Warhawk Almanac: The Construction and Dedication of Warhawk (Perkins) Stadium

This was written by Jacob Ober

On September 11, 1970, UW-Whitewater (then Wisconsin State University-Whitewater), a five-year-long process of planning and constructing a new stadium, was completed. The university dedicated the new stadium as Warhawk Stadium (now Perkins Stadium). The event was a sight to behold, even featuring one of the most famous American musical acts at the time, Neil Diamond. Campus christened the stadium with a football game the following day, a 35-10 Whitewater loss to Texas Trinity. Despite the loss, head coach Forrest Perkins, whom the stadium would later be re-named after, said, “This is the dream that all of us have waited for. I want to express my thanks to the thousands who have helped, and I know that they are proud and will remember this day for many, many years.”[1]

Warhawk (Perkins) Stadium under construction, July 17, 1970. [2]

The planning process began on November 2, 1965, when the Whitewater State University Student Council passed a resolution to support a fundraising drive for a new stadium. The official stadium fund drive began on October 1, 1966, led by drive chairman Forrest Perkins, also the head coach of the football team at the time. After three years of planning and fundraising, the stadium received bids totaling 1.2 million US dollars on May 8, 1969, and the Building Commission gave final approval on May 12 of that same year. [3] Construction was completed in Summer 1970, and campus held the dedication on September 11 of that fall semester. The new stadium was to seat up to 14,000 fans and feature a press box. 

A completed Warhawk (Perkins) Stadium, 1970. [4]

The stadium dedication ceremony was held on September 10, 1970, and featured music artist Neil Diamond. Diamond, a New York native, had been on the scene throughout the 1960s, having achieved top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 by 1970 that included “Cherry, Cherry,” “Sweet Caroline,” and “Holly Holy.”[5] The dedication concert was a big hit, as 7,000 people turned out to see the budding star perform. According to those who attended, Diamond “did as much moving around on stage as any musical performer ever did” and “showed all the charisma necessary to hold the attention of such a large gathering under anything but ideal conditions.”[6]

  [1] “Costley is ‘Costly’ in Warhawk 35-10 Dedication Game Loss to Texas Trinity,” The Whitewater Register, September 10, 1970.

[2] UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center.

[3] “Plans for Stadium Started in 1965,” The Whitewater Register, September 10, 1970.

[4] UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center.

[5] “Neil Diamond Chart History,” Billboard Hot 100, accessed November 2, 2023.

[6] Dale Reich, “Stadium Dedication Features Diamond,” The Royal Purple, September 15, 1970.

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Stuffed Animal Sleepover in the Library

UW-Whitewater students, staff, faculty and Children’s Center families, accompanied by a child 6(ish) years of age or younger, are invited to Andersen Library on the Whitewater Campus for the 9th Stuffed Animal Sleepover in the Library on Friday, April 5th. Children bring a stuffed animal friend to join them in a storytime and a craft activity – and maybe even make a new robot friend, too! The stuffed animals then get to sleep over and explore the library after hours.

Children will pick up their stuffed animal friend and a photo memory of their adventures on Saturday, April 6th, Sunday, April 7th, or Monday, April 8th during regular hours.

Note: Children need to be accompanied by an adult, but the library will provide chaperones for the stuffed animals’ overnight adventures.  

Please fill out this form to register: http://goo.gl/4WDQSJ 

When? Friday, April 5th

Session 1: 3.30-4.30 PM
Session 2: 4.30-5.30 PM
Where? Andersen Library, 2nd Floor

Want to know more? Need accommodations? See our posts from previous years’ events.

Questions? Contact Ellen, the Education Librarian at 262-472-5525.

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Warhawk Almanac: Ambrose Health Center

Written by Ashley Bowe

Many students know of the Ambrose Health Center on campus, but few likely know the history behind its establishment. The health center opened in 1971, but its history starts in 1946 with Stephen Ambrose.[1] 

Photo of Stephen Ambrose
Stephen Ambrose[1]

Stephen Ambrose had always been interested in medical practice and botany, so after graduating from Illinois University with his undergraduate degree and M.D., he opened his own private practice in 1932. Upon the United States’ involvement in World War II, Dr. Ambrose entered the military in 1942. He was a Commander in the U.S. Navy and served as a physician in the Pacific Theater of Operations. After returning home from the war, Dr. Ambrose opened a private medical practice in his wife’s hometown, Whitewater.[2] 

The university’s student population started to skyrocket due to the baby boom following the end of World War II, “so in addition to his own private practice, Dr. Ambrose took on the additional responsibility of becoming the campus physician.”[3] However, Dr. Ambrose was not always readily available to students on campus. Dr. Ambrose was only available for a “one-hour sick call.”[4] At this time, there was no dedicated medical center on campus, so Dr. Ambrose’s office was in the east wing of Old Main. 

However, Dr. Ambrose resigned from his position before Old Main burned down. He served the University of Whitewater from 1946 until 1964 when he decided to pursue and devote himself to his private practice. On June 23rd, 1964, Dr. Ambrose was honored with a reception for the 18 years he dedicated to campus.[5]

Although Dr. Ambrose was no longer the campus physician, he did not completely sever ties to the university.  In 1966, two years after his resignation, Governor Warren Knowles appointed him to the University Board of Regents, on which he served until 1972. Not only was Dr. Ambrose a member of the University Board of Regents for Whitewater’s campus, but he also served as the representative on the Wisconsin State College Board of Regents, which dissolved in 1972 with the creation of the University of Wisconsin system.[6] In addition to his work at the university, Dr. Ambrose also served as the Medical Director at Fairhaven, a nursing home near campus, and was a member of the Walworth County Cancer Society.[7]

After the Old Main fire in 1970, there was no longer a place for the campus physician to attend to students. In response, the university built a dedicated student health center in 1971 and named it in honor of campus physician Stephen Ambrose. The Ambrose Health Center continues to serve students with physical and mental health concerns to this day. 

Dr. Stephen Ambrose played a significant role in Whitewater’s history, both on campus and off, and created an environment that continues to prioritize the health of Whitewater students. 

Photo of Ambrose Health Center
Ambrose Health Center[8]

https://www.uww.edu/uhcs

Monday-Friday 8:00 – 4:30 pm

uhcs@uww.edu


[1] Richard C. Haney, Campus Cornerstones: University of Wisconsin Whitewater Biographical Sketches of the People Whom Buildings & Facilities are Named (Whitewater: University of Wisconsin Whitewater, 1997), 4-5.

[2] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 5.

[3] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 5.

[4] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 5.

[5] “Reception for Ambrose,” The Royal Purple, June 23, 1964.

[6] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 5.

[7] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 5.

[8] Dauntae Green, “UHCS Pandemic Stress Counseling,” The Royal Purple, September 6, 2020.

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Warhawk Almanac: Vietnam War Moratorium at UW-Whitewater

This post was written by Jacob Ober.

From 1955 to 1973, the United States was involved in the Vietnam War, a brutal conflict between the communist forces of North Vietnam and the non-communist forces of South Vietnam. Intervening on the side of South Vietnam, the United States gradually increased its military involvement throughout the 1960s, authorizing the deployment of troops in 1965. Troop deployment to Vietnam reached a peak of over 543,000 in April 1969, with a total of 3.1 million American soldiers being deployed to Vietnam throughout the war.[1] Back home, opposition to the war grew as causalities mounted, resulting in large-scale anti-war protests, including at UW-Whitewater, then known as Wisconsin State College-Whitewater.

Anti-War student march in downtown Whitewater
A student-led antiwar march approaches the war memorial in downtown Whitewater on October 15th, 1969.[2]

In Fall of 1969, a massive nationwide protest called “The Moratorium to End the Vietnam War” took place nationwide. While the anti-war movement had been active for several years, this protest propelled it to new heights as US soldiers began participating in protests for the first time on a large scale.[3] At Wisconsin State College-Whitewater, around 1,000 people, mainly comprised of students, marched downtown in protest on October 15th, 1969, the day of the nationwide mortarium.[4] Many students also went door-to-door asking for signatures on an anti-war petition to be sent to President Nixon, garnering about 400 signatures in total.[5] The protest was mostly peaceful and looked upon with general approval by city residents.[6]

Anti-War student march in downtown Whitewater
Students participate in antiwar march in downtown Whitewater on October 15th, 1969.[7]

The march to downtown Whitewater was not the only protest event that occurred on that day. Prior to the march, a rally was held at Hamilton Field before being moved indoors to Hyer Auditorium. The rally featured speakers, including former Wisconsin attorney general Bronson LaFollette.[8] Wisconsin State College-Whitewater English department chairman Dr. Robert Burrows also spoke, expressing hope that more and more students would seek to get involved, stating, “There is a time to be silent and a time to speak. This is a time to speak.”[9] Overall, many saw the day as a success and reflected Whitewater’s anti-war sentiment in a pivotal moment in American history.

Police Officers holding up peace signs at the anti-war march
Whitewater police officers express their support for the protests by holding up peace signs.[10]

[1] “Vietnam War Statistics,” Vietnam Veterans Association, Accessed October 31, 2023, https://www.vva310.org/vietnam-war-statistics.

[2] Minneiska, 1970, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, 46. https://jstor.org/stable/community.29546586.

[3] Derek Seidman, “Fifty Years Ago Today, US Soldiers Joined the Vietnam Moratorium Protests in Mass Numbers,” Jacobin, October 15, 2019.

[4] “400 Citizens Sign Moratorium Petition,” The Royal Purple, October 16, 1969.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] “Students March to Gain Peace,” The Royal Purple, October 16, 1969.

[8] Barb Cheek, “Speakers Want Withdrawal, Urge Student Involvement,” The Royal Purple, October 16, 1969.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Minneiska, 1970, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, 46. https://jstor.org/stable/community.29546586

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Warhawk Almanac: The 40th Anniversary of the 1984 Men’s Basketball Championship

This post was written by Jacob Ober.

In March 1984, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Men’s Basketball team emerged victorious in the Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament after defeating Clark (MA) University 103-86 in the National Championship game. The road to the championship for the 1984 Warhawks was not easy, as they had to win four straight games against tough competition to make it to the final round. Among those victories was a triple-overtime win described as “what could be one of the most exciting wins in Warhawks history.”[1] In the Regional Championship against eight-ranked St. Norbert College, team-leading scorer Andre McKoy knocked down a jumper with five seconds left to give the Warhawks an 85-83 lead in a game that would finish 87-84 in UW-Whitewater’s favor.

Andre McKoy, post-champtioship game
UW-Whitewater leading scorer Andre McKoy meets with an ESPN reporter after his iconic performance in national championship game.[2]

The Warhawks had made it to the Final Four the previous season before falling to Wittenberg University 85-80 in the national semifinal and Roanoke College 83-77 in the third-place game. A  controversial call marred the loss to Roanoke when UW-Whitewater sophomore center Mark Linde was called for a questionable foul with 17 seconds to go and Whitewater trailing 79-77.[3] Reflecting on the disappointing losses, junior guard Anthony Brazzel stated that their season “will be hard to duplicate,” but “now we know what it’s like to play in the national tournament, and hopefully, we’ll be back. There’s no substitute for experience.”[4]

Center, Mark Linde
Senior Warhawk center Mark Linde celebrates the ultimate success of winning a national championship.[5]

Brazzel’s hope for the following season was not unfounded, as the 1984 Warhawks finished the regular season by clinching a share of their conference title and earning a second consecutive national tournament berth. Led by leading scorer Andre McKoy and returning veterans Anthony Brazzel and Mark Linde, the Warhawks rode four straight wins against Illinois Wesleyan (75-67), St Norbert College (87-84), Nebraska Wesleyan (65-54), and DePauw (85-69) before facing Clark University in the national championship. In the championship game, a slim 46-43 halftime lead turned into a lopsided 103-86 victory for the Warhawks, clinching their first-ever national championship in men’s basketball. McKoy and Linde made the all-tournament team, with McKoy leaving as the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. This award was well-deserved, as McKoy set a record for most points (145) and free throws made (45) in a five-game tournament stretch.[6] Coach Dave Vander Mullen described the victory as “the greatest feeling in the world. Being a champion is one thing, but being a national champion is something you dream of as a little kid.”[7]

Members of 1984 Championship Team
The 1984 team poses with the championship trophy.[8]

The 1984 men’s basketball team was UW-Whitewater’s first-ever national championship team. Since then, UW-Whitewater has seen 19 other championships across other sports, including three more men’s basketball titles in 1989, 2012, and 2014.[9] Whenever we reflect on our college’s storied history of champions, we must never forget the 1984 team as the one that set the precedent for success.


[1] Randy Ruef, “Warhawks Survive to Quarterfinals,” The Royal Purple (Whitewater), March 7. 1984.

[2] UW-Whitewater, 1984 Minneiska. 1984, 108, https://jstor.org/stable/community.30477057. Accessed November 7, 2023.

[3] Dave White, “Warhawks End Season on a Disappointing Note,” The Royal Purple (Whitewater), March 23, 1983.

[4] Ibid.

[5] UW-Whitewater, 1984 Minneiska, 1984, 108, https://jstor.org/stable/community.30477057.

[6] Randy Ruef, “Oh Yeah! Warhawks Best in the Nation,” The Royal Purple, March 21, 1984.

[7] Ibid.

[8] UW-Whitewater, 1984 Minneiska. 1984, 108, https://jstor.org/stable/community.30477057. Accessed November 7, 2023.

[9] “National Champions,” UWWSports.com, https://uwwsports.com/sports/2012/3/27/GEN_0327122239.aspx#1989%20Men’s%20Basketball

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Warhawk Almanac: Warhawk Alley

Written by Ashley Bowe

Warhawk Alley is a 10-pin bowling alley located in the University Center. It is an adored place among students and faculty as it supports events such as tournaments, glow nights, and leagues. However, did you know that the alley was not part of the original floorplan of the UC? Before Warhawk Alley, students would travel to Hawk Bowl, a local bowling alley that opened in the 1960s but is closed today. It was a 16-lane alley that housed many leagues and traveling teams. [1]

Woman bowling at Warhawk Alley
UW-Whitewater Archives

The University Center extension housing the bowling alley opened on January 20, 1965. [2] The new Warhawk Alley consisted of six lanes and offered opportunities to participate in bowling leagues. Both a men’s and women’s bowling league were shortly established on campus after Warhawk Alley opened. [3] These leagues consisted mainly of Greek Houses and small student groups. 

The Men’s Whitewater Team began in 1969. The team participated in a league consisting of many of Whitewater’s neighboring universities, including Oshkosh, Platteville, and LaCrosse, to name a few. [4] The teams would compete at local alleys in Wisconsin. This team continues today as a club sport on campus. Despite being a club sport, they have plenty of opportunities to compete in high-ranked tournaments nationwide. The men’s team has been ranked in the top 10 the past six seasons, holding a total of 55 wins, including an Intercollegiate Team Championship (ITC) National Championship (2022), two Club Championship Titles (2019, 2021), and five Great Lakes Bowling Conference Championships (2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020). The team currently sits at number one in the collegiate bowling power rankings. [5]

ITC Bowling Champions
“2019-2020 Women’s Bowling Roster,” University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Athletics, https://uwwsports.com/sports/womens-bowling/roster/2019-20.

Additionally, UW-Whitewater has a successful Women’s bowling team. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s bowling program was Wisconsin’s first NCAA bowling program. [6] UW-Whitewater established the first women’s bowling team in 2002. However, the NCAA did not recognize the team until the 2003-2004 season. [7] The team competes in both NCAA and United States Bowling Congress (USBC) events, competing against some of the top teams in the country. Although they have not won an NCAA championship, they have made three consecutive appearances in the tournament (2013, 2014, 2015) and were Central Intercollegiate Bowling Conference (CIBC) champions in the 2019-2020 season. [8] This season, the team took the 2023 Midwest Collegiate title and currently sits at number 19 in the collegiate bowling power ranking. [9]

ITC Bowling Champions
UWW Warhawk Bowling,” Warhawk Open, https://www.warhawkopen.com/uww-warhawk-bowling.html;

Bowling at UW-Whitewater has come a long way since the opening of Warhawk Alley. The bowling alley provided students with a place to practice on campus and helped bowling become a successful program at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.

[1] “Whitewater Corporation Begins Construction of City’s New ‘Hawk’ Bowling Alley,” The Royal Purple, March 24, 1959.

[2] “Pins Fly at Center Lanes After Initial Two Weeks,” The Royal Purple, February 3, 1965.

[3] “Pins Fly at Center Lanes After Initial Two Weeks,” The Royal Purple, February 3, 1965; “Women’s Bowling League Scheduled to Start Tuesday”, The Royal Purple, February 9, 1966.

[4] “Hawk bowling team tied for second,” The Royal Purple, February 13, 1969

[5] UWW Warhawk Bowling.” n.d. Warhawk Open. Accessed November 2, 2023. https://www.warhawkopen.com/uww-warhawk-bowling.html; “Collegiate Bowling.” n.d. Collegebowling.bowl.com. https://collegebowling.bowl.com/rankings.

[6] “UWW Warhawk Bowling.” n.d. Warhawk Open. Accessed November 2, 2023. https://www.warhawkopen.com/uww-warhawk-bowling.html.

[7] “A new breed of women’s athletics,” The Royal Purple, October 9, 2002.

[8] “UWW Warhawk Bowling.” n.d. Warhawk Open. Accessed November 2, 2023. https://www.warhawkopen.com/uww-warhawk-bowling.html.

[9] “Collegiate Bowling.” n.d. Collegebowling.bowl.com. https://collegebowling.bowl.com/rankings.

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Warhawk Almanac: Catherine Crossman

[This post was researched and written by Meadow Santiago.]

Photo of Catherine Crossman
Catherine Crossman

Catherine Crossman, an artist and teacher, received her bachelor of arts degree from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, in 1928.[1] She later got her M.A. from the University of Oregon in 1938. In addition to these formal degrees, Crossman also studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Minnesota. But she didn’t stop there; Crossman also attended Harvard University on an architecture scholarship and the University of California on a fellowship.

Before coming to Whitewater in 1947, Crossman taught at schools in Idaho, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Ohio. At the time of Crossman’s arrival at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, known then as the Wisconsin State Teachers College, the university only had two art courses available – Art Appreciation and Drawing.[2] During her 28 years here at the university, Crossman transformed the art program into a multi-faculty department and introduced many new courses, such as ceramics and weaving.[3] Through her expansion of the art department, Crossman created the Art Major on campus.[4]

The first art gallery on campus, located in Old Main, opened in 1967 and was named in her honor.[5] After the Old Main fire of 1970, the Crossman Art Gallery reopened in 1971 in the new Center of the Arts, a fitting location as she helped to design the building.[6] The Crossman Gallery provides a space for students to display their work, in particular, the senior art students’ portfolios.[7]  Apart from current students, the Crossman Gallery also shows art from local and famous artists, which are often available to purchase. [8]

Photo of Catherine Crossman at opening of Crossman Art Gallery
Catherine Crossman (middle) at the opening of Crossman Art Gallery, 1967.
Photo of Crossman Art Gallery
Crossman Art Gallery Opening Reception, 1967.

Many of her colleagues credited Crossman as a dedicated teacher and artist. She was known to say, “You’re never lonely if you have art. There is no better way to make friends.”[9] After retiring in 1975, Crossman was active in the Whitewater community, participating in various art clubs and volunteering at Fairhaven Retirement Center. Her alma mater, Carleton College, recognized her with the Distinguished Achievement Award in 1987.[10]


[1] Richard C. Haney, Campus Cornerstones: University of Wisconsin Whitewater Biographical Sketches of the People Whom Buildings & Facilities are Named (Whitewater: University of Wisconsin Whitewater, 1997), 34.

[2] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 35.

[3] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 35; “U.S. History Planned for Fall,” The Royal Purple, June 18, 1951.  

[4] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 35.

[5] “Crossman Art Gallery Opening Held Monday,” The Royal Purple, November 30 1967.

[6] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 35.

[7] “Seniors display art” The Royal Purple, December 3, 2003.

[8] “Art Exhibit” The Royal Purple, June 29, 1970

[9] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 35.

[10] Haney, Campus Cornerstones, 35.

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Warhawk Almanac: Lance Leipold: UW-Whitewater Football Legend

[This post was researched and written by Jacob Ober.]

Lance Leipold, current head coach for the Kansas Jayhawks football team, led them to their first bowl appearance in 15 seasons in 2022 after joining the program in 2021. Leipold, however, got his start as a backup quarterback for the UW-Whitewater Warhawks in 1983, working his way up to become the starting quarterback in his junior and senior seasons. After his playing days were over, Leipold got into coaching, eventually becoming the head coach of the UW-Whitewater Warhawks in 2007. Over his coaching career at UW-Whitewater, Lance Leipold led the Warhawks to six Division III National Championship victories before moving to the Division I football program at Buffalo in 2014 and then, in 2021, the Kansas Jayhawks.

Lance Leipold, #9
Leipold (#9) hands the ball off to his running back during the 1986 season. UW-Whitewater. 1987 Minneiska, n.d. https://jstor.org/stable/community.30477060.

Leipold became the starting quarterback for the UW-Whitewater Warhawks in 1985. During the 1985 season, he set a school record for completions and passing yards in a game with 37 completions and 474 yards against UW-River Falls, records that still stand today.1 After his playing career, Leipold bounced around as an assistant coach for various programs, including UW-Whitewater, Doane College, Wisconsin, Nebraska-Omaha, and Nebraska, before being named head coach of the UW-Whitewater Warhawks in 2007.2 During his tenure at UW-Whitewater from 2007-2014, Leipold led the Warhawks to six Division III National Championship titles, including a three-peat from 2009-2011 and five undefeated seasons. Leipold compiled a win-loss record of 109-6 as head coach of the Warhawks, becoming the fastest coach in NCAA history to record 100 victories with a win over UW-Eau Claire in 2014.3 Only twice in his tenure at UW-Whitewater did Leipold’s Warhawks team fail to win the national championship, setting the bar for success at UW-Whitewater tremendously high.

Leipold and 2014 National Championship Team
Leipold hoists 2014 Division III National Championship trophy in his final game as coach of the UW-Whitewater Warhawks. Craig Schreiner, Former Warhawk head coach Lance Leipold raised the national championship trophy for the sixth time in eight years as head coach at UW-Whitewater in 2014, UW-Whitewater Athletics, Whitewater, WI, https://uwwsports.com/news/2021/4/30/lance-leipold-named-head-football-coach-at-kansas.aspx.

Following the 2014 season, Leipold left the Warhawks for Division I college in Buffalo, where he led them to a 37-33 record and two bowl victories from 2015-2020.4 After the 2020 season, Leipold left Buffalo for the Kansas Jayhawks. Following a disappointing first season with only 2 wins, Leipold led the Jayhawks to their first bowl appearance in 2022 and their first win over a ranked opponent since 2010.5 As Coach Leipold takes other programs to new heights, we shall never forget his humble beginnings as a backup quarterback at UW-Whitewater and his lasting impact as head coach of the Warhawk football team.


  1. Dave Ehrhardt, “Despite air-Berezowitz, Warhawks Defeated 35-28,” The Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI), October 30, 1985. ↩︎
  2. “UW-Whitewater Hires Leipold, Manitowoc Herald-Times, January 4, 2007. ↩︎
  3. “Lance Leipold Fastest to 100 Wins,” ESPN.com, October 18, 2014. ↩︎
  4. “Lance Leipold,” Sports Reference College Football, Accessed October 31, 2023. ↩︎
  5. “Lance Leipold Bio,” KUAthletics.com, Accessed October 31, 2023. ↩︎
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Warhawk Almanac: The Women’s Athletic Association

WAA Captains Ball Team
Women’s Athletic Association Captains Ball Team, 1923, Minnieska, 1923.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has achieved a high status of athletic success in men’s and women’s sports. The women’s athletic teams have won 8 National Championships in golf, volleyball, and gymnastics since 1985. [1] However, the foundation of women’s athletics at UW-Whitewater was established well before the idea of a national championship seemed feasible.

WAA Baseball Team
Women’s Athletic Association Baseball Team, 1926, Minnieska, 1926.

In 1896, women from the State Normal School in Whitewater established the Ladies Athletic Association to “further the interests of athletics.” they established a formal association and constitution. The association declared any faculty member, students from the Normal School, Preparatory Department, or Grammar Department in the body. The association would vote on newly inducted members. The association acknowledged any inductee achieving 2/3 as an official member. [2] In the constitution, the association notes that they would control the activities available to the young ladies, including field day, exercises, basketball, battle ball, bicycling, walking club, tennis, etc. The Ladies’ Athletic Association hosted a reception for faculty and the gentlemen’s Athletic Association to commemorate the new association. “If the ladies are as successful in their athletics as they have proved themselves to be at entertaining, we bespeak for them a successful career.”

WAA Sweater Women
WAA members and information on the process of achieving sweaters. Minnieska, 1930

In 1899, the group had enough interest to fill two basketball teams and focus their efforts on “wheel club,” a club for bicycling and tennis. The group would remain active for a few years but eventually dissipated due to lack of interest. In 1902, the Tennis Club reactivated part of the organization. It worked hard to establish a space for its 45 active women to get a little exercise and some fresh air. [3] In 1913, Minnieska wrote that the association granted the first official Ws to 24 members. Members were congratulated with Ws when they achieved a high standing of sportsmanship and athletic success. Eventually, the organization would offer the achievement of pins, Ws, and sweaters, depending on the number of points gathered by an athlete. [4] Achievement of the W occurred when an athlete met association standards in loyalty, playing spirit, team spirit, and sportsmanlike spirit. [5] In 1916, the association coordinated twenty-eight basketball teams and planned a tournament to meet the desires of the organization’s 250 participants. By 1917, the organization started consistently calling itself the “Women’s Athletic Organization”.

WAA Stunt Night
Image of an organization performing at stunt night, Minnieska, 1960

The association continued to grow throughout the 1920s. In response, they corralled teams in a variety of sports, including the traditional sports they played, like tennis and basketball, and other new sports, like field hockey, captain’s ball, swimming, dancing, indoor baseball, and volleyball. [6] The Women’s Athletic Association was related to the Physical Department at the Normal School. The Minnieska stated: “Girls’ athletics are continually commanding more and more attention in our schools; this year, the interest in athletics in Whitewater Normal was quite out of the ordinary.” [7] The organization also organized other campus events, including the famous “stunt night,” which they started sponsoring in 1930. [8] Stunt night was an opportunity for students from all the organizations on campus to perform a skit, including singing, dancing, and or general acting. [9] Before campus was vibrant with student activities, stunt night provided a unique opportunity for students to connect with other students and contribute to something larger than themselves. The event was popular for students and was a tradition on campus until the late 1960s.

WAA Basketball game
WAA Basketball game, Minnieska, 1967

In 1961, the organization changed its name to the “Women’s Recreation Association” to align itself with other state colleges that were also changing their name. The 1960s led to the growth of the organization club sponsors, officers, and liaisons for each active sport. [10] However, participation in the 1970s dwindled as formal athletic opportunities became increasingly available, including the Wisconsin Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. [11] The Women’s Athletic Association and Women’s Recreation Association provided an avenue for women to participate in athletics, be part of a team, and develop good sportsmanship. Organizations like W.A.A. have solidified a place in history as trailblazers for women’s athletics at UW-Whitewater and have paved the way for the success of our future women’s sports.  

[1] “National Championship Teams”, accessed on December 5, 2023 https://uwwsports.com/sports/2012/3/27/GEN_0327122239.aspx

[2] Ladies Athletic Association, Constitution of the Ladies Athletic Association of the State Normal of Whitewater (Whitewater: State Normal School of Whitewater, November 1896) University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Archives.

[3] “The Girls’ Tennis Team”, The Royal Purple, October 1, 1902, 13. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.31766341

[4] Minnieska, 1922, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center,84. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.29546555

[5] Minnieska, 1913, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center,98. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.29546546

[6] Minnieska, 1923, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, 102-107. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.29546556

[7] Ibid, 102.

[8] Minnieska, 1930, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, 82. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.29546563

[9] Ibid, 97.

[10] Minnieska, 1961, UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, 76. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.29811951

[11] Pete Janecky, “Van Steenderen resigns position” in The Royal Purple

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Brrr Book Sale – Read for 50 Cents!

December is a month of holidays, starting with Krampusnacht and ending with New Years Eve. Along there way there is Hanukkah, Solstice, Yule, Festivus, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. If I missed one you celebrate add a comment below.

Creator: See-ming Lee 
Copyright: CC-BY-SA 2010 See-ming Lee
Decorate images of books
Creator: See-ming Lee | Copyright: CC-BY-SA 2010 See-ming Lee

Books are a great gift for your loved ones and winter is a great time to give them. Just think about them curling up by a fire reading a cozy novel or biography or history tome. If not a fire, then a heated blanket or a blanket + pet will work.

Andersen Library has put out a selection of giftable books this afternoon near the cafe. Any one or even 11+ could be yours for the low low price of 50 cents each. The payment box was not put back after the circulation desk was renovated, so please pay one of the staff members at that desk.

Stay warm and read a good book.

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