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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
The Whippets had a sensational day in the pool on Saturday, October 22, in Platteville against 6 other teams! Taking a 4th place finish as a team, the Whippets brought home 18 medals and many best times!
Top 8 (medal winners):
200 Medley Relay (1st – 2:03.42): Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley
200 Freestyle (4th – 2:16.63): Brooke Bazeley
100 IM (8th – 1:11.84): Emerson Dunham
200 IM (2nd – 2:20.91): Makayla Bazeley
50 Freestyle (2nd – 26.59): Grace Foucault
100 Butterfly (2nd – 1:02.32): Makayla Bazeley
500 Freestyle (4th – 6:00.45): Brooke Bazeley
500 Freestyle (8th – 6:49.39): Charlotte Hajewski
100 Backstroke (1st – 1:02.02): Grace Foucault
100 Breaststroke (5th – 1:24.26): Emerson Dunham
100 Breaststroke (7th – 1:25.37): Josie Treder
400 Freestyle Relay (4th – 4:02.98): Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, Grace Foucault
Other top 16 finishes included:
- Charlotte Hajewski (100 IM – 14th)
- Josie Treder (50 Freestyle – 15th)
- Karime Velazquez (100 Butterfly – 12th)
- Ashly Xochipa (100 Freestyle – 12th, 100 Backstroke – 12th)
- Atreya Wilson (100 Breaststroke – 15th)
Up next the Whippets head to the Conference Championship Meets. Tuesday, October 25 is JV Conference at Elkhorn, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, October 29th is Varsity Conference at Jefferson, starting at 11a.m. Hope to see you there!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the City of Whitewater.
The City of Whitewater would like to remind everyone that winter parking hours go into effect on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
It is unlawful for the operator or owner of any vehicle to park the vehicle on any street in the City between the
hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on any day from November 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023, except as hereinafter
provided:
• Physicians and surgeons shall be permitted to park vehicles at any time when the physician is on
emergency call.
• Parking shall be permitted in the downtown parking area after 5 a.m. of such period.
• By special advance arrangement with the Public Works Director.
Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to the penalties and provisions set
forth in Sections 11.56.010(4) and 11.56.010(5) of the Municipal Code. [According to the code, the minimum fine is $20, besides the possibility of towing and storage charges.]
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
(262) 473-0139
Bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
The excitement and joy of solving challenging problems was evident as members of the elementary and high school robotics teams shared their experiences with members of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) on Thursday, October 20, in the high school library. DKG promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education, and this chapter is made up of mainly retired educators from the Whitewater School District. DKG has been a supporter of Ferradermis, the high school FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team for years, writing grants for the team to purchase a 3D printer and other materials. This year, members of DKG would like to focus their grant writing on our elementary and middle school FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams.
Presentations began with student representatives from the FLL teams at Washington, Lincoln, and Lakeview Elementary Schools, who shared information about both their robot tasks and their innovation projects. At one point, students carried their LEGO creations around the room to allow DKG members to see them up close. The FLL portion of the presentation concluded with a demonstration of one of their Spike Prime robots completing a mission to turn a wind turbine. FLL has been a part of WUSD for five years in various forms, with the first team being formed at Lincoln Elementary in the fall of 2018 under the guidance of then Ferradermis member Bennett Miles. Since that time, FLL has become part of the Advanced Learner Program in the district for 4th and 5th graders. The Washington teams are led by Val Troxel and Chris Nate, the Lincoln teams are led by Lisa Kaminski, and the Lakeview team operates under the guidance of Sara Brautigam. The team at the middle school this year is operating under the direction of Kerry Ramsden. Ferradermis member Peter Portwine is currently helping mentor the middle school team. The Whitewater teams are all waiting to hear if they will receive an invitation to compete at the Mukwonago Regional on November 19, but they are also planning an in-district competition between the teams.
Ferradermis members Peter Portwine, Maddi LaHaie, and Andrew Zimmermann then provided a brief update on the activities that Ferradermis has been engaged in over the course of the last year, before doing a demonstration of their swerve drive robot, and providing a tour of the new robotics workspace at the high school. Ferradermis is getting ready for one more off-season competition with last season’s game in Tremont, Illinois from November 4-5. They are currently merging the capabilities of the two robots that they built last year to capitalize on the best parts of both robots. The new FRC game for the 2023 season will not be unveiled until January.
If you have any questions about the robotics programs in the district, or if you would like to volunteer as a mentor or help sponsor the teams, please reach out to Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org. The teams are thankful for all of the support they have received from the community.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The Whippet Volleyball Team gets to compete another day with the win against visiting Mount Horeb on Thursday, October 20! The Whippets came out firing and battled Mount Horeb down to the wire in a 5-set match within an electric home gym 25-23, 14-25, 25-23, 24-26, 15-6!
“This team came to play tonight. I have to give it to Mount Horeb; they played so tough and never gave up. This was an exciting match to be part of! However, I could see it in our eyes, that we were not going to allow us to come away with anything but a win. I know I have said this so many times before, but this team is unbelievably selfless. I have never coached a team like this before. There has not been one minute that they ever thought about anything but their team. And, they played like it!”
The Whippets saw outstanding performances at the net again from our middles. Aidyn Amundson is playing with confidence and she gave us exactly what we needed at the net! Jenna Pope was battling, and her block dominated in the 5th set with 4 blocks.
Zoe Kohl was asked to step in, and she produced! She passed outstanding and gave us the spark we needed from the bench!
“I always remind them volleyball is about putting streaks together, and minimizing errors. We did just that. If we had a few errors, they picked each other up. They are truly selfless and about the team. Caleigh Yang, Ella Spear, Cali Grosinske, Cali Kopecky, and Kindyl Kilar were outstanding on defense. There was never a ball that dropped without an all-out effort to keep it in play. CC Alexander played tough at the net, and Marina Linos was ready, and I felt played her best swinging match this season. Ella Spear is playing so consistently. She is reading hitters and digging to keep us in system”
Kilar continued, “I felt Calli Grosinske had an outstanding setting night, and finished with 40 assists. What was most impressive was her leadership. She never got down after a mistake, and that presence is exactly what we need from our setter. I was so proud of her tonight. Kindyl Kilar was our rock. She stayed level headed and led with her play both on offense and defense. She finished with another double double and had 33 kills, 24 digs, 4 aces, and 4 blocks. To add a little icing on the cake, her first swing sent her over the top into first place as all-time career kill leader as a Whippet.”
Statistical leaders on the night included Grosinske with 40 assists, Jenna Pope and Kindyl Kilar with 33 kills, 4 blocks, and 4 aces, and Kilar with 24 digs. Mount Horeb’s leaders included Ruby Dohlk with 17 kills, Sami Norton with 48 assists, Norton, Kennedy Meyers, and Jayna Schultz with 2 aces, Myers with 28 digs, and Andie Moore with 3 blocks.
Now, we set our sights on Edgewood. The Whippets will head to Edgewood on Saturday, October 22, for the Regional Final at 7:00 p.m. Thank you to all the fans who supported us; the gym definitely had a home court advantage thanks to all of you! Hope to see you on Saturday!
Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by UW-Madison Extension
UW-Madison Division of Extension Community Food Systems Program is organizing a 2-day virtual summit for Wisconsin food entrepreneurs! The 2022 FEED Summit will be held virtually on November 14th and 15th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Community Food Systems Program’s Food Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development (FEED) Initiative is a statewide program that promotes food entrepreneurship training and net-work development for value-added producers and individuals facing structural barriers to food entrepreneurship.
Extension will kick off the statewide, virtual conference on Monday (Nov 14th) morning at 10 a.m. with a keynote from an exciting Wisconsin entrepreneur – Peter Robertson of RP Pasta and Tribe 9 Foods. Tuesday (Nov 15th) morning at 10 a.m. will start with a keynote from the inspiring owners of the Spring Green-based restaurant named Homecoming – Leah Spicer and Kyle Beach. Participants will have the opportunity to ask the keynotes questions directly in the virtual session!
Community Food Systems Program Manager Lindsey Day Farnsworth stated: “We’re organizing this conference to maximize participants’ opportunities to connect with and learn from experienced food entrepreneurs and food business development experts on topics ranging from co-operative development to financing to food safety.”
Breakout sessions will go in-depth into key aspects of a thriving business model, including: Value Propositions, Key Partners, Customer Relationships, Key Resources, Key Activities, Customer Segments, Revenue Streams, Marketing Channels, and Cost Structures. Each session will feature one of Wisconsin’s premier business experts who will introduce an experienced Wisconsin-based food entrepreneur to share examples from their entrepreneurial journey.
Statewide Food Entrepreneurship Specialist, Jessica Jane Spayde, stated: “We’re using the Business Model Canvas to ground the amazing stories that our Food entrepreneur speakers will share – and to provide business foundations content that is accessible to Wisconsin’s aspiring food entrepreneurs.”
These business model sessions will help entrepreneurs better understand how to utilize the “Business Model Canvas” framework to improve their business model while providing a useful structure for the virtual conference sessions. Each breakout session includes time for summit participants to ask the speakers questions.
Registration starts at $55 for participants registering by October 31 and at $75 for Exhibitors. All are welcome to this learning, connecting, and promotional space to help your food business THRIVE!
Register here: https://foodsystems.extension.wisc.edu/feed-summit-2022/
A limited number of scholarships are available upon request. For additional information about the FEED Summit email Extension Community Food Systems Food Entrepreneurship Specialist Jessica Jane Spayde at Spayde@wisc.edu.
Tuesday night’s WIAA regional soccer play-in game between the Whitewater Whippets and the Spartans of Martin Luther was an entertaining end to end battle for the full 80 minutes.
Martin Luther scored an early goal to give them the lead; however, seconds later, a beautiful ball in from Avery Janovec and a brilliant scissor kick finish from Victor Hernandez tied the game. The Spartans took the lead again shortly after, but a smart bottom corner shot from Sebastian Cuellar once again tied the game. The last 20 minutes of the first half were dominated by the Whippets. With some sustained pressure, Victor Hernandez assisted Chris Cortes’ first ever varsity goal to give the Whippets the lead at half time.
The second half continued just as the first and was heavily contested on all parts of the pitch. Martin Luther managed to tie the game at 3 and then take the lead 4-3 minutes later. They weren’t ahead for long because Victor Hernadez played another magnificent ball and assisted Chris Cortes again. With the score tied at 4 all, extra time and penalties looked imminent. However, with 86 seconds left in the game, Martin Luther delivered the final blow of the contest.
Despite the loss, the Whitewater Whippets can end their season with their heads held high because of their wonderful performance on a cold and windy night. We say goodbye and thank you to our seniors and wish them luck in all future endeavors. Improvement from the beginning of the season to the end is all we can really ask for, and our boys delivered. Thanks for the great season!
Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Obituaries
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
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
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
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