars score of the season.
Many of the girls are working towards more new skills they hope to debut in the upcoming weeks. They all have goals they are working toward and I know they will achieve everything they hope. They will compete again on Monday, January 16th in a triangular vs Janesville Parker and Milton in Janesville. And then will compete again on Saturday, January 21st in the Southwest Invite. Thank you to all that come out and support the girls!
Article Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
The Whippet Girls’ Basketball Team travelled to Clinton for a conference game on Tuesday, January 10.
This game was a true nail-biter and a great matchup. We were outsized at times but our guards played a very physical game with confidence that their teammates were in help defense. Solid defense and grit from both ends of the court made this game so exciting. We were either up or down by a few points to the very end of the game. Unfortunately, we came up short by one, 56-57.
Danielle DePorter had a break-out game with 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals. Mayte Navejas followed with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals (also a season high). Calli Grosinske added 8 points, 4 assists, multiple rebounds, and 5 steals.
The Whippets take on McFarland at home Friday night.
Congratulations to Clinton Cougar, Jayden Nortier, for scoring her 1000th point!
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The WCCCA (Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association) recently held its annual clinic, and awards were picked up for the Fall 2022 season. This piece of paper certifies that Jack Hefty and Nate Holden have been awarded the individual Academic All-State Award for the 2022 season!
The criteria set is that an athlete must participate in the WIAA State Cross Country Meet and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above. This is Nate’s first award and Jack’s second.
Congratulations, guys!
Article and Photo Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Obituaries
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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