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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
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Council.
The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors congratulated Steve Johnson from Winchester True Value on the sale of his store and his retirement recently.
The Winchester True Value operation has been a staple in Whitewater for 152 years. 46 years ago Steve Johnson began working at the store and shortly after his graduation from UW-Whitewater he took over the operation and has made it the successful store it is today. Winchester True Value is one of the longest standing and valued members of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce who have been involved in the community in many ways.
Steve, as a biking enthusiast, has also been a member of the Whitewater Tourism Council helping shape the outdoor recreation messaging sent to visitors. The community will certainly miss having him at the helm of the store and we wish him well on his retirement. We are happy to know that he is remaining in Whitewater and continuing his work with the Tourism Council, in between his many upcoming biking adventures!
The Chamber is also excited to welcome the new owners of our favorite hardware store, Niemann Foods, Inc. We are sure that they will keep the hometown feel of the store and embrace the Whitewater community as is the tradition at Winchester. We are excited to see what changes and additions they will bring to the store and happy to be able to continue the long-standing relationship with the Chamber! For more information about the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce and our members contact Executive Director Kellie Carper at (262) 473-4005.
Front Left to right, Krystal Walsh-Chamber Board member from Premier Bank, Amy Fox-Chamber Board member from Nexthome Success, Michele Smith with the City of Whitewater, Kellie Carper-Exec. Director for the Chamber, Steve Johnson-retiring owner of Winchester True Value, Robert Sivek with LakeHome Info
Back Left to right: Dave Saalsaa-owner Quiet Hut Sports, Amy Oeding-Chamber Board member from UW-Whitewater, Karen McCulloch-Chamber Board President from The Book Teller
The Whippet swimmers went back to Elkhorn on Saturday, September 10th, to compete in the Elkhorn Invite. The Whippets had an awesome meet, placing 5th overall as a team. The team took home 14 medals and had many heat winners and lots of best times!
Top 16 finishes:
200 Medley Relay:
- Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley (1st)
- Ashly Xochipa, Josie Treder, Charlotte Hajewski, Karime Velazquez (9th)
200Freestyle:
- Makayla Bazeley (1st)
- Brooke Bazeley (6th)
- Josie Treder (13th)
50 Freestyle:
- Grace Foucault (1st)
- Emerson Dunham (15th)
100 Fly:
- Makayla Bazeley (1st)
- Charlotte Hajewski (13th)
100 Freestyle:
- Ashly Xochipa (16th)
400 Freestyle:
- Brooke Bazeley (5th)
200 Freestyle Relay:
- Makayla Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, Brooke Bazeley, Grace Foucault (2nd)
100 Backstroke:
- Grace Foucault (1st)
- Charlotte Hajewski (14th)
- Ashly Xochipa (15th)
100 Breaststroke:
- Emerson Dunham (9th)
- Josie Treder (12th)
400 Freestyle Relay:
- Charlotte Hajewski, Karime Velazquez, Ashly Xochipa, Josie Treder (9th)
The Whippets are back in action at home on Tuesday, September 13 at 5:30pm against Burlington Co-op.
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
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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