On Friday Oct. 31 the varsity girls volleyball team suffered a disappointing Halloween loss against Schaumburg in the regional championship game at 6 pm. Schaumburg walked away victorious in two sets with scores of 25-17 and 25-20 . The next day the boys varsity football team took on undefeated conference rival Maine South in the first round of the IHSA state playoffs and suffered a 54-21 loss.

Though both teams saw a season packed with relentless work come to a disappointing end, several players, especially seniors who played their final fall contest for Niles West, were grateful for all that they have gained from Niles West athletics.

Senior volleyball player Atorena Michael said, “It was a good season. Skill wise we are all good even though we sometimes lacked consistency but also despite just playing games we were a family and loved to be around each other. Our bond is really strong,” she said.

Fellow senior volleyball player Briana Hester added, “Aside from our record, we were a family and we showed that on and off the court. We beat New Trier this season and we won on our senior night. These are memories that no one can take away from our team.”

The end of the season brought to mind fond memories for the football team as well and senior George Tripkos walked off the field for the last time in a Niles West uniform  grateful to be a part of the program.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet that the season is over. I’ve been doing this for three years with varsity and I’ve had a great time. Easily the greatest experience I’ve had in high school,” he said, “I’ll remember this for the rest of my life.”

Kaylee Robinson contributed to this story.