WAUKESHA − The Waukesha West High School football program has announced a significant change in its leadership. Steve Vitale is set to become the program’s third head coach since the school first opened its doors in 1993. This decision comes after the retirement of former head coach Steve Rux, who had a storied career spanning 25 seasons.
Vitale has been a part of the Waukesha West football team for many years, serving as the defensive coordinator for the last five seasons. Under his guidance, the team excelled, allowing just 14 points or less in seven of their games during the 2023 season, culminating in a solid overall record of 7-4. His outstanding work on the defensive side of the ball earned him the recognition of Classic 8 Conference assistant coach of the year.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Vitale is also dedicated to education. He works as a physical education teacher at Les Paul Middle School in Waukesha, where he continues to inspire the next generation. He is a graduate of Waukesha West, having completed his studies there in 2009. During his time as a student, he played as a tight end and linebacker and served as a captain for the Wolverines, showing leadership skills early on.
Waukesha West Athletic Director Kyle Lemieux expressed enthusiasm about Vitale taking on the role of head coach in a news release. “Steve embodies our vision of what it means to Win Impressively, and his experience as both a player and coach here uniquely positions him to guide our team into the future. His passion for the game and dedication to shaping our student-athletes are unparalleled,” Lemieux stated.
As the Wolverines prepare for a new season, the community looks forward to seeing how Vitale will leverage his experience and passion to lead the team to success.
