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The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
Sam Whittaker

Sam Whittaker, Staff Reporter

Also known as the voice of Millard West Hockey, Sam is a senior at Millard West in his second full year on the Catalyst Staff. He spent the summer cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team on their way to a national championship and visiting colleges. In his free time, Sam cheers on his favorite Tennessee based sports teams whenever he isn’t working or covering Millard West athletics.

All content by Sam Whittaker
Leaping above two defenders, senior Luke White fires a shot on goal. White’s multi-goal performance helped lead the way for the Wildcats to overcome an early deficit against the Westside Warriors. “We just weren’t playing our game early on,” White said. “We were playing sloppy and slow and that is what was holding us back. After a couple goals in the second quarter, the ball started rolling and it was wraps from there. This win shows that even after being down a couple goals, we can still come back with ease, as long as we give the effort and put forth the energy needed. This offense is so dangerous, being down couldn’t matter less.”

Wildcat comeback crushes Warriors

Sam Whittaker, Editor-in-Chief
March 21, 2025

Millard Madness

Sam Whittaker and Jacob Larson
March 21, 2025

MW lax building on a new foundation

Sam Whittaker and Aasif Sultani
March 11, 2025
Skating back to the bench, senior captain Reece Wilson hangs his head. Offense was at a premium for the Cats in their third playoff contest, ultimately leading to their defeat and the end of their 2024-25 season. “This organization was everything I could have asked for and more,” Wilson said. “I love this sport and this team for the last four years made me love it even more. I have learned so much more about myself and learned lessons I will carry with me forever because of this sport.”

Wildcat woes

Sam Whittaker, Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2025
“I’ve been playing baseball for 15 years,” senior Sam Kidd said. “Just going out there and competing while having fun is what made me fall in love with the game.” These athletes have pushed through injuries and losses to get where they are now which means it's time to let them go. Graduation is coming up for these seniors and this means unnecessary anxiety. However, signing day brings optimism to graduating seniors who are under the stress of college decisions. Whether these athletes choose to play out of state or in Nebraska it is certain what school helped them kick off their future.

[Photo] Cats in college

Brooke Samson, Staff Reporter
February 13, 2025
Speeding up ice, senior defenseman Cole Grandgenett controls the puck. Defensively, Grandgenett led the way for the Wildcats collecting multiple takeaways en route to the loss. “I think the biggest takeaway is simple. The depth of the team needs to grow,” Grandgenett said. “We had a total of 20 shots but they mostly consisted of shots from really only five players at most. This has been a problem all season. We need players to gain their confidence and start producing plays according to their style.”

Race to the playoffs

Sam Whittaker, Editor-in-Chief
February 12, 2025

Super Predictions

Sam Whittaker and Jacob Larson
February 11, 2025
Dribbling past the defenders, senior Norah Gessert tries to find herself a lane to drive in the paint to work herself to the hoop and make a basket to help lead her team to a victory. During the game she scored 12 points and had three rebounds. “I try to find open lanes if possible and I know if I can’t then I will have a teammate by me that I can pass it to,” Gessert said. “We are always trying to score points no matter what way it happens.”

[Photo] Queens of Q Street

Landen Swift, Staff reporter
February 6, 2025
Students will wear the lanyards around their neck when they leave the classroom. This will make it easy for security guards or administrators who are patrolling the hallways to get a clear look of where they’re going. “I think it will stop overcrowding,” junior Caden Reynolds said. “I’ve noticed that bathrooms can get way too many people during class, and it makes it impossible to make it back to class in a timely manner.” On the back of the passes, the room number is listed, which lets administrators take them back to the correct class, if the student is just wandering around.

[Photo] A new system

Jacob Larson, Sports Director
February 3, 2025
Firing the puck on a breakaway, senior captain Reece Wilson looks to add to the lead. Wilson’s five-goal performance propelled the Cats past Gretna for the second time this season. “We noticed Gretna’s defense tends to play a little off, giving you more time and space,” Wilson said. “It was also just good positioning on our end that led to more opportunities and chances to score. After a unique game like that, I think it’s super important to feed off that energy and get the other guys fired up wanting to score and find opportunities.”

Cats freeze the fire

Sam Whittaker, Editor-in-Chief
January 29, 2025

MWHS Wildcat News 12.20.24

Sam Whittaker and Landen Swift
December 19, 2024
Driving towards the basket, sophomore Cade Walker draws contact to the face on his way up. Millard West defeated the Chieftains 57-49.

Boys & Girls Basketball vs. Bellevue East

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News & Catalyst Editor-in-Chief
December 18, 2024
Crashing into his opponent, freshman forward Alex Beacon lays the body on a Papio defender. Millard West defeated Papio 2-1.

[Photo] Millard West Hockey vs. Papillion

December 18, 2024

Join the WSN

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat Sports Network Editor-in-Chief
December 17, 2024
Loading up his shot, junior defenseman Gavin Spencer prepares to fire from the blue line. Spencer’s efforts led him to a multi-point game in the 3-1 win over Lincoln Capitals West. “We knew we’re the better team so we just wore them down all game,” Spencer said. “In the third when they were tired and upset, it allowed us to calm down the game. It also led to us being able to make good heads-up plays to one another.”

Cats climb over Caps

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News & Catalyst Editor-in-Chief
December 10, 2024

MWHS Site Planning

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News Editor-in-Chief
November 25, 2024

MWHS Wildcat News 11.25.24

Sam Whittaker and Shibu Sharma
November 25, 2024

MWHS Wildcat News 11.15.24

Landen Swift and Sam Whittaker
November 14, 2024
Taking it all in on the ice, senior Eli Simard skates around the ice during warmups. Simard received the call on the morning of Nov. 2 that he had the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream that same night. “It was special for me because I’ve always wanted to play for the Lancers or the Stars as a little kid,” Simard said. “It made me so happy to see that dream come true. Stepping on to the ice, I had so much adrenaline pumping and I was genuinely so happy and enjoyed every second of it.” Photo courtesy of Eli Simard

Shooting for the Stars

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News Editor-in-Chief and Catalyst Editor-in-Chief
November 11, 2024
Awaiting the puck to drop, senior defenseman Cole Grandgenett positions himself to receive the puck. Grandgenett’s goal helped lift the Cats past Elkhorn North along with his great defensive play and leadership. “I am expecting a good run this year,” Grandgenett said. “I think after we get things together and our feet under us, we can figure it all out from there.”

Wildcats blank Elkhorn North

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News Editor-in-Chief and Catalyst Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2024
Awaiting the faceoff, Senior Captain Reece Wilson prepares for the puck to drop. Tri-City won 4-1.

Millard West hockey vs. Tri-City

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News Editor-in-Chief and Catalyst Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2024

Preseason problems

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News and Catalyst Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2024
Speeding past defenders, senior wide receiver Michael Coleman eyes the endzone. Coleman picked up two first half touchdowns to lead the Wildcats to a 42-14 thrashing of Grand Island. “It felt great being a part of the team’s success after having the first four games not go the way we wanted,” Coleman said. “This win for the team was important so we could have a chance to make the playoffs. We keep getting better each week and want to make a run.”

Conquered the Island

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News Editor-in-Chief
October 15, 2024
Speeding past defenders, senior wide receiver Michael Coleman eyes the endzone. Coleman picked up two first half touchdowns to lead the Wildcats to a 42-14 thrashing of Grand Island. “It felt great being a part of the team’s success after having the first four games not go the way we wanted,” Coleman said. “This win for the team was important so we could have a chance to make the playoffs. We keep getting better each week and want to make a run.”

Millard West Football vs. Grand Island

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News Editor-in-Chief
October 4, 2024

Skating into the season

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News Editor-in-Cheief
October 1, 2024
Following a kill, senior Hayden Hart celebrates with her teammates. Hart played a crucial role and racked up several kills en route to the Wildcats sweep of the Titans. “We need to leverage the confidence and momentum we gained from that win,” Hart said. “Continuing to refine our skills on the court and focus on consistency by maintaining strong team culture and staying dedicated during practices will help us continue to grow as a team.”

Wildcats stun top-ranked Titans

Sam Whittaker, Staff Reporters
September 20, 2024

Meet the 24-25 HOCO candidates

Shibu Sharma, Landen Swift, and Sam Whittaker
September 18, 2024

MWHS Wildcat News 09.13.24

Sam Whittaker and Landen Swift
September 12, 2024

Wildcat Sports Network PSA

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2024
Escaping the pocket, senior quarterback DJ Schiemann evades a Mustang near the endzone in the final seconds. Schiemann and the Wildcats found their groove within the final quarter, but were unable to complete the comeback, falling just short and the one-yard line. “During that last drive, I was thinking to myself that we had a shot to win this thing,” Schiemann said. “On that last play, I wanted to hit a slant or Breck on his route which would’ve been a touchdown. Unfortunately, the pocket collapsed beside me, making me go up the middle and get just short of the endzone." PHOTO BY: CHLOE VAUGHN

Mustangs gallop past Wildcats

Sam Whittaker, Staff Reporter
September 10, 2024

Bark the stress away

Devin Hoshaw and Sam Whittaker
September 6, 2024
Handing the ball off to his teammate, senior quarterback David James Schiemann practices in preparation for week one. This year will be Schiemann’s first at the helm of a new Millard West offense after sitting behind former starter Brody Peterson. “Stepping into the starting role has been on my mind since last season ended,” Schiemann said. “Being behind a quarterback like Brody for a long time with his leadership and ability to tell me things to prepare has helped me to be the guy to lead this new offense this year. While this summer has been going alright, I know the coaches are always helping me in every way to help not just myself but the others around me, too.”

Ready to pounce

Sam Whittaker, Staff Reporter
August 28, 2024

Q Street Hockey

Sam Whittaker and Nathan Delaney
May 19, 2024

Shake review

Logan Moseley and Sam Whittaker
May 17, 2024

MWHS Wildcat News 05.17.24

Logan Moseley and Sam Whittaker
May 17, 2024

Senior Sign-Off 24

Sam Whittaker and Trey Jochims
May 16, 2024
In the offensive half, senior attacker Kaden Sellmeyer navigates past a defender. West Des Moines won 11-7.

[Photo] Millard West lacrosse vs. West Des Moines

May 15, 2024
In the offensive half, senior attacker Kaden Sellmeyer navigates past a defender. Despite their eventual loss, the Cats displayed resilience in the final quarter, with key attackers like Sellmeyer contributing crucial goals. “The biggest thing that they knew was our primary offensive plays and our primary scorers,” Sellmeyer said. “Their goalie was also making some pretty impressive saves. Not to mention David being knocked out of the game due to injury made it harder for us to get the offense going.”

Tigers pounce past Wildcats

Sam Whittaker, Staff Reporter
May 13, 2024

Wildcats run rule Monarchs

Trey Jochims and Sam Whittaker
May 2, 2024
Following their 11-10 overtime win over the then-undefeated Burke Bulldogs, Millard West head lacrosse coach Nick Brown addresses the team. Millard West at the time sat among a select group of undefeated teams in the midwest. “ I couldn’t see myself coaching any other program,” Brown said. This program means everything to me. Being a two-time captain of the program and having the success we had while I was playing, it only feels right giving back to the new generation of Millard West lacrosse.” Photo Courtesy of Whittaker Media

New coach, no problem

Sam Whittaker, Staff Reporter
April 29, 2024

March Madness at West

Logan Moseley and Sam Whittaker
April 22, 2024
Junior pitcher Dylan Swiercek delivers a pitch during the middle innings. Swiercek’s 58 pitches resulted in four strikeouts, and one hit en route to the 6-1 win over Millard North. “It was good to go out and compete for coach Frey’s 300th win,” Swiercek said. “You know a rival like North with a former coach of ours was obviously highly anticipated.”

Pitching past the Ponies

Sam Whittaker, Staff Reporter
April 15, 2024

Teaching tech

Nathan Delaney and Sam Whittaker
March 21, 2024
Emotionally, junior Reece Wilson hugs his senior teammates Seamus Bygrave and Bryce Kriha following their playoff elimination. With seven total seniors on the roster, the Cats will look to rebuild through the off-season. “This team meant so much to me,” Wilson said. “I don’t have words for these seniors, all these guys from Joey to Bryce to Seamus, all of them gave it everything they had. It does sting knowing we lost but I couldn’t have been more proud because we gave it everything that last game.” Photo courtesy of Pete Wilson

Storm thrash Cats

Sam Whittaker, Staff Reporter
March 8, 2024
Near the point, Wildcat senior defenseman Eddie Patchen readies to fire a shot. Patchen’s two goals in the game propelled the Cats to a 5-2 win, completing the season series sweep over the Millard South Patriots. “It’s always nice to be able to sweep a team in a season, no matter who they are,” Patchen said. “Communicating, passing, and practicing led to results on the powerplay. It just helps us stay motivated and boosts our momentum.” Photo courtesy of Whittaker Media

Cats claim Q

Sam Whittaker, Staff Reporter
February 22, 2024
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