Willie Akers, WVU basketball legend and coach, dies at 89

Willie Akers, a prominent West Virginia basketball figure, has died at the age of 89. Akers was a standout player for West Virginia University (WVU) during the program’s ‘Golden Era,’ serving as a starting forward on the 1959 team that finished as the national runner-up. During his tenure at WVU, he played alongside Jerry West and helped the Mountaineers secure three Southern Conference tournament championships.

Following a professional stint in the ABA with the Cleveland Pipers, Akers transitioned to a highly successful career in education and coaching. He served as the head coach at Logan High School for 22 seasons, where he led the team to four state championships and amassed a record of 402-116. Beyond coaching, he held administrative roles as an assistant principal at Logan and as the Logan County assistant superintendent of schools. He was inducted into the WVU Hall of Fame in 2002.