At Wauwatosa West, the official end of each sports season isn’t when the last game or match ends, but when the sports banquet is held. Banquets are a way to help the team conclude the season by highlighting memorable moments on and off the field.
Tosa West Girls Tennis Varsity and Junior Varsity teams and the Tosa West Football team held an end of the season banquets.
The Tosa West Junior Varsity and Varsity Girls Tennis teams’ banquet was at Celtic Milwaukee on 76th street on Wednesday, November 6th.
Various awards were presented to varsity team members. Coaches recognized numerous players for their accomplishments during the season. 
Some of the recognitions given by coaches included the award for Most Valuable Player received by Junior Emmerson Weber and the Most Improved Player received by Senior Jennifer Liang.
Some other fun recognitions given included being the most tardy for practice awarded, being the most aggressive and best aura. All Seniors received flowers for their final season.
The banquet was also an opportunity for Seniors to share their thoughts on the season.
“Tosa West Tennis, thank you for inspiring me to become the person I didn’t know I could become. I learned that it isn’t about when you take that first step, but how and why you take that first step. If you put your mind to something, anything is possible”, said Senior Jennifer Liang during her speech.
The end of the year banquet is also an opportunity for the coaches to share their thoughts formally with players and parents.
Coaches Sheree, Brian, and Elle, thanked all the players for a great season and all the fun memories. “I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for such an incredible coaching experience this season. You’re all so talented, and it’s been a blast watching you grow and compete!” said Coach Elle.
Both coaches Sheree and Brian will be leaving the tennis team for the 2025-2026 school year. Coach Sheree gave her farewell at the last Tosa West Girls Tennis team meeting on November 15, 2024.
“I want to reiterate what I said at the banquet, which is that I had an amazing couple of years assisting and coaching these remarkable young women. I will miss seeing them daily during the season.”
Headed to state competition captain Junior Emmersen Weber played #1 singles. She advanced to the first round of the competition in Madison.
The varsity team ended the season with a 11 – 8 record. The junior varsity team ended the season with a 6 – 6 record.
The Tosa West Varsity and Junior Varsity Football team had their banquet at Alioto’s Banquet Hall on Highway 100 on November 13th.
The Tosa West Varsity Football team had 5 wins and 5 loses overall. 9 regular season games with a loss to Tosa East in the playoffs.
At the event, the football team acknowledged players who earned all conference recognition. 6 defensive players made first team all conference and 4 offensive players made first team conference and 1 defensive and 1 offensive player were given honorable mention. Zach Peterson earned academic all state.
“For me as a senior, it was really like our last time being around each other, and it really made a huge impact on us, because it was like we were all together one last time. It just felt bittersweet.” said Senior Alijah Jackson
One tradition is that the underclass students give speeches to the Seniors. These are often a way to say goodbye to Seniors.
Coach Vitale also uses the moment to talk individually about each senior who is on the team.
“He talked about us one by one, every senior. I’d say he was a good coach for us the last two years, even though he wasn’t there all four years. He really, like, meant a lot to this program, and I’m pretty happy that he’s done a lot” said Senior Alijah Jackson.
The sports banquet is an opportunity for the Tosa West teams to celebrate their accomplishments during the season, to acknowledge the bonds created and for Seniors to be with their team for the last time.
“The fact that we get to have this banquet and do it means so much. It’s just a blessing for our football program, and it’s sad to see one class go, but it’s a happy moment for the seniors that this is it.” said Jackson
