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The Whippet Swim Team competed against the Delavan-Darien Comets Tuesday night, October 11, and we celebrated our Seniors at their last home meet with a win!
Here’s our senior highlights of the night:
☀Brooke Bazeley had a spectacular senior night with two new personal best times – in the 50 Freestyle going a time of 27.58 and the 500 Freestyle by breaking that 6-minute mark with a time of 5:57.19!
☀Grace Foucault had an extravagant senior night with two great swims and 1st place finishes in the 100 Butterfly and the 100 Backstroke!
☀Josie Treder had a tremendous senior night with a 2nd place finish in the 200 IM and a best time in the 100 Freestyle with a time of 1:10.58!
☀Karime Velazquez had a marvelous senior night with a 2nd place finish in the 100 Butterfly and a best time in the 50 Freestyle with a time of 33.62!
☀Ashly Xochipa had a stupendous senior night with a best time in the 50 Freestyle with a time of 30.11 and a strong performance in the 100 Backstroke!
Some other sensational swims of the night include:
✔Lucy Davis had best times in the 50 and the 100 Freestyle. She dropped 11 seconds in the 100 Freestyle.
✔Emerson Dunham had a best time in the 100 Breaststroke where she dropped 5 seconds.
✔Atreya Wilson had a best time in the 200 Freestyle with a time of 3:04.16. That is a 25 second drop from her previous 200 Freestyle time!
✔Sanibel Fox-Simes had a best time in the 50 and 100 Freestyle. She dropped 4 seconds in both events.
✔Andrea Alcala had a best time in the 100 Freestyle with a 24 second drop in time!
✔Lucy Troxel competed in the 100 Breaststroke for the first time!
We are so proud of our Whippet athletes, and we still have a lot of our season left! The Whippets are back in the pool on Tuesday (10/18) against Jefferson/Cambridge at 5:30 p.m. for the last dual meet of the season.
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
On a cold, rainy, and some would say miserable night, your Whitewater Varsity Boys’ Soccer team lost 1-0 to Jefferson on Tuesday, October 11.
Once again plagued by absences of varsity starters, our team played a tough game of soccer where almost nothing went right. A game that was dominated (possessionally) by the Whippets saw a missed penalty kick, two goal line clearances, three free kicks sailing over the crossbar, and numerous saves from the Jefferson keeper. A decent free kick early in the second half saw Jefferson score the game’s only goal.
Overall, it must be said that although there was a poor performance in all aspects of the game, Chris Cortes did a wonderful job reading balls and marking players in the 25 MPH wind.
Our last game before regionals will be on Thursday (10/13) at Big Foot.
Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
In recognition of the outstanding support that the community of Whitewater provides to the school, each year the WHS Student Council selects two community members to serve as Grandma & Grandpa Whippet. Grandma and Grandpa Whippet exhibit the kind of support for academics, athletics, and arts that Whitewater High School is known for. This year’s Grandma and Grandpa Whippet are Eileen Jaskolski (also known as Grandma J) and Mike Stutzman.
Grandma J spent so much time in Whitewater that she decided to move here three years ago. In that short amount of time, she has already made such an impact on the Whitewater community! Grandma J worked as a registered nurse and went on to become the Vice President of mission services for Columbia St. Mary’s in Milwaukee. Grandma J has volunteered many hours at Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Hospital, at her church in Milwaukee, and, now, at St. Patrick’s in Whitewater. She also volunteers her time for all of the Play for Trey events. Grandma J is also known for her yummy, sweet treats that she makes for the students in Whitewater. And, she is Triple A proud. You can find her at athletic, arts, and academic events. Grandma J is appreciated throughout the Whitewater Community. She exemplifies the #TheWhippetWay.
Mike Stutzman could be considered a Lifelong Whippet. He was a Whitewater Unified School District employee for over 35 years, spending all of his years at Whitewater High School and Whitewater Middle School as a Computer Science teacher and then moving on to teach 7th grade science. He was the driving force that started the 8th grade trip to Disney World and was a big part of the 7th grade Washington DC trips. Mike has over 30 years of coaching experience in volleyball and was also the Athletic Director at the middle school. Mike’s colleagues said he is a team player, has a huge heart, and gives out great advice. He is also a huge supporter of the Academics, Arts, and Athletics of the Whitewater Community. He, too, is Triple A Proud and is 1Family. Congratulations Grandma J and Mike!
Article and Photo Submitted by Amy Houwers
Whitewater High School Student Council Advisor
ahouwers@wwusd.org
Emilia Houwers advanced to the WIAA State Tournament next week with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Rachel Winters of Lodi High School in the opening match of the Edgewood Sectional on Thursday, October 6.
Information Submitted by Greg Stewart
The Whitewater volleyball program traveled to East Troy for their last conference game on Thursday, October 6. The JV1 and JV2 teams continued their solid efforts as they fought hard against the Trojans. The teams will finish their seasons this Thursday against Johnson Creek at our Dig Pink home finish.
The Whippet Varsity squad (8-1 conference, and 19-6 overall) continued their win streak against East Troy, beating them in four sets, 25-16, 25-15, 20-25, 25-17. And with a little help from Brodhead beating McFarland tonight, we are tied for 1st overall in the conference!
This team is so well deserving of the honor. They have worked so hard, stayed consistent and have a true desire to get better every single day. To finish on the top of the RVC is an accomplishment, and a goal we had, but we are not done yet. We now set our sights on Johnson Creek to end regular season play on Thursday for Dig Pink, and then we will be laser-focused on playoff time!
“I think we are starting to really believe. We can battle with great teams, and we are finding success. Success comes in the grind. When we face adversity, when we have setbacks, we keep grinding and believing; that is success! That is exactly what I love about this team this year. They believe in each other and even in the face of adversity, they still believe. We hope to use this mentality and momentum to take us deep in the playoff battle.”
Statistical leaders on the night included a big blocking night from Junior Aidyn Amundson with 3 blocks, Caleigh Yang with 23 digs and 3 aces, Calli Grosinske with 38 assists and 3 aces, Cali Kopecky with 13 digs, and Kindyl Kilar with 26 kills and 10 digs.
Statistical leaders for East Troy included Jillian Pergande with 16 kills, Julia Aleckson with 32 assists, Olivia Grayse with 2 aces, and Amaya Pluess with 26 digs.
Next up, the Whippets are at home on Thursday (10/13) to host Johnson Creek for our annual Dig Pink event. We will honor our Manager Cristal Verduzco’s late mother who lost her battle to breast cancer this past September. We also hope to honor all those who have fought, who have won, and who are currently fighting cancer. Let’s pack the gym to dig for a cure!
Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
A cold night brought another rough loss for the Whippet soccer team on Thursday night, October 6. A Whitewater squad that was missing five starters due to many different factors faced a well-disciplined Delavan-Darien squad.
The Comets were able to move the ball with ease and dominated much of the first half. In resilient fashion, the Whippets put on a much better second half display. With tireless defending from Emerson Ellenwood and Emmanuel Mbifi and great midfield pressure from Ethan Dougan and Chris Cortez, Whitewater only allowed two second half goals.
The Whippets can now look forward to the “RVC Tournament” next week against Big Foot.
Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Varsity Volleyball Squad (7-1 conference, and 18-6 overall) hosted Clinton for Play for Trey Night on Tuesday, October 4, and swept them 25-9, 25-22, 25-17.
The Whippet Varsity squad continued their win streak and swept Clinton in three straight sets. However, this was an event that had the athletes playing for something bigger than themselves. With images on the big screen of Varsity players CC Alexander, Cali Kopecky, and Kindyl Kilar with their young friend and brother Treyton, Kindyl spoke about what this event means, while surrounded by her entire Volleyball Program.
“At approximately 8:00 p.m., our world was shattered, and my brother’s life was ended, at the hands of a drunk driver. Not a day goes by that we don’t miss him so much. We are all charged with taking an active role in making better decisions that impact our days in a positive way. There will never be a time when doing the right thing and making the right choice will ever be the wrong one.
Today is no different, the Whitewater HS volleyball team has been determined since his death in 2010, to play for something bigger than ourselves- to play for my brother Trey- in an effort to continue to spread awareness of destructive decisions and the call to be better. Treyton Kilar continues to be a vivid reminder of the importance of good decision making in all aspects of our lives.
As we Play for Trey tonight, may we all remember a young boy full of life, taken far too soon by a destructive decision in an instant. And, we rededicate ourselves to making good decisions every day, to be the example for all, about what positive decisions can do.”
The Whippets went on to sweep Clinton for their 18th win on the season. Coach Kilar commented, “This team is just simply something special. You walk in our gym and you can sense what a true team they are. They are having fun, they are working hard and disciplined, and they are simply committed to getting better every day. They are all selfless leaders. This team is just simply special.”
And if the moment couldn’t have gotten any better, on this Play for Trey night and her brother’s birthday, Kindyl Kilar’s first swing of the night landed her 1000th career kill. Kindyl leads the Whippet record book in the top 5 in kills, aces, and digs. I think her brother may have been smiling down on her.
Statistical leaders on the night included Calli Grosinske with a double-double with 26 assists and 10 digs, Kilar with 17 kills, Cali Kopecky with 6 aces, and Jenna Pope with 2 blocks. For Clinton, Wellnitz led with 2 aces, Allie Bell with 8 digs, Jenna Gunnink with 5 assists, Jayden Nortier with 4 kills, and Lindsey Koch with 4 blocks.
Next up, the Whippets travel to East Troy on Thursday (10/6) and then host Johnson Creek on 10/13 for their annual Dig Pink event.
Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whitewater Whippets put up a good battle by nearly taking down the Edgerton/Evansville Bluetide swim team on Tuesday night, October 4!
Out of the 11 races, the Whippet swimmers placed 1st in 7 of those races. These 1st place finishes include:
🏆Makayla Bazeley in the 200 Freestyle with a time of 2:05.83.
🏆Emerson Dunham in the 200 IM with a time of 2:38.77.
🏆Brooke Bazeley in the 50 Freestyle with a time of 28.14.
🏆Grace Foucault in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 1:04.79.
🏆Makayla Bazeley in the 100 Freestyle with a time of 57.16.
🏆Brooke Bazeley in the 500 Freestyle with a time of 6:01.55.
🏆Grace Foucault in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 1:01.99.
We had a handful of exciting races during tonight’s competition. Those races include:
✔200 Freestyle where lane mates Georgia Esch and Lucy Davis battled it out against one another. They both competed well and had their best time of the season so far!
✔In the 200 IM Josie Treder had an awesome comeback swim which landed her in a 2nd place finish. She swam an impressive life time best of 2:49.12.
✔In the 50 Freestyle, Atreya Wilson and Andrea Alcala both swam a season best!
✔In the 500 Freestyle, Charlotte Hajewski swam a 6:42.22 with a 3rd place finish.
✔In the 100 Backstroke Angela (Ace) Hudec continues to improve her skills in competition settings. She had a season best time!
✔Grace Foucault had a thrilling 100 Backstroke race with a time of 1:01.99.
✔In the 100 Breaststroke, all three swimmers, Emerson Dunham, Josie Treder, and Atreya Wilson, went season best times.
The Whippets are at home against Delavan-Darien on Tuesday (10/11) 5:30 p.m. Since this is our last home meet, we will be celebrating our seniors. We hope to see you there!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
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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