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By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
UW-Whitewater
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team registered another instant classic win at Perkins Stadium Saturday, defeating UW-River Falls 30-27 on a field goal with no time remaining. The Warhawks picked up the win in front of a stellar crowd in excess of 13,000 at The Perk during the university’s annual Homecoming celebration.
Saturday’s game was a battle of two halves, the first dominated by UWW, the second by UWRF. Still, the Warhawks found a way at the end to come out on top in epic fashion – a 49-yard field goal that hit the crossbar and bounced through the uprights with no time remaining.
The Warhawks were firing on all cylinders from the get-go. UWW’s defense forced a three-and-out on the opening drive and the offense put up points in their first opportunity of the game. The seven-play, 38-yard drive was capped by an Evan Lewandowski (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Lake Zurich)–Sam DeLany (Delafield, Wis./Kettle Moraine) connection from four-yards out. Jeffery Isotalo-McGuire (Phoenix, Ariz./Pinnacle) added the extra point for the early 7-0 lead.
The defense handed the ball right back to the Warhawk offense as Thomas Wojnowski (Oak Creek, Wis./Oak Creek) picked off the Falcon quarterback on the first play of the next drive. Returning it down to the UWRF 23, Wojnowski gave the offense great field position that turned into a 38-yard field goal for Isotalo-McGuire and a 10-0 lead.
Two possessions later, just over a minute into the second quarter, Preston Strasburg (Fort Atkinson, Wis./Fort Atkinson) punched it in from the one-yard line. The point after made it 17-0 UWW.
UW-River Falls responded putting together an 11-play, 89-yard drive capped by a touchdown pass to get on the board. A bad snap on the extra point had the Warhawks barreling down on the holder and forcing an incomplete pass to keep it 17-6.
UW-Whitewater’s next drive stalled ending in a punt, but the defense continued to impress. Kyle Gallagher (Niles, Ill./Notre Dame College Prep) got to UWRF quarterback Kaleb Blaha for a sack and loss of 11-yards to force third down. Later in the drive, on fourth down, Shane McGrail (Plainfield, Ill./North) sacked Blaha for a loss of 17 to bring the Warhawk offense back out at the Falcon 36.
Six plays later, Isotalo-McGuire added three more, splitting the uprights from 30-yards out for a 20-6 lead with just over two minutes to go.
The defense gave the offense one more opportunity in the first half, forcing a punt with a minute to go. Tamir Thomas (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) opened the drive with a 24-yard scamper up the middle to midfield. Lewandowski followed with a pair of completions to Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) and Tommy Coates (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle Institute) to get the offense down to the Falcon 17. On the next play, Lewandowski handed to Thomas who went up the middle for 17-yards and the touchdown. Isotalo-McGuire stayed perfect on the day making it 27-6.
UWRF completed a pass with 29 seconds to go before Reed Farrington (Edgerton, Wis./Edgerton) and Justin Allen (Huntley, Ill./Huntley) teamed up for another Warhawk sack to send UWW into the intermission with all of the momentum.
The third quarter was all UW-River Falls. Scoring on their first drive the Falcons added more points following a Warhawk turnover to pull to within seven, 27-20, with 15 minutes left to play.
Late in the fourth, with UWRF driving, Gallagher exploded off the corner and sacked Blaha once again forcing a 4th-and-13 from the UWW 31. The Warhawks nearly got to Blaha on the next play, but he was able to find a receiver just past the first down marker out of the scramble. UWRF scored a touchdown on the next play and knotted the game at 27-27 with the extra point.
The teams traded punts with UWW regaining possession at their own 43 with about 30 seconds to go. On 3rd and 10, Strasburg went up the middle for a first down to the River Falls 44 with head coach Kevin Bullis signaling for the timeout with 11 seconds to go. Lewandowski hit DeLany to get UWW into field goal range. The Warhawks called timeout with five seconds left. As the field goal crew set up, the Falcons called timeout to try and ice Isotalo-McGuire.
After the brief break, the field goal unit set, a good hold followed a good snap and Isotalo-McGuire put his full boot into the 49-yarder. The kick was dead center, coming down on the top of the crossbar and bouncing through for the field goal with no time remaining.
With wins Saturday, UW-Whitewater and UW-La Crosse are now tied for the top spot in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. UW-Platteville fell to UW-Stout taking them out of a tie for the top spot with two weeks of regular season play remaining.
WHITEWATER HS CLASS OF 1973 – SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 50TH CLASS REUNION
Mark your calendars for Friday & Saturday, September 8 & 9, 2023, when the WHS Class of 1973 will celebrate our 50th Class Reunion!
Get details, update your contact information, connect with friends, register to attend, and watch for reunion information updates through our class website: www.whitewaterhsclassof73.com or on our Whitewater High School Class of 1973 Facebook page. Please share this with other classmates to be sure we get the word out and reach as many as possible.
The JV Whippet Swimmers competed at JV Conference in Elkhorn on Tuesday, October 25. The Whippets showed up to compete as many of our swimmers took home some new hardware including the following:
🏆In the 200 Freestyle Relay – Georgia Esch, Atreya Wilson, Lucy Davis, and Michelle Abarca placed 8th overall.
🏆In the 100 Breaststroke, Atreya Wilson placed 5th overall with a best time of 2:55.01.
🏆In the 400 Freestyle, Lucy Davis with a 7th place finish!
🏆In the 400 Freestyle Relay – Lucy Davis, Georgia Esch, Michelle Abarca, and Atreya Wilson placed 7th overall.
We also had some impressive swims and best times including the following:
✔In the 50 Freestyle – Michelle Abarca 36.29, Angela Hudec 42.35, and Sanibel Fox-Simes 52.69.
✔In the 100 Freestyle – Michelle Abarca 1:25.12, Lucy Troxel 1:28.87, and Sanibel Fox-Simes 1:57.81.
✔In the 100 Backstroke – Georgia Esch 1:40.86 and Angela Hudec 1:44.36.
✔In the 100 Breaststroke – Atreya Wilson 1:40.06 and Lucy Troxel 1:48.88.
We are so proud of our JV Whippet Swimmers! What an awesome way to end the season; we are so excited to see what is in store for these swimmers next season!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Wisconsin Badger Bench built by Rod Berg
Two items added to the ONLINE Silent Auction! A “Heart Prairie” cedar chest and a Wisconsin Badger bench – both built by the late Rod Berg – the last custom pieces built by Mr. Berg specifically for First English Lutheran Church.
Here’s a clickable link to the silent auction.
About Our Auction
The Women of the ELCA at First English Lutheran Church (Whitewater, Wisconsin) conduct an annual Christkindlmarket. This year, the fundraiser will take place inside the church as well as out in the parking lot on November 5th, 2022. The ONLINE Silent Auction, that takes place earlier from October 10th – 31st, is part of this fundraiser.
Monies raised assist charities in the local area as well as in the larger world.
They include:
-Bethel House
-Lutheran Social Services
-ELCA World Hunger Appeal
-Whitewater Food Pantry
-Lutheran World Relief (shipping fund)
-Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless
-Lutherdale Bible Camp
-Lutherdale camper scholarships
-Campus & Community spaghetti suppers
-Women of the ELCA
-Seminary scholarships
About WELCA’s Christkindlmarket
A Christkindlmarkt is a European street market held during advent with a history that goes back to medieval times. At these markets, farmers came to town to shop and to offer their wares.
Villagers bought and sold homemade Christmas decorations and traditional handicrafts, such as hand carved nutcrackers and straw ornaments. Linens were also sold at Christkindlmarkets.
From open-air stalls, food and drink were served. The early markets were usually held in front of churches and were looked at as part of a church visit.
The name, Christkindlmarket, can even be attributed to Martin Luther. He suggested that children exchange gifts because of das Christkind, the Christ Child
Here’s a clickable link to the silent auction.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Rock County.
Did you know that more than half of women over age 50 experience issues with bladder or
bowel control? These problems can be slightly bothersome or totally debilitating. For some
women, the chance of embarrassment keeps them from enjoying many activities and can take
control of their life.
A class can help. Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder
is a workshop designed to give women, age 60 and older, the tools they need to take control
of their bladder and bowel symptoms. The workshop provides information, group activities,
and simple exercises and dietary changes to practice at home. The workshop consists of three,
2-hour sessions over the course of a month. Dedication to the series of three classes is
required.
This is a workshop for females, taught by a female. It has been our most popular class in the last 15 months and has helped many, many women.
The ADRC of Rock County-Aging Unit and Mercy Health Systems are partnering to offer a
Mind Over Matter workshop this fall at the Hedberg Public Library in Janesville. The
workshop series will be on three Wednesday mornings (every other week) from 10 a.m. – 12
p.m. on November 16, 30 and December 14, 2022. Space is limited, please call ASAP if
interested.
To learn more, or to pre-register for the workshop by November 3rd, contact Lisa
Messer at the ADRC of Rock County/Aging Unit at: 608-757-5309.
Congratulations to Whitewater High School Senior Anderson Waelchli on his selection into the 2022 Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) High School State Honors Mixed Choir! This year, more than 1,100 students auditioned for 429 positions in five ensembles.
Anderson will be performing at the Overture Center in Madison on October 27th, at 8:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School will be honoring Anderson with the new Whippet Walk tradition on Wednesday, October 26th.
Congratulations, Anderson!
Article and Photo Submitted by Karen Tordera
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Instructor
ktordera@wwusd.org
The Whippets battled throughout the regional final WIAA volleyball match on Saturday, October 22, that what would be their last of the season, losing to #1 seeded Edgewood in 4 sets 15-25, 15-25, 25-22, 21-25.
“Seeing this season come to an end is so bittersweet. We had such a great ride, and this team is something absolutely special; we are so sad to see it end. I think I can speak for every person who was part of this team when I say, this season is one we will all cherish. We won together, we lost together, we battled together, but most of all we supported each other, and we played some great volleyball!
This was the absolute best team I have ever coached. And, in reality, it had nothing to do with our wins, and we had some great ones, rather it had everything to do with the culture we created. We loved coming together on the floor in practice or game, and we made it our mission to make each other better. And, we did just that. We are all better because of the time we shared being part of this team. I have said many times before, I have never coached a more selfless team. These seniors led the way, and our younger players saw firsthand what it means to be part of something so special, what it means to be in a Whippet uniform.
Seniors Caroline Skindingsrude, CC Alexander, Cali Kopecky, Jenna Pope, Cristal Verduzco, Caleigh Yang, and Kindyl Kilar led this team by the example they set every day. Whether they were on the court or cheering from the sidelines, they cared about each other and played this game for each other. We definitely found success, with a record of 23-9, but saying good-bye to this team is incredibly hard. They all hold a special place in my heart, and we will all forever cherish the memories made this season!
The match found the Whippets struggling in sets one and two. However, they never quit. The Whippets rallied and took set three. This carried over to set four, and we were exchanging point for point. Ultimately, the Crusaders rallied to win the fourth. Even with the loss, I could not be more proud of this team, these athletes, and this program.
It is always hard to say goodbye to our seniors. However, what we know for certain is that each of these student athletes have bright futures. Special thanks to all our fans and families, and to Mr. Crandall, our Athletic Director, for his support this season.
Statistical leaders included Calli Grosinske with 28 assists, Cali Kopecky with 3 aces, Caleigh Yang with 20 digs, Aidyn Amundson and Kindyl Kilar with a block a piece, and Kilar with a double double with 17 kills and 18 digs. Leaders for Edgewood included Gillian Koning with 15 kills, Ella Weber with 18 assists, Jocelyn Romadka with 2 aces, Weber with 13 digs, and Addie Schmotzer with 5 blocks.
Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
The Whippet CC teams competed in their WIAA Sectional hosted by Racine St. Catherine’s at the UW-Parkside National CC course on Saturday, October 22. The weather was quite warm, but the racing was even better as this meet displays the best of the best as a trip to state is on the line as the top two teams and the top five individuals not on those qualifying teams earn a trip to State in one week.
The girls ran first and had a strong pack throughout their race. Mady Hefty led the team for the final time this season as she came home in 24th with a time of 23:16. Not far behind were three more Whippets. Athena Soto placed 26th, Nola Coburn 27th, and Jackie Franco 29th. Their times were 23:16, 23:28, and 23:40 respectively. Senior Caelyn Caputo gave it her all to finish 40th with a time of 24:22. Packed up in the 6th and 7th runner spots were Lauren Buehler finishing 51st and Emma Weigel in 53rd with times of 25:05 and 25:10. The girls finished in fifth place overall to cap off a great season. This girls’ program battled all season long and has done a terrific job representing not only themselves but the Whippet name, on a high level. The team officially says goodbye to the outstanding leadership from seniors Elisa Albertini, Caelyn Caputo, Evie Troxel, and Emma Weigel.
The Whippet boys toed the line next and were led by Nate Holden and Jack Hefty running side by side for the first time in program history (see the attached picture which was just over 1.5 miles into the race). They tag-teamed a runner from Clinton and put him away in the back woods loop as they spurred on. Nate emerged ahead of Jack in the final mile but Nate’s work was not done. He had secured himself a spot at state in his current position but he kept pressing and catching a few more runners and claimed 4th overall and was the first runner not on one of the qualifying teams. It was a huge race for him! Nate completed the race in 17:27. Jack came home in 7th overall, and the 4th individual qualifier to match his state qualifying position from last season. Jack finished in 18:00. Senior CJ Tomomitsu rebounded nicely after last week’s illness to finish his career off well by placing 29th in 19:36. Miles Nickelsburg placed 26th in 20:02. Sophomores Onyx Thompson and Andrew O’Toole packed together throughout to claim 66th and 67th with times of 21:44 and 21:45. Fellow Sophomore Xavier Zei placed 76th with a time of 22:13. This group placed fifth overall, one point away from fourth. They, too, had a really strong season and many reasons to keep their chin up and be proud of the accomplishments they achieved together. We officially say goodbye to the seniors as their race has come to an end. A special think you to Keith Cameron, Ben McCulloch, and CJ Tomomitsu for their leadership and guidance over the last four years!
Next up will be the WIAA State Cross Country meet for Nate Holden and Jack Hefty. The boys’ division 2 race is slated to begin at 2:35 at the Ridge Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday, October 29th. All state meet information can be found at this link. You can also email Coach Carstens at ccarstens@wwusd.org, should you have any questions.
Go, Whippets!
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
Photos Courtesy of Erica Holden and Jeff Hefty
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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