Sports banquets are a great time to reflect on the end of a great season and commemorate the teams best athletes. Many seniors will likely not continue the sport in college: the banquet will be one of the last times to reflect on their beloved activity. To make the event extra special requires the contribution of friends, coaches, teammates, parents and cheerleaders.
Family and Friends Interviews
Make a one-hour video by assembling interviews of the players friends and family. Privately, send letters to the parents asking them to make a video about their athlete. They can mention humorous childhood memories or moments that made them the most proud of their child. Compile the interviews into one video, and play it on a projector during the banquet. Include music clips for an added effect.
Autograph Signing
Toward the end of the ceremony, have each graduating senior line up and sign a ball or a related piece of sports equipment. If the object is large enough, like a paddle, have them write a short note. House the item in a trophy case and make a tradition of having each senior class sign one: you never know how much that piece of equipment will be worth!
A Final Game
For the conclusion of the banquet, hold one last game for the team. Have the audience come and cheer on the players for the last time in the season. The game can be senior versus the rest of the team, or varsity versus JV. Consider using the event as a fundraiser for next years team and charge a small amount for the tickets. Get the cheerleaders involved and ask them to divide in similar teams to cheer for each side.
Song and Dance
Though athletes might be tough on the field, few see their potential talent as singers and dancers. For the introduction of the banquet, encourage members of the team to choreograph a song and dance routine. The coaches can do a dance, too. The players can make an earnest effort to learn a serious song and routine, or they can make it completely comical.
The routine could also be a tribute to the cheerleaders for their support and encouragement during the season. Have the athletes dress up as cheerleaders and perform a cheer skit in their honor.
Game Centerpieces
Make each table theme in celebration of one of the winning games. Make paper cutouts of both of the school mascots and label it as the Dobson vs. Mountainview table. Decorate the table in the colors of both teams. On each table setting, include a picture from that game.
Speeches
Ralph and Michael Sabock, authors of the book Coaching, recommend hiring a college coach to speak at the sports banquet. They do, however, say this is a costly option. Ask the coaches of the team to prepare a speech highlighting the seasons best moments. Senior captains should also be invited to make a speech as well.
