LOGAN, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Willie Akers, who was part of a dynamic duo that led West Virginia University basketball to incredible heights in the late 1950s has died. He was 89.
Akers passed away Tuesday in Logan where the fieldhouse was renamed in his honor.
The legend of Logan never forgot his Southern West Virginia roots, and his adopted hometown is remembering him fondly.
WSAZ’s Tim Irr sat down with people who said Akers was much more than a great basketball player and coach.
Born and raised to play ball and win a state title in Mullens in Wyoming County, West Virginia, Akers ended up in Logan and never looked back.
After teaming up with his friend and fellow in-state basketball legend Jerry West to make some history at West Virginia University, Akers played for Cleveland in the ABA before taking the head coaching job at Logan High School.
Under his leadership, the Wildcats were a fixture in the state tournament — making it to the championship game eight times and winning four state titles. For 22 years, he crafted an atmosphere of victory.
Willie Akers is a member of both the Logan High School Hall of Fame and the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
For the full story from Tim Irr, check out the video above.
Copyright 2026 WSAZ. All rights reserved.