Today is Monday, November 25, 2024
Update 9/2/24 @ 8:40 a.m. – CBS Channel 58 stated that “Chris Davis’s brother confirmed Chris passed away from a heart condition he did not know about during his playing career. Reggie Davis called Chris his big little brother. Reggie Davis said, “He was a great man who gave his all to the youth.”
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Chris Davis Sr., a standout student-athlete for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball team who was the 2012 NCAA Division III National Player of the Year, passed away Saturday, Aug. 31.
A native of Madison, Davis played at UW-Whitewater from 2010-12 and elevated the program almost immediately upon arrival. The 2011-12 Warhawks claimed the program’s third-ever national championship, reaching a height it hadn’t achieved in more than two decades.
Davis was a fixture in Madison’s basketball community, most recently serving as head boys basketball coach at Sun Prairie West High School. His son, Chris Davis Jr., was the state’s leading scorer as a junior at Sun Prairie West in 2023-24.
“Chris was one of the greatest players in the history of the Warhawk men’s basketball program,” head coach Jarod Wichser said. “His accomplishments during his time at UW-Whitewater are truly remarkable. Yet, when I think about Chris and his legacy, I will think about what an incredible father he was to Chris Jr. as well as the impact he made on so many young lives within the communities he served.”
Davis averaged 22.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game on 54.9 percent shooting from the floor, 41.1 percent from 3-point range, and 89.0 percent from the free-throw line during the 2011-12 season. He garnered Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year and consensus first team All-America accolades, and became UW-Whitewater’s first-ever national player of the year when D3hoops.com selected him as its top honoree.
After the Warhawks won the WIAC regular season championship and reached the NCAA Tournament, Davis helped the team earn five straight double-digit for a berth in the national championship game. He registered a team-best 12 points in the final contest to help UW-Whitewater erase a double-digit deficit and defeat Cabrini, 63-60. He earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
“Chris was the ultimate competitor and an extraordinary athlete,” said Pat Miller, the Warhawks’ head coach from 2001-23. “A national champion in two sports, Chris’s priority was always doing what was needed to win. He was one of the most passionate and gifted players I ever coached. He overcame adversity and developed both personally and athletically into the national player of the year.
“Chris’s passion for sports was extraordinary, but secondary to the love he had for his son, Chris Jr., who was the most important person in his life. He was an amazing parent and a tireless advocate for the many students he mentored and helped.
“Chris wore his emotions on his sleeve and owned who he was. It is impossible to express the sadness I have for this loss. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. All who knew Chris are better for it.”
A two-time first team all-conference honoree during his career, Davis finished with 1,242 points during his two seasons with the program. In 2021, he was named to D3hoops.com’s All-Decade Team for 2010-20.
Davis was also a two-year tight end for the UW-Whitewater football team, helping the team capture the national championship in 2013.
“Warhawk Nation lost one of the best to ever put on a purple and white uniform,” director of athletics Ryan Callahan said. “He was a special player and a great person. Chris stayed connected to the program and would always attend the alumni events with his son. His story is a special one and we are grateful that we were able to be part of it.
“Chris continued to give back to the community and the game he loved after he left Whitewater. Our hearts to go out to everyone close to Chris, especially his son.”
This story will be updated with funeral arrangement information as it becomes available.
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Attached photos courtesy of UW-Whitewater athletics.
Whippet Football hosted Clinton on Friday, August 30, and fell 28-6.
Coach Sam Bartlett stated, “Our game against Clinton did not go the way we wanted it to. They came ready to play physically and mentally. I’d like to give a shout-out to Darin Wecker for getting his guys ready to play.
We just could not get the ball moving on the ground. We had some success in the air throwing the ball for 165 and a touchdown. Matthew Carollo and Ty Hagedorn stepped up to give us some movement on offense through the air.
Defensively we need to do a better job of wrapping and driving on our tackles. They ran hard the entire night and were able to break tackles. In the back field we will do a better job of reading our keys. Overall, there is a ton for us to learn and get better at.
I still have all the faith in my team that we will improve throughout the season. We will not be the same team week 1 as we will be at the end of the season. I look forward to bouncing back and competing against McFarland which will be a battle we are looking forward to playing in.”
Key Stats:
Matthew Carollo 10 of 21 for 165 yards, 1TD, 1INT
Ty Hagedorn 3 catches for 73 yards, 1 TD
Article Submitted by Sam Bartlett
Whitewater High School Head Football Coach
barsa01@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whitewater High School Girls’ Tennis team traveled to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin for a non-conference dual against Wayland Academy on Thursday, August 29. The Whippets ended the night with a 6-1 dual win.
Article and Photo Courtesy of Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School Assistant Tennis Coach
gstewart@wwusd.org
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