Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by Big Radio.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics signed a two-year agreement with Big Radio to air Warhawks football games on 105.9 FM The Hog in Janesville beginning with the 2022 season.

“We are thrilled to partner with Big Radio and 105.9 The Hog to bring Warhawk fans audio coverage of all football games for the next two years,” UW-W Director of Athletics Ryan Callahan said. “UW-Whitewater football is a staple of our campus community, and we believe this collaboration will enhance the profile of the university and bring fans high-quality coverage of this nationally-renowned program.”

All home and away games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons will air live on 105.9 The Hog, which airs in Southern Wisconsin with coverage as far north as Madison and as far south as Rockford, Ill.

Game broadcasts will also be available online at 1059thehog.com and on the Big Radio App, which is available for download on Apple and Google Play devices.

“At Big Radio our commitment to local sports in our communities is unmatched,” Big Radio CEO Ben Thompson said. “We are thrilled to be the new home of UW-Whitewater football and further expand our commitment to sports.”

Big Radio Sports Director Josh Golberg, a UW-Whitewater graduate, will handle play-by-play duties and will be joined on the broadcast by color analyst Bill O’Leary, a linebacker for the Warhawks from 1970-71. O’Leary served as head football coach at both Janesville Craig and Milton.

“Getting the opportunity to broadcast games for one of the top Division III programs in the country as an alumnus is thrilling on both a professional and personal level,” Golberg said. “Bill and I will try to bring as much energy, knowledge and entertainment as we can in support of the Warhawks.”

UW-Whitewater, a six-time NCAA Division III national champion, begins the 2022 season Sept. 3 at St. John’s (Minn.). The team’s home opener is scheduled for Sept. 10 against Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas) for a rematch of last season’s national semifinal.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received on July 19 from the UW-W Athletic Department.

Tom Lange, a longtime volunteer, contributor and fan for teams at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, passed away last week of natural causes at the age of 85.

Funeral arrangements are currently pending.

Lange, a 1997 Warhawk Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, contributed significantly to the success of UW-W athletics programs for nearly half a century as a public address announcer, booster club officer and volunteer.

“Tom Lange is a Warhawk,” UW-Whitewater Director of Athletics Ryan Callahan said. “He touched countless lives over his 40-plus years working with our athletic staff and teams, pouring his time and resources into our programs while asking for nothing in return.

“I am grateful to have personally known him for the last 20 years and will remember our numerous interactions and the laughs we shared the most. I know countless alumni and friends feel the pain of this loss, but I know that Tom lived a full and happy life in this community. We are lucky to have had him on our team for the last four decades and will miss him dearly.”

Most recently, Lange served as public address announcer for the UW-W wrestling and baseball teams. He also previously volunteered for men’s and women’s basketball games and for freshman football games and was an active member of the Quarterback Club and Tip-Off Club as a longtime Whitewater resident.

Lange attended countless athletics events over the last 45 years and was one of the Warhawks’ biggest supporters.

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“Tom’s legacy lives in all of us that were truly blessed to call him our friend. His passion for the Warhawks was second to none. That passion is why we are ‘Powered By Tradition.’” – Head Football Coach Kevin Bullis

“Tommy ‘The Kid’ Lange was a unique figure in Warhawk Athletics who enhanced the student-athlete experience through his daily endeavors and his announcing. Tommy built many long-lasting and meaningful relationships with athletes and coaches. His presence, laughter and one-liners will be missed by Warhawk Wrestling and the athletics department.” – Head Wrestling Coach Matt Zwaschka

It’s not too late to sign up for the Jr. Whippet Football Camp being held next week, July 18th-21st, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the WHS Football Fields! It is probably too late to mail in registration, but don’t forget Walk Up Registrations on Monday are allowed (and all kids should still receive their T-shirt on time, including those who sign up on Monday).

If you do plan to attend and have not registered yet, it is preferred that you email Head Coach Jason Bleck at jbleck@wwusd.org to let him know and so he can get the most accurate head count possible ahead of time. Any questions can be directed to Coach Bleck as well!

Article Submitted by Jason Bleck
Whitewater High School Head Football Coach
jbleck@wwusd.org

The Whippet City Mile led off the Fourth of July parade again this year with 160 runners of all ages participating. The youngest participant was 2 in the stroller division and our eldest was 72. The runners were led by a Harley Davidson motorcade consisting of Ronny Walenton, Ramsey Walenton, Owen Walenton, Steve “Uncle Scuba” Meinel, Gary Smale, and Tom Bobby. The weather was perfect for the closest finish in race history. Battling to the end was Whitewater High School distance star Jack Hefty and Fort Atkinson’s Spencer Agnew. Agnew, a former 4 minute miler for Marquette University, coaches distance events at Fort High School. Hefty pulled away in the last 15 meters for a narrow victory. The female division was led by Whitewater resident and Boston Marathon qualifier, Heidi Mane. The racers once again basked in the cheers of the thousands who lined the parade route. Thank you to Marissa Piper, Scott “Richy” Richardson, Ben Holden, and Steve Johnson for their help in the race. Special thanks to Lisa Dawsey-Smith and the rest of the 4th of the July Committee for their continued support. Appreciation also to Robert Mischka for the wonderful photos. Can’t wait till next year!