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WVU Basketball Hall-of-Famer and Lifelong Friend to Jerry West, Willie Akers, Dead at 89
Akers, a 2002 West Virginia University Hall of Fame inductee, coached Logan High School to four state titles and finished with a 402-116 record.
- Former West Virginia University basketball player and Logan coach Willie Akers died Tuesday in Logan at age 89 following months of declining health.
- During his time with the Mountaineers, Akers starred alongside Jerry West, helping define the program's 'Golden Era' with an 81-12 record, three Southern Conference championships, and three NCAA tournament appearances between 1958 and 1960.
- After his professional career with the Cleveland Pipers, Akers became head coach at Logan High School, where he compiled a 402-116 record and led the school to four state championships over 22 seasons.
- Akers held administrative positions including assistant superintendent for Logan County Schools and earned induction into the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, Logan High School Hall of Fame, and WVU Sports Hall of Fame.
- The Mullens native is survived by his wife, Linda, two sons, four grandchildren, and a great-grandson; he received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences.
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WVU Hall-of-Famer Willie Akers dies at 89
MORGANTOWN – Willie Akers, a starting forward on WVU’s 1959 national runner-up men’s basketball team and an award-winning high school coach in West Virginia, died Tuesday in Logan at the age of 89. The Mullens native was inducted into the WVU Hall of Fame in 2002. He was a two-year starter for the Mountaineers, including […]
·Wellington, New Zealand
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WVU basketball Hall-of-Famer and lifelong friend to Jerry West, Willie Akers, dead at 89
Related Video Coverage: Jerry West and Willie Akers: A friendship beyond the court CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — Willie Akers, a renowned West Virginia basketball coach and player, has passed away, his family told 13 News on Tuesday. He was 89. Born July 1, 1937, the Mullens native was most known for his commitment to the [...]
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 25%
C 50%
R 25%
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