Today is Thursday, October 8, 2026
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today released the following statement regarding the passing of Bob Uecker: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of one of Wisconsin’s own, Mr. Baseball himself, the great Bob Uecker. For more than 50 years, Bob brought the magic of the ballpark to life for so many, and I am sure I speak for Brewers fans everywhere when I say we gladly would have had him for 50 more. “He wasn’t just a comedian and a great announcer—Bob was a man of character and integrity. Throughout his career, he made countless contributions to the history and culture of Major League Baseball, and he was active in giving back to our communities and our state. Boy, we’re going to miss him. “He was beloved, not just in Wisconsin but across the country. He was a giant, and I—like so many other lifelong Brewers fans—will miss hearing his enthusiasm and love for the game and our Brewers on the airwaves. It’s a sad day. Kathy and I are thinking of his family, friends, the Brew Crew, and all those who knew and loved Ueck. He will always be remembered.” |
The following statement was released by Uecker’s family:
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Bob. To many, he was an announcer and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended the game, but to us he was so much more. Bob faced a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023, which he met with the same strength and resilience that defined him. Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter. He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma, and love for baseball, Milwaukee, and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy that will forever be cherished. While his contributions to the game are noteworthy, it is his kindness, humility, and love for family and friends that we will hold closest to our hearts. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time as we grieve and celebrate the man we were so lucky to call ours.” — The family of Bob Uecker
In a statement released by the club, Uecker’s family said he had battled small cell lung cancer since early 2023. “Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter,” the family said.
This statement was released by the Milwaukee Brewers:
“Today, we take on the heaviest of burdens. Today, we say goodbye to our beloved friend, Bob Uecker. Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss. He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; his presence warmed every room and he had a way of welcoming all of us into his world as if we were lifelong friends. Saying goodbye to Bob shakes us all. He was so much more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He was a national treasure. Bob entertained us with his words and storytelling, so it is no surprise that his passing now leaves us at a loss for our own words There is no describing the impact Ueck had on so many, and no words for how much he was loved. We are left with a giant void in our hearts, but also remember the laughter and joy he brought to our lives throughout the years.” — Milwaukee Brewers
Robert George Uecker (/ˈjuːkər/ YOO-kər; January 26, 1934 – January 16, 2025), better known as Bob Uecker, was an American professional baseball catcher and sportscaster who served as the primary broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB) for 54 seasons.
Uecker signed with his hometown Milwaukee Braves in 1956, spending several years in the minor leagues with various affiliate clubs before making his major league debut in 1962. As a backup catcher, he played for the Milwaukee Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves from 1962 to 1967. He won a World Series with the Cardinals in 1964.
After retiring, Uecker started a broadcasting career and served as a play-by-play announcer for Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcasts from 1971. Uecker became known for his self-deprecating wit and became a regular fixture on late night talk shows in the 1970s and 1980s, facetiously dubbed “Mr. Baseball” by TV talk show host Johnny Carson. He hosted several sports blooper shows and had an acting career that included his role as George Owens on the television program Mr. Belvedere and as play-by-play announcer Harry Doyle in the film Major League and its two sequels.
Uecker was honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame with its 2003 Ford C. Frick Award in recognition of his broadcasting career.
….Prior to the 2021 season, Uecker had never signed an official written contract with the Brewers to do the team’s play-by-play, instead agreeing to do so via an undisclosed number of handshake agreements with either Bud Selig or Mark Attanasio, the owners of the team. He signed a contract in 2021, in order to be covered under the Brewers’ health insurance plan after cuts to his SAG-AFTRA benefits for acting work.[14][15]
From 2022 to 2024, Uecker teamed with Jeff Levering and Lane Grindle to call Brewers home games on WTMJ in Milwaukee and the Brewers Radio Network throughout Wisconsin.[16] He was well known for saying his catchphrase “Get up! Get up! Get outta here! Gone!” when a Brewers player hit a home run.[1
This past Friday evening, Jack Hefty was recognized as the Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association Division 2 Cross Country Runner of the Year. The following script was written and read aloud by the WCCCA Vice President Andy Lelinski:
“Jack Hefty notched wins in two of his three invitationals this year, at McCarty Park at the Bulldog Invitational to start the season, winning by 26 seconds, and under the lights at the Lake Mills Nightfall Classic, winning by 13 seconds and breaking 16 for the third consecutive time this season. Even his lone loss of the season is impressive–another sub 16 effort at the Midwest Invitational. His championship season consisted of nothing but victories: a 48 second victory at the Rock Valley Conference Championship, a 22 second victory at the Whitewater Sectional, and a five second victory at the state championship. Congratulations Jack, on capping your high school career with an impressive season, and on being the Division Two Boys Runner of the Year.”
Congratulations, Jack!
Article and Photo Submittted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling Team had a busy week starting off with a trip to Lodi on Monday night, January 6, and closed it out with a 39-team tournament at Muskego on Saturday, January 11. Both of these events were very good for the girls as they had the opportunity to see some teams that they will be training to compete against in the tournament series which is a month away.
The girls wrestled well at Lodi coming in 3rd place out of the 8 teams competing. A’Lani Ross led the way for the Whippets going 3-0 on the night with two pins. Ema Aranda followed by going 2-1 on the night with 2 pins as well. Also going 2-1 was Payton Taylor who had a couple of very good matches that forced her to stay in good position in the closing moments to maintain her lead. She showed good shot defense which was nice to see as it is something we as a team have worked on for the girls.
On Saturday our girls then traveled to Muskego to compete in the 2025 Warrior Cup Girls’ Invitational. The tournament featured 39 teams from both large and small schools. Going into this event, our girls recognized that it would be a challenging day. Eleven girls participated, and they all agreed that their goals were to maintain a positive attitude and put in their best effort. With this focus, they knew they would wrestle well.
Leading the team was sophomore Ema Aranda, who achieved four impressive victories, propelling her to the championship match, where she fought hard but ultimately finished in second place. A’Lani Ross secured fourth place, gaining positive experiences that will help her improve her wrestling skills. Marianna Kubicz also finished in fourth place. As a team, the girls ended up in eighth place out of 39 teams.
This tournament was an excellent opportunity for the girls to identify areas for improvement both as individuals and as a team. They understand that some of their competitors that day will likely be the same ones they face at the end of the season. The girls are eager to rise to the challenge, work hard, and enhance their wrestling skills as the season progresses.
Article by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
During the recent Wisconsin Cross Country Coach Association Clinic in Brookfield, the Academic All-State Teams were announced.
The 2024 team of Jack Hefty, Xavier Zei, Miles Nickelsburg, Luc Pomazak, Andrew O’Toole, Onyx Thompson, and Isaac Straight was not only outstanding on race day but also in the classroom. They were so good that they finished third overall across the entire state in division two! Their team GPA of 3.89 is simply outstanding and the epitome of student-athletes.
Congratulations, guys!
Final standings
1. University School of Milwaukee 3.98
2. West Salem 3.92
3. Whitewater 3.89
4. Rhinelander 3.83
5. Monroe 3.80
6. New London 3.80
7. Dodgeville/Mineral Point 3.78
8. New Berlin Eisenhower 3.71
9. Port Washington 3.70
10. Chilton 3.68
11. Osceola 3.68
12. Watertown Luther Prep 3.67
13. Mauston 3.52
Article and Photo Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
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