'I was a little devastated': Waukesha South seniors speak out after football season cancelled

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WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Friday marked an abrupt end to the season for the Waukesha South Varsity football team.

The Blackshirts were set to play their homecoming game against Arrowhead Friday night, but the game was cancelled Thursday, along with the rest of their season, due player injuries.

"It's just sad to see your teammates show so much emotion in the game, and just for the season to be cut short," said senior quarterback, Tak Tateoka.

The cancellation was an unexpected end for several seniors on the team.

"Since 8th grade, I always pictured having my senior night on homecoming night, and it's just like, my 8th grade dream going to waste," said defensive captain and senior, CJ Johnson.

For some players, the homecoming game was meant to be a comeback.

"I was injured and I was actually supposed to be back next week for my final senior game. I was a little devastated about that," said senior running back, Alex Carillo.

In a letter to parents Thursday, Waukesha South administration noted an "overwhelming" number of injuries raised concern for athlete safety.

Every player CBS 58 spoke with agreed said that while cancellation was a sad choice, it was the right one for the situation.

"We were going to be stepping people up that might not be prepared physically or mentally, so it's probably the best decision we could have made in this spot," Carillo said.

"Coach Wiltz, he's doing everything he can to keep us safe, and that's all he preaches, safety first. So, I understand," said Johnson.

Despite the disappointment, the school organized a festival and showcase to take place of Friday's game.

The showcase included performances from the cheer and dance team, as well as the marching band.

Students finished it off with a co-ed football game.

"South's doing a really good job trying to make a good situation out of a bad situation," Tateoka said.

Hundreds of students and staff showed up to the school Friday to join in on the fun and show support.

"I think it'll really lift some people's spirits," Carillo said.

This was the full statement sent to Waukesha South parents and students on Thursday:

“Due to an overwhelming amount of injuries and out of concern for student athlete safety, Waukesha South has cancelled the varsity football game on Friday, October 7, 2022 against Arrowhead, as for the remainder of the varsity football season. The Waukesha South staff is working to find an alternative following Southfest to showcase our band, dance team, cheer team, and football student athletes.

-Waukesha South Administration

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