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Whippet Varsity Beats East Troy to Tie for First in RVC

October 7, 2022

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.

Kindyl Kilar

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

Whippet Soccer Falls to Delavan-Darien

October 7, 2022

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

Whippet Varsity Sweeps Clinton on Play for Trey Night, Kilar gets 1000!

October 5, 2022

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

Swimmers Win 7 of 11 Races at Edgerton/Evansville

October 5, 2022

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

Whippets Compete in Platteville CC Invite

October 2, 2022

Both cross country teams rose to an early alarm clock and headed west to compete in Platteville against 34 teams on Saturday, October 1. This invite is broken down into two equal divisions of 17 teams split down the middle and defined as “small school” and “large school” based on school enrollment. All teams compete against one another in the same race, but the results are split based on the divisions.

Whitewater competed in the large school division and did well! The girls’ varsity was first and was once again led by freshman Mady Hefty. She continues to just simply be rock solid, steadily improving or racing near her previous best, setting the pace for the Whippets. Her time of 21:42 was good enough for 35th. Athena Soto ran her lifetime best of 22:40 to take 62nd and commented that this was her favorite course we’ve competed on yet. Jackie Franco put together another really nice race packing it up with her teammates and crossing the line in 24:14 taking 81st. The girls’ team took 13th in the large school division. In the JV race, Silvia Harris and Danielle DePorter paced the Whippets placing 56th and 57th, respectively, with times of 26:06 and 26:08. Paula Wilms wasn’t far behind in 60th with a time of 26:10. Elisa Albertini had a nice race really pushing herself and flourished at the finish to take home a new PR of 27:49 and take 83rd. The girls’ JV squad did well and placed 11th overall out of all 34 teams.

The boys’ varsity has consistently seen Jack Hefty up front for the Whippets. After getting bogged down slightly by a large field and tight turn on the bridge, Jack eventually found himself with the lead pack by 2K. Jack fought hard and ran his second sub-17 effort to stop the clock in 6th overall, but 3rd in the large school division. His time was 16:49. Nate Holden really is pouring it on in the middle to latter portions of his races and moved from the mid 30’s in the race to 17th overall, and 9th in our division. Nate’s time was 17:30. Both boys earned a medal for their terrific races. Miles Nickelsburg is steady in his low 19’s efforts and did so again by running 19:11 to take 64th. Overall, the boys’ team placed 8th. The JV team had some great packing running by a number of guys with Onyx Thompson coming out on top to place 54th in 21:19. Andrew O’Toole was a very motivated man on this day to make the cut for the varsity team at the conference meet in two weeks by dropping nearly a minute and a half from his previous personal best and took the 63rd in 21:35! Ben McCulloch and Yovanni Rojas-Reyes also ran strong races in the JV field to place 67th and 69th overall, just behind their teammates. Quinton O’Toole also had a significant improvement by dropping 59 seconds from his previous personal best to stop the clock in 23:59, good enough for 104th. Gavin LaFlash also improved by running with Quinton and placed 105th with a new PR of 24:00. Keith Cameron PR’d with a time of 24:43 to place 123rd. The boys’ JV team finished 10th overall out of 34 teams.

Next up is the Rock Valley Conference Meet hosted by Whitewater High School, on the campus of UW-Whitewater on Thursday, October 13th. The first race is set to begin at 4:10 with the Varsity Girls followed at 4:50 for Varsity Boys and finally at 5:25 for combined JV Boys and Girls. Come out and watch some intense racing in the championship phase of our season. Both varsity races will have athletes that are of state caliber and there are currently two boys’ teams that are ranked in the top 12 in the state. Don’t miss out!

Boys’ Results: http://www.accuracetiming.com/results/2022/plattcc_22b.pdf

Girls’ Results: http://www.accuracetiming.com/results/2022/plattcc_22g.pdf

Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Pictures courtesy of Tiffany Buehler

Arboretum at Starin Park Fall Programs

October 1, 2022

Three engaging fall programs are coming to the Arboretum at Starin Park.

Whippet Soccer Falls to McFarland

October 1, 2022

A rough evening against a well-disciplined team led to a 4-0 defeat for our Whitewater Whippets Soccer Team on Thursday, September 29. McFarland came out strong with some beautiful 1-2 touch passing, and it proved too much to handle defensively. McFarland also managed to dominate the midfield and allowed your Whippets very few opportunities going forward. Considering all of that, Whitewater did show massive improvements in the winning of 50-50s as well as our overall possession percentage. Secondly, despite a rough first half, the Whitewater defense allowed far fewer opportunities in the second half. Henry Mortimer played a huge role in this with a few crucial saves. The highlight of the evening came at the end of the game with the honoring of our senior class. The evening ended with players, families, coaches, and community members joining together in honoring the 4 years of soccer we had with this wonderful group of athletes. 

Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org

Volleyball Team Continues Win Streak, Plans for Annual “Play for Trey” Event Next Week

September 30, 2022

The Whitewater Varsity Squad (6-1 conference, and 17-6 overall) hosted Jefferson for Senior Night on Tuesday, September 27, and swept the Eagles 25-12, 25-19, 25-20. The Whippets continued their win streak, and swept the Evansville Blue Devils in 3 straight sets on Thursday, September 29. The entire squad shared playing time in the victory.

Cali Kopecky

“I cannot be prouder of the way this team is playing as one unit, selflessly putting it all out on the floor for each other, and working hard day in and day out. This is a group of athletes that emulate what it means to be a team. They support one another, they lean in to whatever the team needs, and they simply are finding success because of their mindset. They are a fun team to coach!”

Statistical leaders on the night included Kindyl Kilar hitting a .405 with 31 kills, 18 digs, and 2 aces in the three sets, Caleigh Yang with 5 aces, and Calli Grosinske with 34 assists.

The Whippets will be in action at home on Tuesday, October 4th, for the Annual Play for Trey, in honor of Treyton Kilar who was killed in 2010 by a drunk driver on his way home from watching his sister play volleyball. Treyton is the brother of Whippet athlete Kindyl Kilar and JV1 coach Rosie Jaskolski, and son to head coach, Mary Kilar.

“This event is truly special. For the high school athletes to continue to honor Trey by bringing awareness of destructive decisions touches our hearts. The message of making good choices will never get old. Treyton was killed by one destructive decision in 2010. We hope this event continues to keep at the forefront that making a good choice will never be the wrong choice. I thank our whole community for their support. We hope to see you in the gym!”

Statistical leaders for Evansville included Rachel Klitzman with 8 kills, Taija Louis with 5 aces, and Skye McDermott with 16 assists.

Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Obituaries

Obituary: Sally A. Schutte, 73

Sally A. Schutte, age 73, of Whitewater, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2026, while at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater. Sally was born on November 6, 1952, to Roy and Elsie (Rohloff) Haas. Sally married William Schutte in the spring of 2003. Sally grew up on the family farm in the Town of Hebron and graduated from Jefferson High School. She dedicated nearly her entire career to Fort HealthCare, where her hard work and versatility shone through various roles. Over the years, she served in housekeeping and medical records, Center for Dermatology. Sally … Read more

Obituary: Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41

Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.  He was born April 4, 1985, to Keith W. Schoenke and Kathleen Schoenke in Fort Atkinson, WI. He grew up and graduated from Whitewater High School in 2003. Zach worked various jobs over the years but was currently working at Cracker Barrel in Janesville. He was a big Packers Fan and liked to play fantasy football. He enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching horror shows. Zach fiercely loved his son, Lincoln, his sisters, Cami and Cary, his mom and stepdad, and his aunt Robin. He will be dearly … Read more

Obituary: Carla Winn, 82, of Kansas

Carla Winn, 82, died September 5, 2026. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, followed by a burial at 2:00 PM at White Chapel Memorial Garden 1806 N Oliver Ave. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Dwight and Wilma Lois Krehbiel; and sister, Jennifer Krehbiel. She is survived by husband, Stephen; daughter, Ashley (Clint) Gagel, of Overland Park; siblings, Paul (Kay) Krehbiel, of Socorro, NM, Lynn (Bill) Oetting, of Wichita, Ellen (John) Querner, of Wichita, Teresa Woodson, of Lawrence, KS, … Read more

Celebration of Life: Susan K. Miller

Susan Miller Celebration of Life There will be a gathering of friends and acquaintances at Susan’s Farm Store to celebrate Susan’s life on Saturday, September 19th from 2-5 p.m. at N6623 Lake Lorraine Rd., Delavan, Wisconsin

Obituary: JoAnn E Harrop, 95, of AL

Our loving mother, JoAnn E Harrop, age 95, passed away on September 11, 2026. Our sorrow is deep, but we are filled with gratitude for the many years we had with her. Even as her mind was failing, she remained strong and appreciative of all who cared for her. JoAnn was born on January 13, 1931, daughter to Fred Braun and Evelyn Braun {Storck).  She was raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin by her grandparents, Otto and Edith Storck. She attended Whitewater High School and helped at the Storck tavern where she met her husband Earl C. Harrop. They married on November … Read more

Obituary: Russell O. “Russ” Johnson, 88

Russell O. Johnson “Russ,” 88, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Russell was born on July 12, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Russ grew up in Janesville, and after high school he joined the Air Force on May 1, 1958, serving as an aircraft mechanic until June 12, 1962. He then worked at Parker Pen in Janesville for a time, where he met his future wife, Avis. After marrying Avis Mason in April 1964, Russ worked for Gillman Manufacturing for a time, then began a career at Dana until its closing in 1980. In 1981, Russ started working … Read more

Obituary: Marcia Zingg, 75

Marcia Zingg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Marcia will be remembered for her unwavering love, remarkable strength, generous spirit, and lifelong devotion to her family. She shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Jeffrey Zingg, who considered her not only his wife but also his best friend, business partner, and the love of his life. Together, Marcia and Jeffrey built a successful life rooted in perseverance, hard work, laughter, and love. As entrepreneurs in Whitewater, Wisconsin, they owned and managed new car franchises and … Read more

Obituary: Amanda Jean Hunter, 49

Amanda Jean Hunter was born to Ralph and Malinda (Thomas) Hunter of Whitewater, Wisconsin, on October 6, 1976. She passed away on August 4, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she lived with her family. Amanda passed peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Amanda was a kind-hearted free spirit with an unmistakable hippie warmth. Generosity, spontaneity, a quick wit, a macabre sense of humor, and an open heart were traits that she embraced. She was a tireless champion of those in need, an innate characteristic that became among the best of her qualities. She proved to be a … Read more

Obituary: Ellen Eichmiller, 82

Ellen Eichmiller, 82, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Ellen was born on September 10, 1943, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Chester “Guy” and Irene (née Holmen) Steig. She married the love of her life, Paul Eichmiller, on December 7, 1963, and together they made their home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ellen spent much of her working life as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she formed many lasting friendships and memories. Ellen cherished her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She was known for her love of … Read more

Obituary: Janet Quinn, 71, Jefferson

Janet Quinn, age 71, of Jefferson passed away on Thursday, August 20th. Janet was born on December 22nd, 1954 in St. Joseph, MI to Robert Mounsey and Edith Christison Mounsey. She was a granddaughter to Herbert Bragg Mounsey, Charlotte Mounsey, and Ester Christison West. She married Michael Durden in 1979 and later married Eury Quinn Jr. (J.R.) in 1988. Janet grew up in Benton Harbor, MI, and subsequently lived in New York and Arkansas before moving to Wisconsin in 2016. She was a dedicated caregiver to her disabled Mother, and worked as a custodian for various employers over the years. … Read more