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In warm conditions with a soft course, the team laced their spikes up for the second time this week on Saturday, September 17. This meet has nearly forty teams in attendance with a good cross-section of each division represented. The day had an interesting twist as many athletes were getting stung by bees during the JV races so the meet management changed the course for the varsity athletes which provided a much safer competition venue for the athletes and allowed all races to be completed.
The varsity girls were led once again by freshmen Maddy Hefty who ran her best time of the season on a very difficult UW-Parkside course. Her time of 22:37 was good for 62nd overall. Maddy is beginning to see some major gains after a strong summer of training. Other varsity runners ran close to their best time on Tuesday which was raced on a much less difficult course. In particular, Lauren Buehler and Emma Weigel were closest to those times and finished near each other with times of 25:16 and 25:29. The varsity girls finished in 19th overall, but 5th out of the division 2 schools in attendance. The JV girls were led by freshman Silvia Harris in 79th place with a season-best time of 27:20. Sami Van Daele, Evie Troxel, Lucy Troxel, and Adalynn Frye all race their best times of the week. Italian exchange student Elisa Albertini ran in her first race as a Whippet and secured a time of 32:19 and said ‘it was hard but fun!’.
The boys’ varsity was led by the ever-steady Jack Hefty. He has strung together some consistently strong performances running near the front of all the races he competes in. Today he finished in 17th, two places from a medal, in the strongest field he has seen yet. His finish time was 17:25. Nate Holden is also enjoying the fruits of his labor and his summer running to place 45th with a time of 18:18. Also becoming a totally new runner this season is sophomore Xavier Zei. He is running lights out and PR’d today with a time of 20:40. He has so much pop in his stride and a strong thirst for improvement, it is a real joy to be a part of. The varsity boys placed 16th overall and 4th in the division 2 field. The JV boys were led by sophomore Andrew O’Toole who was only a few ticks off his personal best by stopping the clock in 23:33, good enough for 147th. His younger brother Quinton, a freshman, is also figuring out the sport quickly and ran his lifetime best in 24:58. Newcomer Gavin LaFlash ran his season best with a time of 25:46.
Next up for the team is the prestigious Janesville Midwest Invitational hosted by Janesville Craig at Blackhawk golf course. This event will take place on Saturday, September 24th. The first race begins at 9:00 a.m.
Full results: https://wisconsinrunner.com/results/2022/2022angelinvite/
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Whitewater (2-1 conference, and 13-6 overall) battled an equally talented McFarland team and won the first set 25-23. The Whippets then lost the next three sets 15-25, 14-25, 22-25.
Head Coach Mary Kilar shared, “I think what tonight told us is we have what it takes to battle and beat good teams. We gave them too many points on mental mistakes of missed serves and miscommunication. We had 12 missed serves in the match. If we shore up those lapses in our mental game, the outcome may have been different.”
Kilar continued, “This team continues to play tough. I am proud of their efforts and determination game in and game out. This past week was a tough competition week; having Brodhead away and McFarland at home all in the same week is a tough schedule. But, that’s what makes good teams great. Next week we travel to Beloit Turner Tuesday and Edgerton on Thursday. Every match matters at this point in the season. We keep building and hope to peak at the right time.”
Statistical leaders for Whitewater included Kindyl Kilar with a double-double 20 kills and 11 digs, Calli Grosinske with 23 assists, Cali Kopecky with 5 aces, Campbell Alexander, Jenna Pope, Aidyn Amundson, and Calli Grosinske with a block apiece, and Caleigh Yang with 14 digs. McFarland statistical leaders include Gwen Crull with 21 kills, Ava Dean with 36 assists, Maggie Paulias with 26 digs, and Ainsley Pennekamp with 7 aces.
We hope to regroup for a strong week next week!
Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Photo courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whitewater Whippets traveled to Walworth to play against a top 10 state ranked Big Foot soccer program on Thursday, September 15.
Big Foot’s leading goal scorer managed to put two early goals past Whitewater’s defense due to some formational confusion. A third goal was scored shortly after albeit through a nearly impossible angle.
However, the second half was a totally different story. Whitewater dominated possession, created chances, and had Big Foot pinned in their own defensive third for almost the entire 40 minutes. Ethan Dugan was first to react and after some sustained pressure, managed to put a beautiful ball past Big Foot’s keeper. The Whippets continued to create chances but were unable to convert throughout the remainder of the game. It was a huge improvement and a very confidence building evening for Whitewater.
The Whippets play at home vs East Troy on Monday (9/19) and away at Jefferson on Thursday (9/22).
Article submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
File photo courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whippets had a great day in Cottage Grove racing at the Marshall Invitational on Tuesday, September 13. Numerous runners ran personal bests for the season showing a lot of grit out on the race course. Having breakthrough races this season included Nola Coburn, Caelyn Caputo, Isabella Aranda, and Silvia Harris. These four had significant time drops with Isabella earning a medal in the JV race which catapulted her into the varsity lineup for the next race. The girls’ varsity finished 8th out of 12 teams, and the JV girls finished 3rd.
The boys also had some medalists as Jack Hefty took 3rd overall. Having breakthrough races on the guy’s side include Nate Holden, Xavier Zei, Yovanni Rojas-Reyes, Onyx Thompson, Andrew O’Toole, Sterling Truesdale, Keith Cameron, Quinton O’Toole, Sam NIckleburg, and Alex Clarksen. These runners had significant time drops. Nate Holden medaled in the varsity event with an 11th place finish, and Yovanni debuted in his first event ever wearing the Whippet jersey and absolutely slaughtered it. He earned a medal in the JV race and also catapulted himself onto the varsity team for his next race. The varsity tied for 2nd but lost out on the 6th runner tiebreaker to ultimately finish 3rd, one spot out from a meet trophy. The JV team also finished 3rd.
The next event is the Race St. Catherine’s Invitational hosted at UW-Parkside on Saturday morning, September 17.
FULL RESULTS: https://my.raceresult.com/218757/
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Pictures Courtesy of Jeff Hefty and Tammy Tomomitsu
Whitewater (2-0 conference, and 13-5 overall) prepared heavily for a tough match up in Brodhead on Tuesday night, September 13. This preparation proved worthy of a 4-set victory, 25-21, 12-25, 25-12, 26-24. Whitewater came into the match with a shortened roster due to some illness, but persevered and came out firing on all cylinders!
Marina Linos and Cambell Alexander (CC) were asked to step up on the right side and middle respectively. Kilar stated, “They both responded with outstanding play. I was so impressed with Marina and CC. CC led us with 3 aces on the night and had 2 blocks. They responded to the game plan and led in their positions. In addition, every player contributed! Calli Grosinske set a great game, with another double-double on the night with 31 assists and 17 digs. Cali Kopecky played solidly, with 3 aces on the night. Ella Spear was a defensive force. Zoe Kohl came in to give us some passing relief in serve receive, and Aidyn Amundsen held her own in the middle, against a strong Brodhead offense!”
Kilar continued, “Caleigh Yang, our libero, led the back-row defense keying in on never letting a ball drop”. Kilar stated, “Caleigh is one of the top liberos in our conference. She is playing with intensity and owning the libero role.” Kilar added, “Kindyl Kilar took care of the game plan offensively. Kilar led all players with a double-double with 33 kills (8.25 kills per set), and 14 digs. The way she leads by example is so impressive. Our whole team is committed, and I am excited about what they are doing as a team!”
Statistical leaders for Brodhead included Abbie Dix with 13 kills and 2 blocks and Alexis Kammerer with 28 assists, 3 aces, and 13 digs.
Next up will be Parents’ Night on Thursday where we host McFarland at the Whitewater High School Gym.
Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Whippet Boys’ Soccer Team struggled to find their footing in a tough 4-1 loss to Cambridge on Tuesday night, September 13. Cambridge was able to score 4 first half goals against a struggling Whitewater midfield and defense. The second half was an improvement that saw our Whippets fight back for a goal and keep a second half clean sheet.
The families of our athletes were honored before the game during the annual “Parent Night” celebration. The team has an away game this coming Thursday at Big Foot Union High before returning home to play East Troy on the 19th.
Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Emme Bullis, Whitewater High School Class of 2021, was named Big West Setter of the Week. Bullis plays volleyball for Cal Poly as a redshirt freshman.
For the full article, visit https://gopoly.com/news/2022/9/12/womens-volleyball-bullis-earns-big-west-setter-of-the-week-honors.aspx
Article submitted by Kathy Bullis
The Whippet Swimmers competed against Burlington Co-Op Tuesday night, September 13, in Whippet territory.
Charlotte Hakewski sang her heart out in the National Anthem to start off our meet.
We started off tonight’s competition with a 1st place finish and a new best time in the 200 Medley Relay (Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Brooke Bazeley, and Makayla Bazeley) with a time of 2:01.88!
In the 200 Freestyle, we had 3 new Whippet swimmers try out this event (Atreya Wilson, Lucy Davis, and Charlotte Hajewski). Karime Valaquez had a lifetime best going 2:49.36!
In the 200 IM, Makayla Bazeley and Emerson Dunham each had a lifetime best! Makayla also found herself a new spot in the Top 10 at #7.
In the 50 Freestyle, all our Whippet competitors swam a season best time (Sanibel Fox-Simes, Michelle Abarca, Grace Foucault, and Brooke Bazeley). Way to go Whippets!
One of the highlights from tonight includes Michelle Abarca swimming the 500 Freestyle. Michelle joined the team last year, where she competed mostly in 50 and 100 Freestyle events. However, this year, it was so fun to watch her conquer the 500 Freestyle!
Another swimmer took on the 500 Freestyle, Brooke Bazeley, where she started off the season strong with a time of 6:08.50.
Grace Foucault continues to be a powerhouse in the 100 Backstroke by going a time of 1:01.99.
In the 100 Breaststroke, Josie Treder (1:28.24) and Atreya Wilson (1:58.60) went a season best time!
The Whippets are home again next Tuesday at 5:30 pm against Platteville/Lancaster and PSC. Come show our Whippet swimmers some support!
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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